Abstract
Introduction. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl belongs to the family of Verbenaceae and is commonly known as Gervao, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, rooter comb, or blue porter weed. It is one of the important plants with high medicinal and nutraceutical benefits. S. jamaicensis contains various medicinal properties in traditional and folk medicinal systems, with cures for several diseases. Objective. The objective of this review paper is to collect information concerning the morphology, distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical compositions, biological activities, and safety data of S. jamaicensis. Materials and Methods. The information was obtained from literature search through electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar on S. jamaicensis. Results and Conclusion. The high medicinal properties of this plant, for instance, antimicrobial and antifungal effect as the main activities, but verbascoside as the main active chemical component, make it a valuable source of the medicinal compound. This review paper summarizes all information concerning the morphology, distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and toxicological studies of S. jamaicensis.
Highlights
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl belongs to the family of Verbenaceae and is commonly known as Gervao, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, rooter comb, or blue porter weed
The results suggest that the aqueous extract of S. jamaicensis (L.) Vahl inhibits the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Proteus mirabilis [1]
The evidence from this study has shown that the methanol extract of S. jamaicensis possessed a significantly high volume of antidiarrheal activity in Swiss albino mice, in a dosedependent manner [30]
Summary
Medicinal plants have been utilized as a natural source containing bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic benefits and affordable treatments against a wide spectrum of diseases. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl is a member of the family of Verbenaceae and is commonly known as Gervao, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, rooter comb, or blue porter weed [1, 7] This plant mostly grows in the tropical regions of America, as well as in the subtropical forests of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. S. jamaicensis has been an important medicinal plant with great medicinal properties in traditional and folk medicinal systems This plant has been used traditionally by the elderly as a cure for allergies and respiratory conditions, cough, cold, fever, constipation, digestive complications, and dysentery and promotes menstruation, among others [8]. It is referred to as “Jolok Cacing” or “Selasih Dandi” in these countries [12]
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