BackgroundPachystachys lutea Nees is a typical species of the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical South America. As an evergreen shrub, it has found extensive application in landscape greening due to its unique ornamental value. However, there are currently no phylogenetic and genetic studies on the chloroplast (cp.) genome of P. lutea.ResultsThis study characterized the cp. genome of P. lutea using high-throughput sequencing technology and analyzed its structural features and phylogenetic position using bioinformatics methods. The results indicated that the cp. genome had a high degree of conservation in gene structure and gene content, with a typical quadripartite structure. Its total length is 151,574 bp and the total GC content is 38.18%. A total of 132 genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 tRNAs and eight rRNA genes. Through the comparative analysis, the diversity and variation of large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions were significantly higher than those of inverted repeat (IR) regions. Genes with high nucleotide polymorphism, such as rps19, ycf1, and ndhF provided potential reference loci for molecular identification within the P. lutea. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the P. lutea and Clinacanthus nutans forms a sister group with 100% bootstrap value, which proves that P. lutea develops conservatively in the course of evolution.ConclusionThis paper for the first time reports the phylogenetic study of the complete cp. genome within the genus Pachystachys. The study provides a theoretical basis for the research on genetic diversity, molecular markers, and species identification of plants in the Acanthaceae family. It enriches the genetic information and supports the evolutionary relationships among plants in this family.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-025-01380-9.

This review article offers a comprehensive examination of the ethnobotanical uses, ethnopharmacological features, and phytochemical makeup of H. auriculata, a perennial herb in the Acanthaceae family. H. auriculata has an extended tradition of application in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicine. It is valued for its many therapeutic uses, which include hepatoprotective, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. The plant has been used to cure conditions like diabetes, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and urinary tract infections. Bioactive substances, including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and sterols, are responsible for its pharmacological qualities and for its antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant actions. Research has indicated that the plant is effective in mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing wound healing, and treating ailments like as kidney stones and diabetes. The review also emphasises H. auriculata’s potential as a source of potential therapeutic substances, particularly a focus on treating chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular problems, as well as antibiotic resistance. Preclinical research has validated its pharmacological advantages; nonetheless, more investigation, including clinical trials, is required to fully realise its promise in contemporary medicine. The ecological value of the plant, especially in wetland conservation, and its potential as a drug development candidate are emphasised in the study’s conclusion. Major Findings: The review thoroughly emphasises Hygrophila auriculata as a powerful medicinal herb that is abundant in bioactive substances like terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, and flavonoids that support its diverse range of pharmacological qualities. Its traditional usage in treating liver problems, diabetes, and inflammation has been validated by experimental investigations that show considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. The plant’s therapeutic flexibility is further demonstrated by its neuroprotective, antistress, and antiulcer properties. It shows potential as a natural source for creating future phytopharmaceutical drugs, as toxicological assessments show that it is generally safe at therapeutic levels.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light heightens the risk of skin disorders, including cancer and photoallergic responses. Plant-derived phytochemicals demonstrate noteworthy antioxidant properties, making them effective for UV absorbance and photoprotective functions. Dipteracanthus prostratus Nees (DP) is an important native medicinal plant of the Acanthaceae family known for their various biological properties. The present study evaluated the UV protection capabilities of extracts of leaves, stems and roots of the DP plant. All DP extracts had sun protection factors (SPFs) ranging from 0.102 to 4.1, with petroleum ether (PE) extract of leaf achieving the highest SPF; other extracts of leaf from other solvents demonstrated moderate-to-good activity. PE extracts of both stem (2.0-2.5) and root (2.0-2.4) exhibited a significant persistence for 21 days. The DPPH assay demonstrated that leaf extracts of PE and the aqueous extract of root had IC50 values of 0.165 and 0.104mg/mL. The leaf (water extracts) and root (PE extracts) demonstrated significant total antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.629 and 0.57mg/mL. The consistent photoprotection of DP makes it a viable candidate for developing natural, long-lasting sunscreen formulations, emphasizing its role in contemporary photoprotective therapies.

Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans), a member of the Acanthaceae family, is a medicinalplant native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Singapore.Commonly known as Sabah snake grass, it has been traditionally used to treat insect bites, skin rashes,herpes infections, inflammation, and certain types of cancer. Rich in bioactive compounds such asphenolic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids, C. nutans exhibits diverse pharmacologicalproperties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.Notably, it modulates cancer-related pathways, such as Bcl-2 and p53, and has been shown toinhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, highlighting its potential in cancer therapy. Itsanti-inflammatory properties stem from the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, offeringpromise in managing chronic inflammatory diseases. These findings underscore the therapeutic potentialof C. nutans, warranting further research for the development of novel plant-based treatments.

Justicia acuminatissima, a species of the Acanthaceae family, is widely distributed in the Amazon and traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases. This review aimed to analyze its bioactive potential, with a focus on antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. A total of 14 scientific publications from the last decade were selected through searches on Google Scholar and SciELO, based on criteria such as methodological relevance and direct association with the species. The studies revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (notably luteolin derivatives), terpenes (including triterpenes like lupeol), and tannins. These metabolites contribute to the neutralization of free radicals, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and modulation of inflammatory responses. Although specific research on the antioxidant effects of the species remains limited, existing evidence supports its therapeutic relevance. The findings reinforce the potential of J. acuminatissima as a natural source for phytotherapeutic development and highlight the importance of continued scientific investigation, especially in the Alto Solimões region of Amazonas, where biodiversity holds great promise for biotechnological innovation.

Dataset on some chloroplast DNA regions of Strobilanthes bantonensis Lindau in Vietnam

Ethnomedicinal plants are those plants which are used by ethnic communities for healing and treating purpose and ethno medicine deals with the knowledge and practices that transmitted orally by these communities. Ranchi is located in Jharkhand state. The total area is 5097 sq.km. Jharkhand is a homeland of 32 tribes including eight primitive tribes. To investigate traditional medicinal knowledge in Ranchi district, a two-year survey was conducted. Information was collected through interviews by semi-structured questionnaires. Ethnobotanical information like the use of plants to treat typhoid disease, methods of preparation and ways of application, dosage, routes of administration were collected. A total of 17 plant species belonging to 15 families were documented under the present study. The plant families Acanthaceae and Verbenaceae are represented 2 times which is the most for any family in the present study. Decoction and tablets were commonly used for the remedies. Therefore, this study will contribute new information to the Indian ethnomedicinal database, help to recognize the ethnobotanical plants with cultural significance.

Pharmacological exploration of natural 6-hydroxy flavone: A promising moiety.

Sambiloto, often referred to as the “Raja Pahit”, is a plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family. This plant is known to produce secondary metabolite compounds with various biological benefits, including antioxidant properties. Antioxidant compounds have been shown to counteract the formation of free radicals that are harmful to the body. The antioxidant activity of the Sambiloto plant can be evaluated using endophytic fungi associated with it. This study aimed to identify secondary metabolite compounds and evaluate the antioxidant activity of AS-3 Fungus isolated from the Sambiloto roots. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of AS-3 contained terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. In addition, the antioxidant activity test showed promising results, with an IC50 value of 10.225 ppm, indicating high antioxidant potential. This is the first report on the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity test of the ethyl acetate extract of AS-3 fungus isolated from Sambiloto roots.

Graptophyllum grandulosum (G. grandulosum) is a plant of the Acanthaceae family found in the Littoral region of Cameroon. This plant is traditionally used by the local population for its various medicinal properties. G. grandulosum contains multiple bioactive compounds such as chrysoeriol and luteolin. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of the aqueous extract of G. grandulosum on nicotine-induced addiction. 42 Wistar pubescent adolescent male rats were used during this experiment. Nicotine addiction was induced following a 5days injections of nicotine tartrate (0.4mg/kg, sc). The behavioural assessment was done using the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) test and the Elevated plus maze (EPM) test. 24h following the last nicotine administration, animals were evaluated for preference change in the CPP and 1h following this test, animals were submitted to the EMP. The animals were sacrificed; the hippocampus and striatum were collected for biochemicals assays (dopamine, acetylcholine, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and proinflammatory cytokines). The acute toxicity of G. grandulosum was also performed. G. grandulosum prevented CPP preference change (p < 0.001) induced by nicotine injection and reduced hyperactivity and risk taking (p < 0.001) in the EPM test. G. grandulosum reduced dopamine levels (p < 0.001) and increased acetylcholine levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, G. grandulosum modulated BDNF levels (p < 0.001) and reduced proinflammatory cytokines (Interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)) (p < 0.01). G. grandulosum did not present any sign of toxicity. These results suggest that G. grandulosum prevents addictive behavior via the modulation of dopaminergic, cholinergic, BDNF and neuroinflammatory pathways.

This study analysed the volatile compounds of Ruellia paniculata (Acanthaceae) from the North/Northwest Fluminense biome, Brazil. Essential oils were extracted from fresh and dried leaves by hydrodistillation and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The volatile profile of fresh leaves was dominated by low molecular weight compounds, with (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol as the major constituent. Dried leaves, in contrast, had a higher concentration of sesquiterpenes, particularly tau-cadinol. GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the chemical composition of the oils from fresh and dried leaves. The essential oils showed antioxidant activity, assessed by the DPPH method, and cytotoxic effects against Artemia salina larvae. These findings suggest that R. paniculata essential oils have promising potential for further biological evaluations, including their antifungal and antibacteriyal properties. This study contributes to the understanding of the chemical and biological properties of a less-studied plant species from the Acanthaceae family.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wallich ex Nees is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae . It has been used to treat many human diseases since ancient times. The pharmaceutical industries accept only organically grown biomass of A. paniculata that is free from contamination. Vermicompost is an important organic manure that is used as an organic source for the cultivation of crops. The experiment aims to find the optimum dose of vermicompost for organic cultivation of A. paniculata. The different doses of the vermicompost, i.e., Control (T1), 2.5 t/ha (T2), 5 t/ha (T3), 7.5 t/ha (T4), 10 t/ha (T5), 12.5 t/ha (T6) and 15 t/ha (T7) were standardized in Randomized Block Design with 4 replications. The experimental results showed that the optimum dose of vermicompost was 7.5 t/ha for A. paniculata. The analytical results indicated that N, P, K and Ca content increased with an increase in doses of vermicompost. Micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni) content varies in different amounts and increases with increasing doses of vermicompost. For quality parameters, andrographolide, neo-androgra-pholide and wogonine varied in different amounts and had no effect corresponding to increasing doses of vermicompost. Soil physico-chemical properties were improved with increasing doses of vermicompost.

Crossandra infundibuliformis and Justicia betonica, belonging to the Acanthaceae family, are well-known medicinal herbs in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This study aims to determine antioxidant activity in extracts, including sensory evaluation of herbal tea products from both herbs. Leaf extracts were taken to determine total extractable phenolic content (TPC), total extractable flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity, including compound contents, using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The herbal tea products were prepared for sensory evaluation using the 9-point hedonic scale. The selected tea formula was studied for physicochemical properties and nutritional value. The results showed that C. infundibuliformis extract exhibited a higher activity value for TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity than J. betonica. Moreover, the C. infundibuliformis and J. betonica leaf extracts contained 8 and 9 types of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, respectively. The T2 formula of herbal tea provided the highest sensory evaluation. It showed moisture and water activity contents of less than 7% and 0.6, while the nutritional value provided energy, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, vitamins A and B2, sodium, β-carotene, calcium, iron, and ash. Therefore, C. infundibuliformis and J. betonica can be produced as herbal tea for being a source of antioxidants.

Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb., commonly known as the blue trumpet vine or Bengal clock vine, is a fast-growing climber native to India and Southeast Asia. A member of the Acanthaceae family, it is widely appreciated for its vibrant blue flowers and lush foliage, making it a popular ornamental plant. This woody climber is characterized by its serrated, heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its robust growth habit makes it suitable for covering fences, trellises, and open spaces, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits like erosion control. The plant’s ecological significance is further enhanced by its ability to stabilize soil and attract pollinators, contributing to the surrounding ecosystem. Its shallow, fibrous root system ensures effective anchorage and nutrient absorption, while its seeds, dispersed by wind and water, facilitate propagation in diverse environments. Thriving in tropical and subtropical climates, T. grandiflora adapts to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils. Beyond its ornamental value, T. grandiflora has therapeutic potential, attributed to its bioactive compounds. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds, all of which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties. Specific constituents, such as quercetin and kaempferol, enhance its medicinal value by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Saponins and essential oils, including terpenes like limonene, further contribute to its pharmacological relevance. The leaves and fruits play crucial roles in the plant’s lifecycle. The leaves, vital for photosynthesis, aid in rapid vegetative growth and enhance the plant’s capacity to cover extensive areas. The fruits, dry capsules containing seeds, ensure species proliferation through efficient dispersal mechanisms. Thunbergia grandiflora combines ecological importance, ornamental appeal, and medicinal potential, making it a versatile plant of interest for horticulture, environmental conservation, and pharmacological research. Further studies on its bioactive compounds could unlock its full therapeutic applications.

Strobilanthes callosus, a member of the Acanthaceae family, is native to the open hill slopes and valleys of the Western Ghats, particularly in the Nasik region and other areas of Maharashtra and Peninsular India. While the genus Strobilanthes is found globally, S. callosus is primarily confined to specific hilly locations, notably at Anjaneri within the Trimbakeshwar tehsil of Nasik district. This species is known for its extraordinary mass flowering event, which occurs once every eight years. The earlier studies can collectively enhance understanding of Strobilanthes callosus; particularly in terms of its ethno-medicinal potential and phytochemical properties. However, specific research focusing solely on its floral biology remained limited, indicating a valuable opportunity for further investigation in this area. The current study has uncovered few fascinating aspects of the floral morphology, phenology, anther dehiscence, pollen viability including germination under controlled conditions, fruit, Seed characteristics, floral visitors of S. callosus etc. The Pollen viability was observed at 80%; however, a significant number of these pollen grains did not germinate under laboratory conditions due to the absence of the necessary microclimate and incubation period. Also, fieldwork highlighted few anthropogenic threats including grazing, tourism, and wildfire exposure which emphasized the need for further developmental biological studies to ensure its conservation in vivo.

The Acanthaceae family, comprising a wide range of medicinally important plants, holds a significant place in traditional and modern healthcare systems due to its diverse therapeutic properties. This review focuses on five prominent species—Justicia adhatoda, Andrographis paniculata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Barleria cristata, and Ruellia tuberosa—recognized for their extensive pharmacological potential. These plants have been traditionally employed across various cultures, and recent scientific investigations have validated their efficacy in combating microbial infections, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The review consolidates and critically evaluates the reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of the selected species, highlighting their active phytochemical constituents and mechanisms of action. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these plants' therapeutic scope within the Acanthaceae family, thereby supporting their continued exploration for drug development and integrative medicinal practices.

Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr. (Acanthaceae family) has traditionally been used as a natural food colorant and in the treatment of various diseases. However, its biological activities—particularly its anti-glycation and anti-lipid peroxidation properties—as well as the development of novel nanoemulsions incorporating crude P. bivalvis leaf extracts for cosmetic applications, have not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of P. bivalvis leaf crude extracts as an active ingredient in nanocosmetics. Various solvents, including deionized water, 95% ethanol, and 1% HCl in 50% ethanol were used to macerate the plant material. These crude extracts were subsequently screened for their phytochemical constituents, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-lipid peroxidative activities, and fibroblasts cytotoxicity. In addition, a nanoemulsion containing P. bivalvis crude extracts was formulated using high-speed homogenization. The formulation was characterized in terms of pH, viscosity, particle size, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, its stability was evaluated under accelerated conditions and at different storage temperatures (room temperature, 4 °C, and 45 °C). The results indicated that P. bivalvis extracts obtained using deionized water and 95% ethanol contained various phytochemical constituents, along with higher contents of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-lipid peroxidative activities, as well as the lowest fibroblast cytotoxicity, compared to extracts obtained with 1% HCl in 50% ethanol. The nanoemulsions loaded with P. bivalvis ethanolic extracts exhibited a reddish-orange color, whereas those containing P. bivalvis water extracts exhibited a reddish-purple coloration, depending on its pH value. These nanoemulsions demonstrated greater stability at low temperatures, with particle sizes within the nanoscale range and a narrow polydispersity index. These findings suggest that P. bivalvis extracts obtained from deionized water and 95% ethanol are potential active ingredients that were successfully incorporated into nanoemulsion-based cosmetics formulation.

Whitfieldia elongata (P. Beauv.) De Wild. &amp; T. Durand is a species in the family Acanthaceae which is used in folklore medicine for the management of pains, food poisoning and stomach complaints. The aim of this study was to document the taxonomic and pharmacognostic characters for its identification and standardization. The microscopic, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, flourescense analysis, powder microscopy, foliar epidermal and petiole anatomy, moisture content, ash values, extractive values, preliminary phytochemical screening and Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry were done using standard methods. Irregular epidermal cell shapes were present on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatc with diacytic stomata on the abaxial surface. The leaf had a good flow rate while the stem had a poor flow rate with the value higher than 400. Moisture contents were 13.8% and 13.6% for the leaf and stem respectively. Total ash values were 13.9 %w/w and 4.5 % w/w for the leaf and stem respectively. Water-insoluble ash 0.8 % w/w and 1.5 % w/w for the leaf and stem respectively. Chemo-microscopy revealed the presence of mucilage, lignin, starch, cellulose and protein while calcium oxalate crystal was absent. Oil was present and in the stem powder. Fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the various phytoconstituents for the leaf and stem. The preliminary phytochemical result revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and glycosides while alkaloid was absent. The GC-MS analysis of the ethanol leaf and stem extract revealed the presence of 34 and 33 phytochemicals respectively. The findings of this study may help in establishing standards for quality, purity, safety and efficacy of Whitfieldia elongata for phytomedicine.

Justicia L., one of the largest and most diverse genera in the family Acanthaceae, comprises approximately 1000 species worldwide (Manzitto-Tripp et al. 2022). Taxonomic studies on Justicia in Asia have been conducted by several authors (Anderson 1867, Clarke 1885, Ridley 1911, Craib 1912, Imlay 1938, Hansen 1985, Cramer 1998, Wood 2001, Hu et al. 2011, Bhattacharya &amp; Karthigeyan 2023). However, a detailed study of this genus in the Malay Peninsula was first conducted by Clarke (1908) with a report of 18 species and later by Ridley (1923), who documented 30 species in the Flora of the Malay Peninsula.

Multi-floral foraging sources for honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) have been threatened by landscape changes and unsustainable farming practices. In East Africa, the biodiversity of forage resources that could support honey bees, especially in agricultural lands, remains least explored. This study investigated pollen diversity for honey bees in Yatta and Masinga Sub-counties in Machakos County, Kenya. Honey bee hives were installed on eight pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne ex Lam) farms (one hive per farm) in two varying landscape vegetation classes (low and medium) based on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Pollen traps were installed at the hive entrance and pollen pellets were retrieved fortnightly for subsequent identification. Approximately 115 pollen types were identified. The pollen pellets were associated with 63 plant families and 109 plant families in low and medium NDVI classes, respectively. The predominant source of pollen for honey bees in low NDVI class included the plant families Poaceae (5,526 pellets), Asteraceae (3,176 pellets), Combretaceae (1,327 pellets), Acanthaceae (1,122 pellets), Amaranthaceae (960 pellets), Boraginaceae (951 pellets), Typhaceae (889 pellets), Guaduelleae (809 pellets) and Loranthaceae (588 pellets). In medium NDVI, most pollen was sourced from plant family Asteraceae (3,605 pellets), Malvaceae (1,572 pellets), Poaceae (1,538 pellets), Combretaceae (1,468 pellets), Salvadoraceae (1,354 pellets), Solanaceae (1,011 pellets), Asphodelaceae (885 pellets), Fabaceae (882 pellets), Euphorbiaceae (685 pellets) and Myrtaceae (546 pellets). The diversity of pollen types varied between the NDVI classes and across months. Although honey bees sourced diverse pollen required for the dietary balance of the colony, there was variability across landscape types and months.