clinacanthus nutans

Clinacanthus nutans, commonly known as Sabah snake grass, is a perennial herb in the family Acanthaceae native to tropical Southeast Asia. Traditionally utilized in folk medicine for treating snake bites, insect stings, and skin conditions like herpes zoster and rashes, it has gained significant research interest for its broad pharmacological profile. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds including C-glycosyl flavones (such as schaftoside, vitexin, and isovitexin), phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. Its therapeutic effects are largely attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Mechanistically, extracts from Clinacanthus nutans inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), often through the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, it has demonstrated potential in oncology by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in various cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, cervical, and colon cancer. It also exhibits renoprotective and antihypertensive activities by modulating the ROS/NF-κB/MMP-9 and eNOS/NO pathways.

Other names

Sabah snake grassBelalai GajahDalingdingPhaya YoClinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau