elephantopus scaber

Elephantopus scaber is a traditional Asian medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, widely used in Southeast Asia and China for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its therapeutic efficacy is primarily attributed to sesquiterpene lactones, most notably deoxyelephantopin (DET) and isodeoxyelephantopin (IDET). Preclinical research has demonstrated a broad pharmacological spectrum, including potent anticancer activity against various malignancies (such as triple-negative breast cancer, glioblastoma, and oral cancer), anti-inflammatory effects in models of ulcerative colitis and atopic dermatitis, and neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative disease models. Mechanistically, extracts and isolated compounds modulate key signaling pathways including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. While it shows promise as a source of drug leads, current evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies, with no clinical data yet available.

Other names

Elephantopus scaber L.Tapak LimanKu-di-danelephant's foot