thunbergia laurifolia

Thunbergia laurifolia is a perennial herbaceous climber native to Southeast Asia and widely used in traditional Thai medicine. Commonly known as blue trumpet vine or rang jeud, it is primarily consumed as an herbal tea or extract. In Thailand, Thunbergia laurifolia leaves are traditionally used for detoxification purposes—serving as an antidote for poisons and drugs (including alcohol and drug addiction), and for their antipyretic effects[2][5]. Pharmacological studies indicate that extracts of Thunbergia laurifolia can increase dopamine release in the brain similar to amphetamine, which may underlie its use in addiction treatment[1][4][5]. The plant also exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective (against oxidative stress-induced neuronal injury), antimicrobial, antiproliferative and antipyretic properties[2][6][8]. Its mechanism of action appears to involve stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD1/2 and catalase), reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of mitophagy-autophagy pathways leading to cell death under oxidative stress conditions[6][8], and modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine release[1][4]. The active compounds include iridoid glucosides (e.g., grandifloric acid), apigenin derivatives, delphinidin derivatives, chlorogenic acid derivatives and other phenolic acids[2].

Brand names

rang jeud

Other names

blue trumpet vinelaurel clock vineakar tuauthunbergia laurifolia