Acanthaceae
Justicia adhatoda
Adha Thoda (Basika / Vasa)
Location
Near Central Library, JNU
Traditional use
Traditionally used for skin conditions, wounds, toothache, and acidity, and for cough, piles, constipation, jaundice, and gout. Regarded in folk use as a blood purifier, antiseptic, and anti-aging remedy, and traditionally used for colds, insect stings, inflammation, liver conditions, and as a skin tonic.
Evidence status: Experimentally demonstrated
A 2024 review identifies vasicine as the plant's principal alkaloid, with laboratory studies confirming bronchodilatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity; a related compound derived from vasicine (bromhexine) has been used clinically as a mucolytic.
Evidence base: in vitro and animal studies
Kamran, R. et al. (2024). Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicity of Justicia adhatoda L.: a review. Discover Plants. doi:10.1007/s44372-024-00042-x
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