A comprehensive review on a less explored medicinally important plant Justicia betonica L.

Justicia betonica L., family Acanthaceae is a widely used traditional folk medicinal herb. It is a unique source of jusbetonin and the leaves yield bluish purple dye. Traditionally, the plant is used to cure constipation, diarrhea, malaria, orchitis, pain, snake bite, stomach ache, vomiting etc. The whole plant possess significant biologically active principles like steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, gum and mucilage, proteins, fixed oils and fat, phenolics and tannins. It is reported to exhibit antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimalarial activities. The intention of the study was to endow an overview of the ethnomedicinal properties, phytochemistry and related pharmacological applications of J. betonica, and to make an authenticated evidence base for further research on this important medicinal plant.