Herb's Introduction
Ruellia patula (synonym: Dipteracanthus patulus) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is a widely distributed herbaceous shrublet, often found in wastelands and disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, this herb has been a part of traditional medicine systems, such as Indian Ayurveda, Arabic Unani, and various folk remedies, particularly in regions like India and Africa, where it is valued for its potential in treating various ailments, especially those related to skin, wounds, and infections. The plant is known for containing various bioactive compounds, including lignan glycosides, triterpenoids like lupeol and α-amyrin, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol, which contribute to its reported pharmacological activities.
Name in Different Countries
The species is known by various names across the regions where it grows. Scientific Name: Ruellia patula Jacq. Synonyms: Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq.) Nees, Dipteracanthus erectus Nees, Petalidium patulum (Jacq.) Dalzell & A.Gibson, among others. Family: Acanthaceae Arabic: فول (fūl), وزر (wazar) (as provided in the prompt) India (Vernacular Names - Tamil, Marathi, etc.): cilantanceti, cilantinayakam, cukkulam, cuntuilicceti, cuntumam, cuntuyili, icaimuti, kakapicam, kakapikanayacceti, kattunayakacceti, kattunayakam, kiranti, kiranti nayakam, kirantinayakan, kirantinayan, kirantippuntu, nittinaviral, nittinaviralkurittan, punkiranti, punkiranticceti, putakilam, putakilanceti, turuputpam, nayakam, upu-dali, vaikkirantitacceti, vaikkirantitam (as provided in the prompt), Kiranthinayagam or Kayappacchilai (Tamil), Katmora (Marathi), Puni chedi (Tamil). Nepal: Specific widely accepted vernacular names for Ruellia patula in Nepal were not explicitly found in the search results, but the plant is known to be distributed in the Indian Subcontinent.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Ruellia patula (or the synonym Dipteracanthus patulus). Family: Acanthaceae (commonly known as the Acanthus family). Habit: Erect, hoary pubescent, basally woody, much-branched shrublet, often growing up to 50 cm tall. Phytochemicals: It contains secondary metabolites like saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids (e.g., Lupeol, α-amyrin, Phytol, Squalene), lignan glycosides (e.g., lyoniresinol derivatives), and fatty acids. These compounds are responsible for the plant's medicinal properties. Traditional Uses: Refers to its historical application in folk medicine for various conditions like wounds, venereal diseases, and skin issues.
Availability
Geographical Distribution: The native range of Ruellia patula is extensive, covering Tropical and Southern Africa, Arabia, the Indian Subcontinent (including Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka), and Indo-China. It is found in countries like Niger, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and parts of India (especially Southern India like Tamil Nadu). Habitat: It primarily grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome, often found in wastelands, scrub forests, forest borders, arable lands, and near habitations, typically at low altitudes up to about 1200m. Availability in Nepal (Medicinal Plants of Nepal Context): While the broader genus Ruellia is present in Nepal (e.g., Ruellia tuberosa and Ruellia prostrata are listed in resources related to the flora of Nepal), Ruellia patula itself is listed as having distribution in the Indian Subcontinent, which includes Nepal in a broad sense. However, specific documentation of its vernacular name or widespread traditional use within Nepal was not prominent in the search results, suggesting it may be present but perhaps less commonly documented in the Nepalese medicinal context than other Ruellia species.
External Look
Overall Habit: An erect, hoary pubescent (covered with fine, whitish-grey hairs), much-branched shrublet, typically growing up to 50 cm in height, with a woody base and somewhat quadrangular twigs. Leaves: Leaves are borne on short petioles (4-10 mm long). The lamina is elliptic-ovate, rarely obovate, measuring about (1.2-) 1.5-5 (-6) cm by 1-3 (-4.5) cm. They are densely pubescent on both sides, entire-margined, and have a rounded, obtuse, or subacute base. Flowers: The flowers are pale-white (or sometimes white to mauve or purple in related descriptions, though the main description specifies pale-white). They are sessile, 3-4 cm long, and usually solitary in the leaf axils, sometimes 2-3 in a cyme. The corolla tube is funnel-shaped (infundibuliform), up to 3 cm long, with suborbicular limb lobes. The flowers are described as short-lived, often falling early in the morning. Fruit (Capsule): The fruit is an elliptic-clavate capsule, 1.4-1.8 cm long, and glabrous (hairless). Seeds: The capsule contains 8-10 seeds, which are flat and roughly orbicular, about 3 mm across.
Healing Properties
Ruellia patula possesses several scientifically investigated and traditionally reported healing properties: Antimicrobial: Extracts have shown activity against various microorganisms, which is beneficial for treating infections, especially in wounds. Anti-inflammatory: Studies, including protein denaturation inhibition assays, have confirmed its anti-inflammatory property. This is crucial for reducing swelling and pain associated with various conditions. Antioxidant: The presence of compounds like Squalene and n-Hexadecanoic acid gives it significant antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress which contributes to chronic diseases and delayed wound healing. Wound Healing: The plant is traditionally and scientifically supported for its wound healing potential, promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and accelerating wound contraction. Hepatoprotective (Liver Protective): Extracts have demonstrated a significant liver-protective effect against toxin-induced damage, likely through its antioxidant mechanism. Anti-ulcer: The leaves and whole plant extracts have shown significant antiulcer activity, reducing ulcer index and regulating gastric factors like acidity.
Advantages
The main advantages of Ruellia patula as a medicinal herb stem from its versatility and potency derived from its phytochemical composition: Multipotent Remedy: It offers a wide spectrum of traditional uses, ranging from topical treatments for wounds and skin issues to internal remedies for renal and venereal infections, stomach issues, and fever. Supports Tissue Repair: Its strong wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities make it highly valuable for skin and tissue ailments, facilitating faster recovery from cuts, sores, and bites. Natural Source of Bioactives: It is a natural source of important bioactive compounds like α-sitosterol, lupeol, and flavonoids, which are being increasingly studied for various health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-diabetic potential. Low Maintenance and Adaptable: As a shrublet common in wastelands, it is easy to grow and adaptable to dry environments, making it a sustainable and readily available resource for traditional medicine practitioners.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional and folk medicine for a variety of conditions, often utilizing the leaves or whole plant: Wound and Skin Ailments: Used extensively for treating cuts, wounds, scalds, sores, insect bites, itches, paronychia (nail infections), and various skin problems. Infections and Venereal Diseases: Traditionally employed in treating gonorrhea and syphilis. Renal and Urinary Issues: Used for renal infections, kidney stone problems, and other renal affections. Inflammatory and Rheumatic Conditions: Used to alleviate rheumatic complaints and inflammation. Digestive and Other Internal Issues: Used for stomach aches, ulcers, and general gastroprotective effects. Eye Problems: Extracts are traditionally used for eyesores (by introducing the extract into the eyelid). Other Uses: Also reported to be used for coughs, tumors, and dental problems.
Using Way
Traditional methods of using Ruellia patula generally involve preparing it in different forms for internal or external application: For External Application (Wounds, Skin Diseases, Insect Bites): Leaf Paste/Poultice: The fresh leaves are often crushed to make a paste or poultice and applied directly to cuts, wounds, insect bites, or areas affected by skin diseases and itches. Juice/Extract: The juice of the leaves can be applied to sores or used as drops for eyesores. For Internal Application (Renal Infections, Stomach Ache, etc.): Decoction/Infusion: Leaves or whole plant parts are boiled in water to create a decoction, which is then taken orally to treat conditions like renal infections, stomach ailments, or systemic inflammation. Powder: The dried and powdered plant material may be mixed with other substances and consumed, though specific details on dosage and preparation often remain within folk tradition. Important Note: While this information is based on traditional and scientific literature, it is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare professional or a certified herbalist before using Ruellia patula for medicinal purposes. Self-medication is not advised.
Conclusion
Ruellia patula (syn. Dipteracanthus patulus) stands as a significant medicinal herb within the Acanthaceae family, particularly across its distribution from Africa to the Indian Subcontinent. Its traditional use as a multi-purpose remedy for wounds, skin diseases, venereal, and renal infections is strongly supported by modern pharmacological studies that confirm its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, hepatoprotective, and anti-ulcer activities. The rich profile of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and lignan glycosides, is responsible for these therapeutic effects. Given its widespread availability in tropical wastelands and its diverse medicinal properties, Ruellia patula holds considerable promise for further research and development into evidence-based phytopharmaceuticals, solidifying its place as a valuable resource in the realm of natural medicine.
