Sains Malaysiana 48(12)(2019): 2683–2691

http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2019-4812-09

A Review of Therapeutic Potentials of Clinacanthus nutans as Source for Alternative Medicines

(Ulasan Potensi Terapeutik Clinacanthus nutans sebagai Punca Perubatan Alternatif)

ZAINOL HAIDA & MANSOR HAKIMAN*

Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Diserahkan: 13 Februari 2019/Diterima: 23 September 2019

ABSTRACT

Clinacanthus nutans, also known as Sabah Snake Grass, is an ethno-medicinal plant species belonging to the family Acanthaceae and has been widely used as a traditional remedy in Malaysia and Thailand to treat various diseases. The species contains massive amount of phytochemical compounds useful to human health. Various studies have reported that among the compounds found in the species are those with anti-venom properties reported to be rarely present in other medicinal plants. A number of pharmacological research studies have also documented that extracts of C. nutans contain high antioxidants, as well as compounds with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Isolation and identification of these phytochemical compounds have gained global attention due to their well-known beneficial values. The present review article is a compilation of previous pharmacological studies on C. nutans with a view of gaining further interest in exploring alternative sources of medicine.

Keywords: Clinacanthus nutans; medicinal plant; pharmacological constituents

ABSTRAK

Clinacanthus nutans atau dikenali sebagai Belalai gajah, ialah tumbuhan ubatan daripada famili Acanthaceae. C. nutans digunakan secara meluas di Malaysia dan Thailand dalam perubatan tradisi untuk merawat pelbagai jenis penyakit. C. nutans mempunyai kandungan fitokimia yang tinggi. Justeru, dapat memberi manfaat kepada manusia. Antara semua potensi terapeutik yang terdapat dalam C. nutans, anti-bisa merupakan kelebihan pokok ini. Anti bisa merupakan potensi terapeutik yang jarang ada dalam tumbuhan ubatan. Selain itu, berdasarkan kajian farmakologi yang telah dijalankan, ekstrak C. nutans juga tinggi antioksida dan mempunyai anti kanser, anti keradangan dan anti-virus. Pengasingan dan mengenal pasti kandungan fitokimia dalam C. nutans telah menjadi perhatian di seluruh dunia kerana kebaikannya kepada kesihatan. Tujuan ulasan kertas ini adalah untuk mengumpulkan kajian farmakologi yang telah dijalankan terhadap pokok C. nutans.

Kata kunci: Clinacanthus nutans; juzuk farmakologi; tumbuhan ubatan

RUJUKAN

Alam, A., Ferdosh, S., Ghafoor, K., Hakim, A., Juraimi, A.S., Khatib, A. & Sarker, Z.I. 2016. Clinacanthus nutans: A review of the medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 9(4): 402-409.

Arullappan, S., Rajamanickam, P., Thevar, N. & Kodimani, C.C. 2014. In vitro screening of cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Acanthaceae) leaf extracts. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 13(9): 1455-1461.

Ayudhya, T.D.N., Sakdarat, S., Shuyprom, A., Du, J.B., Waterman, P.G. & Karagianis, G. 2001. Chemical constituents of the leaves of Clinacanthus nutans Lin-dau. Thai Journal of Phytopharmacy 8(1): 1-8.

Barek, L.M., Hasmadi, M., Zaleha, A.Z. & Fadzelly, A.B.M. 2015. Effect of different drying methods on phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of unfermented and fermented teas from Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans Lind.) leaves. International Food Research Journal 22(2): 661-670.

Charuwichitratana, S., Wongrattanapasson, N., Timpatanapong, P. & Bunjob, M. 1996. Herpes zoster: Treatment with Clinacanthus nutans cream. International Journal of Dermatology 35(9): 665-666.

Cheeptham, N. & Towers, G.H.N. 2002. Light-mediated activities of some Thai medicinal plant teas. Fitoterapia 73(7-8): 651-662.

Cherdchu, C., Poopyruchpong, N., Adchariyasucha, R. & Ratanabanangkoon, K. 1977. The absence of antagonism between extracts of Clinacanthus nutans Burm. and Naja naja siamensis venom. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 8(2): 249-254.

Chomnawang, M.T., Surassmo, S., Wongsariya, K. & Bunyapraphatsara, N. 2009. Antibacterial activity of Thai medicinal plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Fitoterapia 80(2): 102-104.

Chomnawang, M.T., Surassmo, S., Nukoolkarn, V.S. & Gritsanapan, W. 2007. Effect of Garcinia mangostana on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes. Fitoterapia 78(6): 401-408.

Chomnawang, M.T., Surassmo, S., Nukoolkarn, V.S. & Gritsanapan, W. 2005. Antimicrobial effects of Thai medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 101(1-3): 330-333.

Dampawan, P., Huntrakul, C., Reutrakul, V., Raston, C.L. & White, A.H. 1977. Constituents of Clinacanthus nutans and the crystal structure of LUP-20 (29)-ene-3-one. Journal of the Science Society of Thailand 3(1): 14-26.

Dar, R.A., Shahnawaz, M. & Qazi, P.H. 2017. General overview of medicinal plants: A review. The Journal of Phytopharmacology 6(6): 349-351.

Dias, D.A., Urban, S. & Roessner, U. 2012. A historical overview of natural products in drug discovery. Metabolites 2(2): 303-336.

Direkbusarakom, S., Ezura, Y., Yoshimizu, M. & Herunsalee, A. 1998. Efficacy of Thai traditional herb extracts against fish and shrimp pathogenic bacteria. Fish Pathology 33(4): 437-441.

Direkbusarakom, S., Herunsalee, A., Yoshimizu, M. & Ezura, Y. 1996. Antiviral activity of several Thai traditional herb extracts against fish pathogenic viruses. Fish Pathology 31(4): 209-213.

Ekor, M. 2013. The growing use of herbal medicines: Issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety. Frontiers in Pharmacology 4(177): 1-10.

Fong, S.Y., Piva, T., Urban, S. & Huynh, T. 2014. Genetic homogeneity of vegetatively propagated Clinacanthus nutans (Acanthaceae). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 8(25): 903-914.

Ghasemzadeh, A., Nasiri, A., Jaafar, H.Z., Baghdadi, A. & Ahmad, I. 2014. Changes in phytochemical synthesis, chalcone synthase activity and pharmaceutical qualities of Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans L.) in relation to plant age. Molecules 19(11): 17632-17648.

Green, L.C., Wagner, D.A., Glogowski, J., Skipper, P.L., Wishnok, J.S. & Tannenbaum, S.R. 1982. Analysis of nitrate, nitrite, and [15N] nitrate in biological fluids. Analytical Biochemistry 126(1): 131-138.

Hamid, H.A. & Yahaya, I.H. 2016. Cytotoxicity of Clinacanthus nutans extracts on human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 8(10): 8-10.

Hamid, H.A., Yahya, I.H., Yusoff, M.M. & Zareen, S. 2016. Bioassay-guided isolation and antioxidant activity of sulfur-containing compounds from Clinacanthus nutans. Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society 63(12): 1033-1037.

Ho, S.Y., Tiew, W.P., Priya, M., Mohamed, S.A.S. & Gabriel, A.A. 2013. Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaf. International Journal of Drug Development and Research 5(3): 349-355.

Huang, D., Li, Y., Cui, F., Chen, J. & Sun, J. 2016. Purification and characterization of a novel polysaccharide-peptide complex from Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves. Carbohydrate Polymers 137: 701-708.

Huang, D., Guo, W., Gao, J., Chen, J. & Olatunji, J.O. 2015. Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau ethanol extract inhibits hepatoma in mice through upregulation of the immune response. Molecules 20(9): 17405-17428.

Keawpradub, N. & Purintrapiban, J. 2009. Upregulation of glucose uptake in L8 myotubes by the extract from Lagerstroemia speciosa: A possible mechanism of action. Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology 3(3): 472-485.

Khan, I., Jan, S.A., Shinwari, Z.K., Ali, M., Khan, Y. & Kumar, T. 2017. Ethnobotany and medicinal uses of folklore medicinal plants belonging to family Acanthaceae: An updated review. MOJ Biology and Medicine 1(2): 34-38.

Khoo, L.W., Mediani, A., Zolkeflee, N.K.Z., Leong, S.W., Ismail, I.S., Khatib, A., Shaari, K. & Abas, F. 2015. Phytochemical diversity of Clinacanthus nutans extracts and their bioactivity correlations elucidated by NMR based metabolomics. Phytochemistry Letters 14: 123-133.

Kongkaew, C. & Chaiyakunapruk, N. 2011. Efficacy of Clinacanthus nutans extracts in patients with herpes infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 19(1): 47-53.

Kunsorn, P., Ruangrungsi, N., Lipipun, V., Khanboon, A. & Rungsihirunrat, K. 2013. The identities and anti-herpes simplex virus activity of Clinacanthus nutans and Clinacanthus siamensis. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 3(4): 284-290.

Lau, K.W., Lee, S.K. & Chin, J.H. 2014. Effect of the methanol leaves extract of Clinacanthus nutans on the activity of acetylcholinesterase in male mice. Journal of Acute Disease 3(1): 22-25.

Le, C.F., Kailaivasan, T.H., Chow, S.C., Abdullah, Z., Ling, S.K. & Fang, C.M. 2017. Phytosterols isolated from Clinacanthus nutans induce immunosuppressive activity in murine cells. International Immunopharmacology 44: 203-210.

Lee, S.Y., Mediani, A., Nur Ashikin, A.H., Azliana, A.B.S. & Abas, F. 2014. Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the leaf and stem of selected traditional medicinal plants. International Food Research Journal 21(1): 165-172.

Levey, H.A. 1969. Toxicity of the venom of the sea-snake, Laticauda colubrina, with observations on a Malay ‘folk cure’. Toxicon 6(4): 269-276.

Liew, S.Y., Stanbridge, E.J., Yusoff, K. & Shafee, N. 2012. Hypoxia affects cellular responses to plant extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 144(2): 453-456.

Mai, C.W., Yap, K.S., Kho, M.T., Ismail, N.H., Yusoff, K., Shaari, K., Chin, S.Y. & Lim, E.S. 2016. Mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau extracts: Inhibition of cytokine production and toll-like receptor-4 activation. Frontiers in Phramacology 7(7): 1-7.

Marušk, A., Proscevicius, J., Bimbiraitė-Survilienė, K., Kornyšova, O., Ragažinskienė, O. & Ratautaitė, V. 2010. Comparison of phytochemical composition of medicinal plants by means of chromatographic and related techniques. Procedia Chemistry 2: 83-91.

Mat Ali, R., Abu Samah, Z., Mustapha, N.M., Hussein, N.N., Ali, R.M., Samah, Z.A., Mustapha, N.M. & Hussein, N.N. 2010. ASEAN herbal and medicinal plants. Jakarta: ASEAN. http:// www.asean.org/archive/publications/aseanherbal2010.pdf.

Nurulita, Y., Dhanutirto, H. & Soemardji, A.A. 2008. Refining activity and antidiabetic compound leaf aqeous extract Dandang gendis. Jurnal Natur Indonesia 10(2): 98-103.

P’ng, X.W., Akowuah, G.A. & Chin, J.H. 2013. Evaluation of the sub-acute oral toxic effect of methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaves in rats. Journal of Acute Disease 2(1): 29-32.

P’ng, X.W., Akowuah, G.A. & Chin, J.H. 2012. Acute oral toxicity study of Clinacanthus nutans in mice. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 3(11): 4202-4205.

Pannangpetch, P., Laupattarakasem, P., Kukongviriyapan, V., Kukongviriyapan, U., Kongyingyoes, B. & Aromdee, C. 2007. Antioxidant activity and protective effect against oxidative hemolysis of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f) Lindau. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology 29(1): 1-9.

Pongmuangmul, S., Phumiamorn, S., Sanguansermsri, P., Wongkattiya, N., Fraser, I.H. & Sanguansermsri, D. 2016. Anti-herpes simplex virus activities of monogalactosyl diglyceride and digalactosyl diglyceride from Clinacanthus nutans, a traditional Thai herbal medicine. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 6(3): 192-197.

Pongphasuk, N., Khunkitti, W. & Chitcharoenthum, M. 2005. Antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of the extract from Garcinia mangostana linn. Acta Horticulturae 680: 125-130.

Rahim, A., Hafiz, M., Zakaria, Z.A., Sani, M., Hijaz, M., Omar, M.H., Yakob, Y., Cheema, M.S., Ching, S.M., Ahmad, Z. & Kadir, A. 2016. Methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans exerts antinociceptive activity via the opioid/nitric oxide-mediated, but cGMP-independent, pathways. Evidence- Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016: 1-16.

Raya, K.B., Ahmad, S.H., Farhana, S.F., Mohammad, M., Tajidin, N. & Parvez, A. 2015. Changes in phytochemical contents in different parts of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau due to storage duration. Bragantia 74(4): 445-452.

Sakdarat, S., Shuyprom, A., Ayudhya, T.D.N., Waterman, P.G. & Karagianis, G. 2006. Chemical composition investigation of the Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves. Thai Journal of Phytopharmacy 13(2): 13-24.

Sangkitporn, S., Chaiwat, S., Balachandra, K., Na-Ayudhaya, T.D., Bunjob, M. & Jayavasu, C. 1995. Treatment of herpes zoster with Clinacanthus nutans (bi phaya yaw) extract. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 78(11): 624-627.

Sarega, N., Imam, M.U., Esa, N.M., Zawawi, N. & Ismail, M. 2016. Effects of phenolic-rich extracts of Clinacanthus nutans on high fat and high cholesterol diet-induced insulin resistance. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 16(1): 88.

Satayavivad, J., Bunyaoraphatsara, N., Kitisiripornkul, S. & Tanasomwang, W. 1996. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of extract of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau. Thai Journal of Phytopharmacy 3: 7-17.

Sekar, M. & Rashid, N.A. 2016. Formulation, evaluation and antibacterial properties of herbal ointment containing methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaves. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 8(8): 1170-1174.

Shim, S.Y., Aziana, I. & Khoo, B.Y. 2013. Perspective and insight on Clinacanthus nutans Lindau in traditional medicine. International Journal of Integrative Biology 14(1): 7-9.

Sriwanthana, B., Chavalittumrong, P. & Chompuk, L. 1996. Effect of Clinacanthus nutans on human cell-mediated immune response in vitro. Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 20(4): 261-267.

Tejasen, P. & Thongthaap, T. 1978. The antagonistic effect against cobra envenomization comparison of medicinal plants, corticosteroid and antivenine anti. Chieng Mai Medicinal Bulletin 17: 159-168.

Teoh, P.L., Cheng, A.Y.F., Liau, M., Lem, F.F., Kaling, G.P., Chua, F.N. & Cheong, B.E. 2017. Chemical composition and cytotoxic properties of Clinacanthus nutans root extracts. Pharmaceutical Biology 55(1): 394-401.

Teshima, K.I., Kaneko, T., Ohtani, K., Kasai, R., Lhieochaiphant, S., Picheansoonthon, C. & Yamasaki, K. 1997. C-Glycosyl flavones from Clinacanthus nutans. Natural Medicines 51(6): 557.

Teshima, K.I., Kaneko, T., Ohtani, K., Kasai, R., Lhieochaiphant, S., Picheansoonthon, C. & Yamasaki, K. 1998. Sulfur-containing glucosides from Clinacanthus nutans. Phytochemistry 48(5): 831-835.

Thongharb, C. & Tejasen, P. 1977. The effect of Slaed pang porn (Clinacanthus nutans) on Thailand cobra venom (Naja Naja Siamensis). Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2: 1057-1063.

Thawaranantha, D., Balachandra, K., Jongtrakulsiri, S., Chavalittumrong, P., Bhumiswasdi, J. & Jayavasu, C. 2017. In vitro antiviral activity of Clinacanthus nutans on varicella-zoster virus. Siriraj Medical Journal 44(4): 285-291.

Thongchai, S., Ekalaksananan, T., Pientong, C., Aromdee, C., Seubsasana, S., Sukpol, C. & Kongyingyoes, B. 2008. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity of crude ethyl acetate extract derived from leaves of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau. Journal of Science and Technology Mahasarakham University 27(4): 318-326.

Tiew, W.P., P’ng, X.W., Chin, J.H. & Akowuah, G.A. 2014. Effect of methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans on serum biochemical parameters in rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 6: 77-86.

Tiwari, P., Kumar, B., Kaur, M., Kaur, G. & Kaur, H. 2011. Phytochemical screening and extraction: A review. Internationale Pharmaceutica Sciencia 1(1): 98-106.

Tu, S.F., Liu, R.H., Cheng, Y.B., Hsu, Y.M., Du, Y.C., El- Shazly, M., Wu, Y.C. & Chang, F.R. 2014. Chemical constituents and bioactivities of Clinacanthus nutans aerial parts. Molecules 19(12): 20382-20390.

Tuntiwachwuttikul, P., Pootaeng-on, Y., Phansa, P. & Taylor, W.C. 2004. Cerebrosides and a monoacylmonogalactosylglycerol from Clinacanthus nutans. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 52(1): 27-32.

Uawonggul, N., Chaveerach, A., Thammasirirak, S., Arkaravichien, T., Chuachan, C. & Daduang, S. 2006. Screening of plants acting against Heterometrus laoticus scorpion venom activity on fibroblast cell lysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 103(2): 201-207.

Uawonggul, N., Thammasirirak, S., Chaveerach, A., Chuachan, C., Daduang, J. & Daduang, S. 2011. Plant extract activities against the fibroblast cell lysis by honey bee venom. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(10): 1978-1986.

Wanikiat, P., Panthong, A., Sujayanon, P., Yoosook, C., Rossi, A.G. & Reutrakul, V. 2008. The anti-inflammatory effects and the inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness by Barleria lupulina and Clinacanthus nutans extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116(2): 234-244.

Wirotesangthong, M. & Rattanakiat, S. 2006. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 activities of some Thai medicinal plants. Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 30: 19-27.

Wong, F.C., Yong, A.L., Ting, E.P.S., Khoo, S.C., Ong, H.C. & Chai, T.T. 2014. Antioxidant, metal chelating, anti-glucosidase activities and phytochemical analysis of selected tropical medicinal plants. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 13(4): 1409-1415.

Yong, Y.K., Tan, J.J., Teh, S.S., Mah, S.H., Ee, G.C.L., Chiong, H.S. & Ahmad, Z. 2013. Clinacanthus nutans extracts are antioxidant with antiproliferative effect on cultured human cancer cell lines. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013: 1-8.

Yoosook, C., Panpisutchai, Y., Chaichana, S., Santisuk, T. & Reutrakul, V. 1999. Evaluation of anti-HSV-2 activities of Barleria lupulina and Clinacanthus nutans. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 67(2): 179-187.

Yuan, H., Ma, Q., Ye, L. & Piao, G. 2016. The traditional medicine and modern medicine from natural products. Molecules 21(5): 559-577.

Zakaria, Z.A., Rahim, M.H.A., Mohtarrudin, N., Kadir, A.A., Cheema, M.S., Ahmad, Z., Mooi, C.S. & Tohid, S.F.M. 2016. Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans in mice. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines 13(2): 210-222.

*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: mhakiman@upm.edu.my