Rhinacanthus nasutus

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz

Common Name: Snake Jasmine
Family: Rubiaceae
Vernacular Names: Gajkarni – Marathi., Uragamalli – Tamil., Nagamulla- Malayalam., Palakjuhi – Hindi
Synonyms: Justicia macilenta E. Mey., Justicia nasuta L ., Justicia rottlerjana Wall., Justicia odoratissima Bojer ex Nees.
Plant Description: R. nasutus is a slender erect branched hairy shrub 1 – 2 m in height. Leaves are oblong with 4 – 10 cm in length and pointed at both ends.Inflorescence is a hairy panicle with the flowers usually in clusters. Fruit is club-shaped and contain 4 seeds.
Distribution and Habitat: R. nasutus is herbaceous shrub native to Thailand and much of South and Southeast Asia. It is found in rocky areas and shrublands.
Uses:
R. nasutus is used in traditional medicine to treat snake bites and the roots or leaves can be made into balm and applied to the skin for skin infections such as ringworm. It is also treated for diabetes, skin diseases, gastritis, pressure, and as antipyretic.