The Healing Power of Rainforest Plants
The Tropical Plant Database
Gervâo
Genus: Stachytarpheta
Species: cayennensis, jamaicensis
Synonyms: Stachytarpheta urticifolia Sims, Verbena cayennensis, Verbena jamaicensis
Common Names: Gervâo, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, bastard vervain, blue verbena, wild verbena, blue flower, rooster comb, jarbao, rat tail, vervain, verveine, blue vervain, verveine, a queue de rat, blue porterweed, gewongan, rumput tahi babi, selaseh dandi (spotted basil)
Part Used: Whole plant, leaf
The following text has been reprinted from: The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs © 2005 by Leslie Taylor.
MAIN ACTIONS | OTHER ACTIONS | STANDARD DOSAGE |
| Leaves | ||
| Infusion: 1/2 cup twice daily | ||
| Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily | ||
| Capsules: 1-2 g twice daily | ||
Description
Gervâo is a weedy annual (and sometimes perennial) herbaceous plant that grows 60-120 cm tall. It bears small reddish-purple to deep blue flowers that grow along tall bracts that are favored by butterflies. It is indigenous to most parts of tropical America and, although some consider it a semi-invasive weed, it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant for its blue flowers and deeply-serrated, dark green leaves. Gervâo belongs to the large Verbenaceae family, which comprises about 100 genera and 2,600 species (including the common vervain and verbena plants). It is often referred to as "bastard vervain" or "wild verbena." While very similar to verbena and vervain in appearance and growth habits, gervâo is a different species of plant. Two very similar species of Stachytarpheta grow in the tropics and are used interchangeably (and share the same common names) in many countries’ herbal medicine systems—S. cayennensis and S. jamaicensis.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses
Gervâo is widely used by indigenous peoples throughout the Amazon. The Créoles use the leaf tea for dysentery, while the Kofans in northwest Amazonia drink a decoction of the plant to relieve stomach pains. Indigenous peoples of Peru use the plant for diabetes and the Wayãpi and Palikur Indians in Guyana use the plant in baths to relieve colds and headaches. Other tribes in the Amazon prepare an infusion or decoction of the plant to take internally for fevers (including yellow fever), allergies, stomach problems, and intestinal parasites.
In Brazilian herbal medicine systems the plant is considered to stimulate and aid digestion, suppress coughs, reduce fever, expel worms, increase perspiration, and promote menstruation. The natural remedy there is usually an infusion prepared with the leaves or entire aerial parts. It is employed mainly today by Brazilian herbalists and practitioners as a stomach tonic; to stimulate the function of the gastrointestinal tract; for dyspepsia, allergies, asthma, and fevers; and for chronic liver problems. Gervâo is also used in Brazil as a diuretic for various urinary complaints and as a mild laxative for constipation. Externally it is used to clean ulcers, cuts, and wounds. In Cuban herbal medicine (where the plant is named verbena cimarrona) the plant is considered to be abortive, laxative, diuretic, and sedative and used to reduce spasms, depress the central nervous system, promote menstruation, aid milk production, and reduce blood pressure.
In the West Indies, gervâo commonly is employed to expel intestinal worms and other parasites; several commercial preparations sold in Jamaica for parasites contain gervâo. One popular preparation combines gervâo with graviola (Annona muricata) and epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) into a natural remedy for this purpose (both plants are featured in this book). Besides its long history of use as a parasite remedy (which was documented as early as 1898), gervâo also has been used by women in Jamaica and the West Indies for many types of menstrual disorders and female complaints. In many parts of the West Indies, a leaf tea is drunk after childbirth to restore health and to increase the supply of mother's milk. In Belize, a tea brewed from the aerial parts of the plant is taken for nervousness, heart conditions, stomachache, dyspepsia, neuralgia, cough, colds, fever, flu, and liver complaints. There the mashed leaves are also used in a poultice for boils and infected sores, and the leaf juice is taken internally for intestinal parasites.
Plant Chemicals
Gervâo contains flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, and steroids. Several of these plant chemicals have been documented with biological activities that may help explain the plant's indigenous uses (especially for liver ailments and respiratory problems). The first of these is an iridoid glycoside called verbascoside (also called acetoside), found in several plants in the Verbenaceae genus. In clinical research, this powerful antioxidant phytochemical has been documented with neuroprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, liver protective, cardioactive, and antitumorous effects. A flavonoid in gervâo called scutellarein has been documented with cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. Another flavonoid found in gervâo called hispidulin is also found in verbena and vervain and is considered one of the main "active" chemicals in all three plants. Hispidulin has been reported to have anti-asthmatic, bronchodilator, and antispasmodic properties; liver detoxifing actions; and helps to normalize sticky blood.
The main plant chemicals in gervâo include: apigenol-7-glucuronide, alpha-spinasterol, gamma-amino butyric acid, chlorogenic acid, citral, dopamine, friedelin, geraniol, hentriacontane, hispidulin, ipolamiide, luteolol-7-glucuronide, n-dotriacontane, n-nonacosane, n-pentriacontane, n-tetratriancontane, n-triacontane, n-tritriacontane, salicylic-acid, scutellarein, stachytarphine, stigmasterol, tarphetalin, ursolic acid, and verbascoside.
Biological Activities and Clinical Research
The first biological activity studies were published on gervâo in 1962 by researchers in India who reported that the plant demonstrated antispasmodic and vasodilator activities in several small animal studies. In 1990, two clinical studies reported that leaf extracts evidenced larvicidal effects, which might help explain its long history of use for intestinal parasites. In 1998, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of gervâo were demonstrated in rats. In this study, researchers pre-treated rats with gervâo and showed that it inhibited significantly their ability to induce inflammation with chemical agents. They isolated two chemicals in the plant (vebascoside and another iridoid chemical, ipolamiide) and tested them individually for these effects. These chemicals demonstrated a marked anti-inflammatory effect in rats (administered 4 hours after chemically inducing inflammation) of 94% and 70%, respectively. They attributed this effect, in part, to the extract (and its phytochemicals) which inhibited a histamine reaction.
Another area of research has verified gervâo's longstanding use for gastric and intestinal disorders. In a 1995 Brazilian study, a gervâo extract demonstrated anti-diarrhea effects in rats. Another (1997) Brazilian study demonstrated antacid, antiulcer, and laxative effects in mice. In this study, a water extract of the whole plant increased intestinal motility, protected against ulcers from various chemical agents, and inhibited gastric secretion. These researchers noted the same histamine-blocking properties in this ulcer model that was observed in the anti-inflammatory model, along with another possible pathway of action. They concluded that "whatever the mechanisms involved, the present data confirm the plant's effectiveness as antacid/antiulcer and laxative." In the mouse and rat studies performed thus far, no toxicity was noted when the plant was taken orally (at up to 2 g per kg of body weight).
In the mouse and rat studies noted above, no toxicity was noted when the plant was taken orally (at up to 2 g per kg of body weight). In herbal medicine today, gervâo is regarded as a safe, natural remedy when prepared in decoctions and infusions (taken orally or applied externally). A researcher in Panama, however (who injected mice intraperitoneally with varying dosages of a leaf extract) reported toxic effects and even death at the highest dosages.
Current Practical Uses
In herbal medicine today, gervâo is regarded as a safe, natural remedy when prepared in decoctions and infusions (taken orally or applied externally). A researcher in Panama, however (who injected mice with varying dosages of a leaf extract) reported toxic effects and even death at the highest dosages. While gervâo is a well known and popular natural herbal remedy in South America for digestion and liver problems, colds, flu, asthma, and as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, practitioners in North America are just beginning to learn about its many uses. With its many applications, gervâo is sure to increase in popularity as more people learn of it many effective uses.
|
Main Preparation Method: infusion
Main Actions (in order): Main Uses:
analgesic (pain-reliever), antacid, anti-anaphylactic (reduces allergic reactions), antidysenteric, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiulcerous, bronchodilator, gastrototonic (tones, balances, strengthens the gastric tract), hepatoprotective (liver protector), larvicidal, laxative, neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), vasodilator Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Cautions: Avoid use when pregnant, if allergic to aspirin or have a heart condition. | |
Traditional Preparation: One-half cup of a whole herb infusion is taken one to two times daily or 1–3 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken twice daily. If desired, 1–2 g powdered herb in tablets, capsules, or stirred into juice or water daily may be substituted.
Contraindications:
- 1. Gervâo has been used in herbal medicine as an abortive agent and, therefore, is probably contraindicated during pregnancy.
- 2. Gervâo has been documented with vasodilator properties in a animal study and, therefore, may lower blood pressure. Those with low blood pressure or those on antihypertensive medications should consult their doctor before using gervâo.
- 3. Stachytarpheta cayennensis (but not S. jamaicensis) has been reported to contain a small amount of naturally-occurring salicylic acid. This phytochemical is the natural precursor to aspirin. Those allergic to aspirin should probably avoid using this plant product.
Drug Interactions: None reported, however the plant might potentiate heart and blood pressure medications.
| | |
| Amazonia | for asthma, fever, stomach pain |
| Bahamas | for abortions asthma, bronchitis, chest colds, childbirth, itch, skin problems, sores, worms |
| Belize | for boils, colds, cough, fever, flu, heart problems, intestinal parasites, liver disorders, nervousness, neuralgia, sores, stomachache |
| Brazil | for acid reflux, allergies, amebic infections, arthritis, bile insufficiency, bronchitis, bronchial phlegm, chest pains, colds, constipation, contusions, cough, cuts, debilitation, diarrhea, digestive problems, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, edema, erysipelas, fever, flu, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, high blood pressure, hoarseness, intestinal parasites, liver disorders, liver support, lung problems, menstrual disorders, rheumatism, skin problems, sores, stomachache, syphilis, tumors, ulcers, urinary complaints, venereal disease, water retention, worms, wounds, yellow fever, and to increase perspiration |
| Cuba | for abortions, constipation, depressing the central nervous system, diabetes, excessive mucous, fevers, hypertension, lactation aid, menstrual problems, spasms, urinary insufficiency |
| Haiti | for constipation, digestive complaints, edema, erysipelas, intestinal parasites, menstrual disorders, nerves, sores, tumors, worms, and as a sedative |
| India | for abortions, dysentery, fever, inflammation, rheumatism, skin ulcers |
| Mexico | for gonorrhea, menstrual difficulties, nerves, pain, syphilis, yellow fever, and to promoting perspiration |
| South America | for birth control, intestinal parasites, menstrual difficulties, worms |
| Trinidad | for blood cleansing, boils, chest colds, constipation, coughs, dysentery, eczema, eye disorders, eye wash, fever, flu, intestinal parasites, lactation stimulation, rashes, rectitis, stomach, vitiligo, worms |
| West Indies | for childbirth, intestinal parasites, lactation stimulation, menstrual disorders, skin parasites, worms |
| Elsewhere | for abortions, bile insufficiency, birth control, boils, bruises, cataracts, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, edema, erysipelas, fever, hair loss, headache, heart support, inflammation, intestinal parasites, liver disease, malaria, menstrual irregularities, nausea, rheumatism, rhinitis, sores, sprains, stomach, tumors, venereal disease |
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted 2005
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, including websites, without written permission. Please read the Conditions of Use, and Copyright Statement for this web page and web site.
Published Research on Gervâo
All available third-party research on gervâo can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the published third party research on gervâo updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:
Anti-Allergy & Bronchodilator Actions:
Lee, J., et al. "Anti-asthmatic effects of phenylpropanoid glycosides from Clerodendron trichotomum leaves and Rumex gmelini herbes in conscious guinea-pigs challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin." Phytomedicine. 2011 Jan; 18(2-3): 134-42.
Olwu, D., et al. "Isolation and characterization of steroidal glycosides from the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Linn Vahl." Der Chemica. Sinica. 2010; 1 (2): 6-14.
Lee, J., et al. "The effect of acteoside on histamine release and arachidonic acid release in RBL-2H3 mast cells." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2006 Jun; 29(6): 508-13.
Hazekamp, A., et al. "Isolation of a bronchodilator flavonoid from the Thai medicinal plant Clerodendrum petasites." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 78(1): 45-9.
Digestion Stimulating, Antacid & Anti-diarrheal Actions:
Rossi, R., et al. "Dietary verbascoside influences gut morphology and the expression of α-transducin and α-gustducin in the small intestine of weaned piglets exposed to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids-induced oxidative stress." Animals (Basel). 2019 Jan; 9(1): E20.
Olwu, D., et al. "Isolation and characterization of steroidal glycosides from the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Linn Vahl." Der Chemica Sinica. 2010; 1 (2): 6-14.
Singh, N., et al. "Verbascoside isolated from Tectona grandis mediates gastric protection in rats via inhibiting proton pump activity." Fitoterapia. 2010 Oct; 81(7): 755-61.
Meena, R., et al. "Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and preliminary phytochemical studies on whole plant of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl." Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2011; 2(3): 234-239.
Hausmann, M., et al. "In vivo treatment with the herbal phenylethanoid acteoside ameliorates intestinal inflammation in dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis." Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2007 May; 148(2): 373-81.
Sasidharan, S., et al. "Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves," Ind. J. Pharmacol. 2007; 39(5): 245–248.
Penido, C., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic properties of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (L.C. Rich) Vahl." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar; 104(1-2): 225-33.
Mesia-Vela, S., et al. "Pharmacological study of Stachytarpheta cayennensis Vahl in rodents." Phytomedicine. 2004; 11(7-8): 616-24.
Alvarez, E., et al. "Inhibitory effects of leaf extracts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae) on the respiratory burst of rat macrophages." Phytother. Res. 2004 Jun; 18(6): 457-62.
Vela, S., et al. "Inhibition of gastric acid secretion by the aqueous extract and purified extracts of Stachytarpheta cayennensis." Planta Med. 1997; 63(1): 36-9.
Almeida, C., et al. "Analysis of antidiarrhoeic effect of plants used in popular medicine." Rev. Saude. Publica. 1995; 29(6): 428-33.
Anti-fatigue, Pain-Relieving, Antispasmodic & Anti-inflammatory Actions:
Li, Y., et al. "Verbascoside alleviates atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice via its potent anti-inflammatory effect." Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. 2018; 175(4): 220-230.
Fabian, A., et al. "In vitro inhibitory effect of methanol leaf extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae) on nonpregnant rat uterus." Trop. J. Pharm. Res. 2016 Dec; 15(12): 2557-2562
Zhu, M., et al. "Central anti-fatigue activity of verbascoside." Neurosci. Lett. 2016 Mar; 616: 75-9.
Udodeme, H., et al. "Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Linn. (Vahl) (Verbenaceae)." Int. J. Pharmacog. Phytochem. Res. 2016; 8(9); 1503-1508.
Amin, B., et al. "The effect of verbascoside in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury in rats." Phytother. Res. 2016 Jan; 30(1): 128-35.
Pesce, M., et al. "Verbascoside down-regulates some pro-inflammatory signal transduction pathways by increasing the activity of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in the U937 cell line." J. Cell Mol. Med. 2015 Jul; 19(7): 1548-56.
Sivaranjani, R., et al. "Pharmacognostic studies on root of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis." Int. Lett. Nat. Sci. 2014; 8(2): 100–105.
Kharisma, A., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effect of porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl) leaf extract to TNF-a expression." Berkala. Penelitian. Hayati. 2012; 18: 57–60.
Isacchi, N., et al. "Antihyperalgesic activity of verbascoside in two models of neuropathic pain." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2011 Apr; 63(4): 594-601.
Akdemir, Z., et al. "Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healer glycosides from the flowers of Verbascum mucronatum Lam." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jul; 136(3): 436-43.
Caamal-Fuentes, E., et al. "Screening of plants used in Mayan traditional medicine to treat cancer-like symptoms." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011; 135(3) 719–724.
Speranza, L., et al. "Antiinflammatory effects in THP-1 cells treated with verbascoside." Phytother Res. 2010 Sep; 24(9): 1398-404.
Yamada, P., et al. "Inhibitory effect of acteoside isolated from Cistanche tubulosa on chemical mediator release and inflammatory cytokine production by RBL-2H3 and KU812 cells." Planta Med. 2010 Oct; 76(14): 1512-8.
Sulaiman, M., et al. "Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl (Verbenaceae) in experimental animal models." Med. Princ. Pract. 2009; 18(4): 272-9.
Speranza, L., et al. "Anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Verbascum mallophorum." J. Biol. Regul. Homeost. Agents. 2009 Jul-Sep; 23(3): 189-95.
Jagadish, N., et al. "Evaluation of analgesic activity of different extracts of Stachytarpheta indica L. (Vahl)." Biomed 2008; 3(3/4): 229-233.
Lee, J., et al. "The effect of acteoside on histamine release and arachidonic acid release in RBL-2H3 mast cells." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2006 Jun; 29(6): 508-13.
Penido, C., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic properties of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (L.C. Rich) Vahl." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar; 104(1-2): 225-33.
Mesia-Vela, S., et al. "Pharmacological study of Stachytarpheta cayennensis Vahl in rodents." Phytomedicine. 2004; 11(7-8): 616-24.
Schapoval, E., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of extracts and isolated compounds from Stachytarpheta cayennensis." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1998; 60(1): 53-9.
Melita Rodriguez, S., et al. "Pharmacological and chemical evaluation of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae)." Rev. Biol. Trop. 1996 Aug; 44(2A): 353-9.
Gil, B., et al. "Effects of flavonoids on Naja Naja and human recombinant synovial phospholipases A2 and inflammatory responses in mice." Life Sci. 1994; 54(20): PL333-38.
Feng, P., et al. "Pharmacological screening of some West Indian medicinal plants." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1962; 14: 556-61.
Antidiabetic & Hypoglycemic Actions:
Felicien, M., et al. "Comparative hypoglycemic activity of flavonoids and tannins fractions of Stachytarpheta indica (L.) Vahl leaves extracts in guinea-pigs and rabbits." Int. J. Pharm. Pharmaceutical Res. 2016; 5: 48-57.
Rozianoor, M., et al. "Hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis ethanolic leaves extract on alloxan-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats." BioTechnology. 2014; 9(10): 423–428.
Adebajo, A., et al. "Hypoglycaemic constituents of Stachytarpheta cayennensis leaf." Planta Med. 2007 Mar; 73(3): 241-50.
Isah, A., et al. "The hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Stachytarpheta angustifolia (Verbanaceae) in normoglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats." Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2007 Jan; 10(1): 137-41.
Liver Protective & Detoxification Actions:
Joshi, V., et al. "Screening of ethanolic extract of Stachytarpheta indica L. (vahl) leaves for hepatoprotective activity," Int. J. Res. Ayurv. Pharm. 2010; 1(1): 174–179.
Morikawa, T., et al. "Acylated phenylethanoid oligoglycosides with hepatoprotective activity from the desert plant Cistanche tubulosa." Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2010 Mar; 18(5): 1882-90.
Park, J., et al. "Effects of methanol extract of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense and its principle, hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside on hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and lipid peroxidation in ethanol-treated rats." Phytother. Res. 2004; 18(1): 19-24.
Xiong, Q., et al. "Acteoside inhibits apoptosis in D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury." Life Sci. 1999; 65(4): 421-30.
Xiong, Q., et al. "Hepatoprotective activity of phenylethanoids from Cistanche deserticola." Planta Med. 1998; 64(2): 120-25.
Ferrandiz, M. L., et al. "Hispidulin protection against hepatotoxicity induced by bromobenzene in mice." Life Sci. 1994; 55(8): PL145-50.
Kidney Protective Actions:
Hayashi, K., et al. "Acteoside, a component of Stachys sieboldii MIQ, may be a promising antinephritic agent (2): Effect of acteoside on leukocyte accumulation in the glomeruli of nephritic rats." Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 1994 Sep; 66(1): 47-52.
Hayashi, K., et al. "Acetoside, a component of Stachys sieboldii MIQ, may be a promising antinephritic agent: effect of acteoside on crescentic-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats." Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 1994 Jun; 65(2): 143-51.
Cellular Protective & Antioxidant Actions:
Liang, J., et al. "Verbascoside promotes the regeneration of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra." Neural Regen. Res. 2016 Jan; 11(1): 101-6.
Sivaranjani, R., et al. "Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity and estimation of total phenol and flavonoids contents of various extracts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis." Int. J. Innov. Drug Disc. 2014; (4)1: 31–37.
Rozianoor, M., et al. "Hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis ethanolic leaves extract on alloxan-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats." BioTechnology. 2014; 9(10): 423–428.
D'Alessandro, A., et al. "Effects of verbascoside administration on the blood parameters and oxidative status in jennies and their suckling foals: potential improvement of milk for human use." Endocr. Metab. Immun.e Disord. Drug Targets. 2014; 14(2): 102-12.
Tang, H., et al. "Neuroprotective effects of scutellarin and scutellarein on repeatedly cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats." Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 2014 Mar; 118: 51-9.
Di Giancamillo, A., "Changes in nitrosative stress biomarkers in swine intestine following dietary intervention with verbascoside." Histol. Histopathol. 2013 Jun; 28(6):715-23.
Pan, W., et al. "Isolation, purification and structure identification of two phenolic glycosides from the roots of Incarvillea younghusbandii Sprague and their antioxidant activities." Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2011 Apr; 46(4): 422-7.
Vertuani, S., et al. "Activity and stability studies of verbascoside, a novel antioxidant, in dermo-cosmetic and pharmaceutical topical formulations." Molecules. 2011 Aug; 16(8): 7068-80.
Morikawa, T., et al. "Acylated phenylethanoid oligoglycosides with hepatoprotective activity from the desert plant Cistanche tubulosa." Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2010 Mar; 18(5): 1882-90.
Esposito, E., et al. "Protective effect of verbascoside in activated C6 glioma cells: possible molecular mechanisms." Naunyn. Schmiedebergs. Arch. Pharmacol. 2010 Jan; 381(1): 93-105.
Koo, K., et al. "Acteoside and its aglycones protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity." Life Sci. 2006 Jul; 79(7): 709-16.
Lee, K., et al. "Acteoside of Callicarpa dichotoma attenuates scopolamine-induced memory impairments." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2006; 29(1): 71-4.
Lin, L., et al. "The inhibitory effect of phenylpropanoid glycosides and iridoid glucosides on free radical production and beta2 integrin expression in human leucocytes." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2006; 58(1): 129-35.
Galvez, M., et al. "Antioxidant activity of Plantago bellardii All." Phytother. Res. 2005; 19(12): 1074-6.
Dabaghi-Barbosa, P., et al. "Hispidulin: antioxidant properties and effect on mitochondrial energy metabolism." Free Radic. Res. 2005; 39(12): 1305-15.
Qiusheng, Z., et al. "Effects of verbascoside and luteolin on oxidative damage in brain of heroin treated mice." Pharmazie. 2005; 60(7): 539-43.
Zhao, C., et al. "In vitro" protection of DNA from Fenton reaction by plant polyphenol verbascoside." Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 2005 May; 1723(1-3): 114-23.
Alvarez, E., et al. "Inhibitory effects of leaf extracts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae) on the respiratory burst of rat macrophages." Phytother. Res. 2004; 18(6): 457-62.
Liu, M., et al. "The effects of verbascoside on plasma lipid peroxidation level and erythrocyte membrane fluidity during immobilization in rabbits: a time course study." Life Sci. 2003 Jul; 73(7): 883-92.
Sheng, G., et al. "Protective effect of verbascoside on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells." Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2002; 451(2): 119-24.
Daels-Rakotoarison, D., et al. "Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra." Arzneimittelforschung. 2000; 50(1): 16-23.
Sanz, M., et al. "Influence of a series of natural flavonoids on free radical generating systems and oxidative stress." Xenobiotica. 1994; 24(7): 689-99.
Wound Healing Actions:
Chitra, P., et al. "Evaluation of wound healing activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats." Der Pharmacia Lettre 2013; 5(2): 193-200.
Akdemir, Z., et al. "Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healer glycosides from the flowers of Verbascum mucronatum Lam." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jul; 136(3): 436-43.
Immune Modulation Actions:
Okoye, T., et al. "Immunomodulatory effects of Stachytarpheta cayennensis leaf extract and its synergistic effect with artesunate." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2014 Oct; 14: 376.
Alvarez, E., et al. "Inhibitory effects of leaf extracts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Verbenaceae) on the respiratory burst of rat macrophages." Phytother. Res. 2004 Jun; 18(6): 457-62.
Antimicrobial Actions:
Pérez Zamora, C., et al. "Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oils from Verbenaceae species growing in South America." Molecules. 2018 Mar; 23(3).
Liew, P., et al. "Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl: from traditional usage to pharmacological evidence." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2016; 2016: 7842340.
Zhao, X., et al. "Verbascoside alleviates pneumococcal pneumonia by reducing pneumolysin oligomers." Mol. Pharmacol. 2016 Mar; 89(3): 376-87
Song, X., et al. "The antiviral effects of acteoside and the underlying IFN-γ-inducing action." Food Funct. 2016 Jul; 7(7): 3017-30.
Ruma, O., et al. "Determination of secondary metabolites and antibacterial property of extract from the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl," J. Med. Plants Stud. 2015; 3(4) 79–81.
Khazir, J., et al. "Enzyme mediated-transesterification of verbascoside and evaluation of antifungal activity of synthesised compounds." Nat. Prod. Res. 2015; 29(8): 727-34.
Mohammed, M., et al. "Bioactive caffeic glycoside ester and antimicrobial activity of various extracts from the leaf of Stachytarpheta angustifolia Mill Vahl (Verbenaceae)." J. Pharmacog. Phytochem. 2013; 2 (3): 77-85.
Princely, S., et al. "Preliminary phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of Stachytarpheta indica L. (Vahl.)." Med. Plants. 2013; 5(2): 96–101.
Ramakrishnan, K., et al. "Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on stem of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl." Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2013; 4(10): 44–47.
Suneetha, P., et al. "Comparative studies on antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy from Bixa orellana L., Lantana camara L., Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.)Vahl., Hyptis auaveolens (L.) Poit. with triclosan," CIBTech J. Microbio. 2013; 2(2): 15–23.
Thomas, R., et al. "Antifungal activity of Verbenaceae." Biosci. Biotech. Res. Asia. 2013; 10(1): 355–360.
Martins, F., et al. "Verbascoside isolated from Lepechinia speciosa has inhibitory activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2009 Dec; 4(12): 1693-6.
Okwu, D., et al. "Isolation, characterisation and antibacterial activity of lanostane triterpenoid from the leaves of Stachyterpheta jamaicensis Linn Vahl," Der. Pharma. Chemica. 2009; 1(2): 32–39.
Meena, R., et al. "Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and preliminary phytochemical studies on whole plant of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl." Int. Res. J. Pharm. 2011; 2(3): 234-239.
Iroha, I., et al. "Screening for anti-typhoid activity of some medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in Ebonyi state, Nigeria." Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2010; 4(12): 860–864.
Viccini, L., et al. "Ipolamiide and fulvoipolamiide from Stachytarpheta glabra (Verbenaceae): A structural and spectroscopic characterization." J. Mol. Struct. 2008; 875(1): 27-31.
Sasidharan, S., et al. "Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves," Ind. J. Pharmacol. 2007; 39(5): 245–248.
Rigano, D., et al. "Antibacterial activity of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids from Marrubium globosum ssp. libanoticum." Phytother. Res. 2007 Apr; 21(4): 395-7.
Idu, M., et al., "Preliminary phytochemistry, antimicrobial properties and acute toxicity of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. leaves." Trends Med. Res. 2007; 2(4): 193-198.
Brasileiro, B., et al. "Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities screening of some Brazilian medicinal plants used in Governador Valadares district." Rev. Bras. Sci. Pharm. 2006; 42(2): 195–202.
Woradulayapinij, W., et al. "In vitro HIV type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities of Thai medicinal plants and Canna indica L. rhizomes," J. Ethnopharmcol. 2005; 101(1–3) 84–89.
Bermejo, P., et al. "Antiviral activity of seven iridoids, three saikosaponins and one phenylpropanoid glycoside extracted from Bupleurum rigidum and Scrophularia scorodonia." Planta Med. 2002; 68(2): 106-10.
Didry, N., et al. "Isolation and antibacterial activity of phenylpropanoid derivatives from Ballota nigra." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 67(2): 197-202.
Chariandy, C., et al. "Screening of medicinal plants from Trinidad and Tobago for antimicrobial and insecticidal properties." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 64(3): 265-70.
Antimalarial & Antiparasitic Actions:
Santos, B., et al. "Ethnopharmacology study of plants from Atlantic Forest with leishmanicidal activity." Evid. Based Complement. Alt. Med. 2019 Feb; 2019: 878091.
Maquiaveli, C., et al. "Antileishmanial activity of verbascoside: Selective arginase inhibition of intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis with resistance induced by LPS plus IFN-γ." Biochem. Pharmacol. 2017 Mar; 127: 28-33.
Maquiaveli, C., et al. "Stachytarpheta cayennensis extract inhibits promastigote and amastigote growth in Leishmania amazonensis via parasite arginase inhibition." 2016 Nov; 192: 108-113.
Chinwude, I., et al. "Antiplasmodial activity and some active compounds from Stachytarpheta cayennensis Vahl. (Verbenaceae) leaf fractions." Anti-Infective Agents. 2016; 14(2): 132-138.
Maquiaveli, C., et al. "Verbascoside inhibits promastigote growth and arginase activity of Leishmania amazonensis." J. Nat. Prod. 2016 May; 79(5): 1459-63.
Valdes, A., "In vitro antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of some selected Cuban medicinal plants." Rev. Instit. Med. Trop. 2010; 52(4): 197–201.
Putera, I. and Shazura, K. "Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effects of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl crude plant extracts." [Master dissertation], Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
2010.
Nazar, A., et al. "Screening of Indian coastal plant extracts for larvicidal activity of Culex quinquefasciatus." Ind. J. Sci. Tech. 2009; 2(3): 24–27.
Okokon, J., et al. "In vivo antimalarial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis." Indian J. Pharmacol. 2008 Jun; 40(3): 111-3.
Moreira, R., et al. "In vitro leishmanicidal effect of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl (Verbenaceae)." Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. 2007 Mar; 17(1): 59-63.
Kvist, L., et al. "Identification and evaluation of Peruvian plants used to treat malaria and leishmaniasis." J. Ethnopharmacol 2006; 106: 390-402.
Chariandy, C., et al. "Screening of medicinal plants from Trinidad and Tobago for antimicrobial and insecticidal properties." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 64(3): 265-70.
Alice, C., et al. "Screening of plants used in south Brazilian folk medicine." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1991; 35: 165-71.
Robinson, R., et al. "Inactivation of Strongyloides stercoralis filariform larvae in vitro by six Jamaican plant extracts and three commercial anthelmintics." West Indian Med J. 1990
Dec; 39(4): 213-7.
Sedative & Anti-anxiety Actions:
Razavi, B., et al. "Anti-anxiety and hypnotic effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Lippia citriodora leaves and verbascoside in mice." Avicenna J. Phytomed. 2017 Jul-Aug; 7(4): 353–365.
Olayiwola, G., et al. "Sedative and anxiolytic effects of the extracts of the leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis in mice." Afr. J. Tradit. Complement. Altern. Med. 2013 Oct; 10(6): 568-79.
Cardiotonic, Hypotensive, & Cholesterol Lowering Actions:
Tian, X., et al. "Delineation of platelet activation pathway of scutellarein revealed its intracellular target as protein kinase C." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2016; 39(2): 181-91.
Ikewuchi, C., et al. "Alteration of plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices by Stachytarpheta jamaicensis L. (Vahl)." Biochemistry 2009; 21(2): 71-77.
Ikewuchi, J., et al. "Time course of the effect Stachytarpheta jamaicensis L. (Vahl.) on plasma sodium and potassium levels of normal rabbits." J. Appl. Sci. Res. 2009; 5(10) 1741–1743.
Idu, M., et al. "Some cardiovascular effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Stachytarpeta jamaicensis L. Vahl." Int. J. Pharmacol. 2006; 2: 163-165.
Zhou, J., et al. "Ventricular remodeling by scutellarein treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats." Chin. Med. J. (Engl.). 2002; 115(3): 375-77.
Pennacchio, M., et al. "Mechanism of action of verbascoside on the isolated rat heart: increases in level of prostacyclin." Phytother. Res. 1999; 13(3): 254-55.
Toxicity / Safety Studies:
Etemad, L., et al. "Teratogenic effect of verbascoside, main constituent of Lippia citriodora leaves, in mice." Iran J. Pharm. Res. 2016 Spring; 15(2): 521-5.
Ogie-Odia, E., et al. "Effects of dose-related levels of powdered Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Vahl leaves on body weight and liver functions of albino rats." Researcher. 2009 Jan; 1(4): 50–55.
Idu, M., et al., "Preliminary phytochemistry, antimicrobial properties and acute toxicity of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. leaves." Trends Med. Res. 2007; 2(4): 193-198.
Idu, M., et al., "Effect of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis L. (Vahl.) on Wistar rats: serum biochemistry and ultrasonography." J. Med. Sci. 2006; 6(4) 646–649.
Ataman, J., et al. "Histopathologic effects of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl onWistar rats." Pak. J. Bio. Sci. 2006; 9(3): 477–482.
Akanmu, M., et al. "Acute toxicity and sleepwake EEG analysis of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (verbenaceae) in rodents." Afr. J. Trad. Compl. Alt. Med. 2005; 2: 222-32.
Reviews:
Liew, P., et al. "Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl: from traditional usage to pharmacological evidence." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2016; 2016: 7842340.
Alipieva, K., "Verbascoside--a review of its occurrence, (bio)synthesis and pharmacological significance." Biotechnol. Adv. 2014 Nov; 32(6): 1065-76.
de Morais Lima, G., et al. "Database survey of anti-inflammatory plants in South America: A review." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011; 12(4): 2692–2749.