An Ethnobotanical and Phyto-Pharmacological Review on a Multifaceted Ornate Flowering Plant ‘Thunbergia erecta’

Thunbergia erecta (Benth) T. Anderson (Meyenia erecta Benth) is an important therapeutic and medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. Commonly called bush clock vine, king's mantel, potato bush, Nil Kantha, which is native to western Africa but commonly cultivated in India and other Asian countries. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its bright flowers and is cultivated widely in the tropics. It is a decent source of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, iridoids, and glucosides. Traditionally, it is used for treating bile disorders, insomnia, and depression, as a medicine given to children against worms and as an ingredient of headache poultice. The studies encompassed in this review have been designated using numerous databases, including Google Scholar, Pubmed, Wiley, Online Library, and Science Direct and covered the period from 1863 onwards. Several studies demonstrated the exploration of the pharmacological potential of various parts of plants for anthelminthic, anxiolytic, sedative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticholinesterases and antiaging agents. The Thunbergia erecta plants possess potential pharmacological activity. The objective of the current review article is to put forward all relevant published information regarding ethnobotanical studies, traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic potential, and other adequate background information on T. erecta that will contribute to establishing the validity of the plant for its commercial usage.