Abstract

ACANTHACEAE: TAXONOMY AND USES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL SYSTEM

Alka Sharma and Ashwani Kumar*

Abstract

Acanthaceae family is derived from the Scrophulariaceae or stocks ancestral to them. Hutchinson considered it as the most advanced family of his Personales. The family includes large number of ornamentals and has high therapeutic applications mainly due to alkaloids present in the leaves. Taxonomic Considerations (Phylogeny): Acanthaceae is divided into two subfamilies depending upon the presence or absence of jaculators, i.e. the curved retinacula which support the seeds. Justicia adhatoda (L.) Nees (family Acanthaceae) is a shrub widespread throughout the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. This plant has great medicinal value.

Keywords: Acanthaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Justicia adathoda, Traditional medicines. Antimicrobial activity.