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Bhavdiya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research, Faizabad.
Calacanthus grandiflorus is an endemic medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae and distributed mainly in the Western Ghats of India. The plant has gained scientific attention because of its rich phytochemical profile and promising biological activities. Although studies on the plant remain limited, recent phytochemical investigations have demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, iridoids, terpenoids, steroids, and fatty acids in different plant parts including roots. Traditionally, the roots of C. grandiflorus have been employed in indigenous systems of medicine for inflammatory disorders, wound healing, microbial infections, and general health improvement. Modern investigations have indicated antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory properties, supporting several traditional claims. The present review compiles available information regarding botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicological aspects, and future research opportunities associated with Calacanthus grandiflorus root. The review emphasizes the necessity for detailed pharmacognostic standardization, bioactivity-guided isolation, mechanistic pharmacology, and clinical investigations for the development of novel therapeutic agents from this underexplored medicinal species.
Medicinal plants continue to serve as an important source of therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Approximately 80% of the world’s population relies partially on traditional medicine systems for primary healthcare. Plants belonging to the family Acanthaceae are particularly recognized for their broad pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.[1-2]
Among the lesser explored members of Acanthaceae, Calacanthus grandiflorus has emerged as a promising medicinal species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Recent phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of several biologically active metabolites including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, iridoids, glycosides, terpenes, and fatty acids.[3]
The roots of medicinal plants are important reservoirs of secondary metabolites because they participate in defense mechanisms, nutrient storage, and environmental adaptation. Root-derived phytoconstituents frequently exhibit potent biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties.[4] Despite the medicinal significance of C. grandiflorus, comprehensive scientific reviews focusing specifically on its roots remain unavailable. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize available literature on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic prospects of Calacanthus grandiflorus root.[5]
2. Taxonomy and Botanical Classification
|
Taxonomic Rank |
Classification [6-7] |
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Division |
Magnoliophyta |
|
Class |
Magnoliopsida |
|
Order |
Lamiales |
|
Family |
Acanthaceae |
|
Genus |
Calacanthus |
|
Species |
Calacanthus grandiflorus (Dalzell) Radlk. |
3. Botanical Description
Calacanthus grandiflorus is a perennial shrub characterized by broad leaves, tubular flowers, and woody stems. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climatic conditions of the Western Ghats.[8] Calacanthus grandiflorus is a rare perennial shrub belonging to the family Acanthaceae and is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. The plant is mainly distributed in moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forest regions where it grows under humid tropical climatic conditions.[9]
Morphological Characteristics [10-11]
The roots are generally collected during mature growth stages when phytochemical accumulation is highest.
4. Geographical Distribution [12]
The plant is endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. It is predominantly found in:
The species grows in moist deciduous forests and shaded mountainous regions.
5. Ethnomedicinal Uses of Calacanthus grandiflorus Root [13]
Traditional healers and tribal communities have used the roots of C. grandiflorus for several medicinal purposes. Although documentation is limited, ethnobotanical observations suggest the following applications: [14-15]
|
Traditional Use |
Possible Therapeutic Relevance |
|
Root paste for wounds |
Wound healing and antimicrobial activity |
|
Decoction for inflammatory disorders |
Anti-inflammatory action |
|
Use in fever |
Antipyretic effect |
|
General tonic |
Adaptogenic and antioxidant effects |
|
Gastrointestinal ailments |
Antimicrobial and digestive support |
Plants of the Acanthaceae family are widely recognized in folk medicine for treating infections, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, and metabolic diseases. [16]
6. Phytochemistry of Calacanthus grandiflorus Root
Phytochemical investigations have demonstrated that C. grandiflorus contains a diverse range of secondary metabolites. Recent analytical studies using RP-HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-MS confirmed the presence of several phenolic and bioactive compounds. [17]
6.1 Major Phytochemical Classes
6.1.1 Phenolic Compounds [18]
Phenolics are major antioxidant constituents responsible for scavenging free radicals.
Identified compounds include:
6.1.2 Flavonoids [19]
Flavonoids exhibit:
6.1.3 Iridoids [20]
Iridoids are characteristic compounds in several Acanthaceae plants and are associated with:
6.1.4 Glycosides
Phenylethanoid glycosides such as verbascoside were detected and are known for:
6.1.5 Terpenoids and Steroids
Terpenes and phytosterols contribute to:
6.1.6 Fatty Acids
GC-MS analysis demonstrated the presence of bioactive fatty acids that may contribute to anti-inflammatory activity.
7. Extraction Methods Used for Root Constituents [21]
Different solvents influence phytochemical extraction efficiency.
|
Solvent |
Major Compounds Extracted |
|
Methanol |
Phenolics and flavonoids |
|
Ethanol |
Glycosides and antioxidants |
|
Acetone |
High phenolic extraction |
|
Aqueous extract |
Polar constituents |
Studies reported acetone and methanol extracts to possess stronger antioxidant activity.
8. Pharmacological Activities
8.1 Antioxidant Activity
Oxidative stress contributes to aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Extracts of C. grandiflorus demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in DPPH and related radical scavenging assays. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. The roots of Calacanthus grandiflorus contain high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). [22]
The antioxidant effect is mainly attributed to:
Proposed Mechanisms [23]
Important Antioxidant Constituents
These compounds help protect biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative injury.
8.2 Antidiabetic Activity
The plant exhibited inhibitory activity against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes such as:
Based on current preclinical studies, C. grandiflorus root shows promising antidiabetic activity, though human data is still lacking. Here’s what the literature reports: [24]
Mechanism
8.3 Anti-inflammatory Activity [25]
The presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds indicates potential anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is involved in numerous pathological conditions including arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Root extracts may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects due to flavonoids, terpenoids, and iridoid glycosides.
Possible Mechanisms [26]
Therapeutic Relevance
Plants from the Acanthaceae family are widely reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects.
8.4 Antimicrobial Activity [27]
Root extracts may exhibit antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The root contains phytochemicals capable of inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth. Phenolics and tannins may disrupt microbial cell walls and interfere with essential microbial enzymes.
Potential Antimicrobial Actions [28]
Possible Therapeutic Applications
The antimicrobial potential may be useful against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
8.5 Neuroprotective Potential [29]
Enzyme inhibitory studies indicated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in related investigations. Such activity may indicate future applications in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are associated with oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation. Bioactive constituents present in the roots may provide neuroprotective effects.
Proposed Mechanisms
Possible Applications
8.6 Hepatoprotective Potential [30]
Phenolic antioxidants and flavonoids may protect hepatic tissues from oxidative injury and toxin-mediated damage. The liver is highly susceptible to oxidative and toxic damage. Antioxidants present in the root may protect hepatocytes against free radical-mediated injury.
Mechanisms
Potential Uses
9. Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action [31]
|
Phytoconstituent |
Mechanism |
|
Flavonoids |
Free radical scavenging |
|
Phenolics |
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory |
|
Iridoids |
Immunomodulatory effects |
|
Glycosides |
Enzyme inhibition |
|
Terpenoids |
Membrane stabilization |
|
Steroids |
Anti-inflammatory action |
10. Pharmacognostic Standardization [32]
Future standardization parameters should include:
Such standardization is necessary for quality control and herbal drug development.
11. Toxicological Evaluation [33]
Currently, toxicological data regarding C. grandiflorus root remain insufficient. Preliminary studies on related medicinal plants from Acanthaceae suggest low toxicity at therapeutic doses; however, detailed investigations are required.
Required Toxicological Studies
12. Therapeutic Applications and Pharmaceutical Potential
Potential applications include:
The plant may also serve as a valuable source for lead molecule discovery.
13. Future Biomedical Research Directions[34]
Future studies should focus on:
Advanced techniques such as:
can further elucidate the therapeutic potential of the root.
CONCLUSION
C. grandiflorus root holds considerable promise as a source of therapeutic agents due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. Traditional claims are partly supported by preclinical evidence. Further phytochemical and clinical studies are warranted to develop it into a standardized herbal drug. The root of Calacanthus grandiflorus represents a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals with broad biomedical applications. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and wound healing activities highlight its potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development. Although preliminary findings are encouraging, extensive experimental and clinical studies are still required to validate efficacy, safety, and therapeutic mechanisms. The plant may ultimately emerge as an important natural source for the development of novel phytotherapeutic agents and functional healthcare products.
REFERENCES
Dr. Sanjay Kushwaha, Priyanshu Gupta, Calacanthus grandiflorus Root: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Future Therapeutic Potential, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 5, 6282-6290, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20354402
10.5281/zenodo.20354402