Hemigraphis alternata / Hemigraphis colorata

Hemigraphis alternata (Burm.f.) T.Anderson
Synonym: Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) Hallier f., Blechum cordatum, Ruellia alternate, Ruellia blumeana,
Family:  Acanthaceae

This is a prostrate herb with rooting branches, opposite broad cordate and toothed leaves and terminal heads of small white flowers. The leaves are 6 to 10 cm long and shimmering silvery violet underneath red purple. It is claimed in folk medicine that the plant has very good wound healing activity. The wound contraction and epithelialisation were faster in H. colorata leaf paste applied mice when compared to control. However, in contrast to topical application, oral administration of the leaf suspension, daily at a dose of 1 g/kg (wet weight) did not influence excision wound healing. Parts used: Leaves [Herbal Cures: Traditional Approach]

Used to promote urination, check hemorrhages, stop dysentery, treat venereal diseases, and to heal hemorrhoids. [Medicinal Plants of The Aisa-Pacific: Drugs for The Future?]

7 Published articles of Hemigraphis colorata / Hemigraphis alternata
1. Review on pharmacological activity of Hemigraphis colorata (Blume)
H. G. Hallier. Priya, M. D.
International Journal of Herbal Medicine  Volume: 1   Issue: 3   Pages: 120-121   Published: 2013

2. Evaluation of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity potential of Hemigraphis colorata.
Akhil, T. T.; Punieethaa Prabhu
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJPSR)  Volume: 4   Issue: 9   Pages: 3477-3483   Published: 2013

3. Ethyl acetate extract of Hemigraphis colorata leaves shows anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties and inhibits 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 enzymes.
Kashyap, A. K.; Reddy, N. P.; Chaitanya, R. K.; et al.
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research  Volume: 7   Issue: 37   Pages: 2783-2791   Published: 2013

4. Anti-bacterial studies on Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) HG Hallier and Elephantopus scaber L.
Anitha, Vimala Thankappan; Antonisamy, Johnson Marimuthu; Jeeva, Solomon
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE  Volume: 5   Issue: 1   Pages: 52-57   Published: JAN 2012

5. Effect of Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H. G. Hallier leaf on wound healing and inflammation in mice
Subramoniam, A.; Evans, D. A.; Rajasekharan, S.; et al.
Indian Journal of Pharmacology  Volume: 33   Issue: 4   Pages: 283-285   Published: August, 2001

6. Biochemical properties of Hemigraphis alternata incorporated chitosan hydrogel scaffold
Annapoorna, M.; Kumar, P. T. Sudheesh; Lakshman, Lakshmi R.; et al.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS  Volume: 92   Issue: 2   Pages: 1561-1565   Published: FEB 15 2013

7. In vitro evaluation of wound healing property of Hemigraphis alternata (Burm. F) t. Anders using fibroblast and endothelial cells.
Edwin, B. T.; Nair, P. D.
Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia  Volume: 8   Issue: 1   Pages: 185-193   Published: 2011