Thunbergia coccinea (Acanthaceae) Scarlet Clock Vine, Bengal Clock Vine, Akash-Lota

Quick Overview:

Thunbergia coccinea is a striking ornamental vine with emerging ethnomedicinal importance. Traditionally used in tribal communities, it is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. It is primarily employed to treat joint pain, fever, skin infections, and digestive ailments, though scientific validation is in its early stages.

1. Taxonomic Insights

Species: Thunbergia coccinea Wall. ex D.Don

Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)

The Acanthaceae family is large and medicinally significant, comprising many species known for bioactive compounds, often used for inflammatory conditions, infections, and hepatoprotection. Members frequently contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides.

Related Herbs from the Same Family:

· Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh): A premier hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic herb.

· Justicia adhatoda (Vasaka): The quintessential respiratory herb for cough, bronchitis, and asthma.

· Barleria prionitis (Vajradanti): Used for dental disorders, inflammation, and fevers.

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2. Common Names

Scientific Name: Thunbergia coccinea | English: Scarlet Clock Vine, Bengal Trumpet Vine | Sanskrit: Not widely attested in classical texts; may be referred to as लतापुष्पी (Latapushpi) or रक्तपुष्पी (Raktapushpi) descriptively. | Hindi: लाल बंगन बेल (Lal Bangan Bel), अकाश लता (Akash Lata) | Assamese: ৰক্তমণি লতা (Raktamani Lata), সিন্দুৰী লতা (Sinduri Lata) | Bengali: কৃষ্ণচূড়া লতা (Krishnachura Lata), রক্তমনি লতা (Raktamoni Lata) | Manipuri: ꯀ꯭ꯔꯤꯁ꯭ꯅꯆꯨꯔꯥ (Krishnachura) | Mizo: Thinghmul hring | Khasi: Sohsyntien | Tamil: சிவப்பு துன்பெர்கியா (Sivappu Thunbergia) | Telugu: ఎరుపు తుంబెర్గియ (Eerupu Thumbergia) |

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3. Medicinal Uses

Primary Actions (based on traditional use): Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antipyretic, Wound Healing, Mild Antimicrobial.

Secondary Actions: Antioxidant, Astringent, Potential Hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Parts:

· Leaves: Most commonly used part, applied topically or consumed as juice/decoction.

· Stem/Bark: Used in decoctions.

· Root: Occasionally used in tribal formulations.

· Flowers: Sometimes used for ornamental and minor medicinal purposes.

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4. Phytochemicals Specific to the Plant and Their Action

(Note: Phytochemical research on T. coccinea is limited but inferred from related species and preliminary studies.)

· Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin derivatives): Expected to be present, contributing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

· Phenolic Glycosides: Common in Thunbergia genus, likely responsible for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

· Triterpenoids/Sterols: Probable presence, which would support wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions.

· Tannins: Impart astringent and antimicrobial properties, aiding in wound contraction and skin health.

· Alkaloids: May be present in trace amounts, potentially contributing to bioactivity.

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5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical Uses Covering the Medicinal Uses

Jwara (Fever) & Sotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from 8-10 fresh leaves is taken twice daily to reduce fever and internal inflammation.

Reasoning: Attributed to its presumed antipyretic and systemic anti-inflammatory compounds, similar to other Acanthaceae plants used for febrile conditions.

Sandhivata (Joint Pain) & Shotha (Swelling)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are warmed and crushed into a paste, then applied directly to swollen joints, rheumatic pain areas, or sprains. Sometimes mixed with a little mustard oil.

Reasoning: The topical application leverages direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic phytochemicals to reduce local pain and edema. The astringent tannins may help reduce swelling.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Infections)

Formulation: Leaf juice or paste.

Preparation & Use: The juice of crushed leaves is applied on fresh cuts, boils, and minor burns to prevent infection and promote healing. A paste is used for fungal skin infections and insect bites.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial (phenolics, tannins) and anti-inflammatory properties help cleanse the wound, reduce redness, and support tissue regeneration.

Agnimandya (Indigestion) & Yakrit Vikara (Liver Ailments)

Formulation: Leaf juice or weak tea.

Preparation & Use: In some traditions, a teaspoon of fresh leaf juice or a weak tea is consumed after meals for indigestion or used as a general liver tonic.

Reasoning: Bitter principles common in Acanthaceae may stimulate digestive juices. Antioxidant flavonoids may offer hepatoprotective support, though this is speculative for T. coccinea.

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6. Healing Recipes, Teas, Decoctions

Primarily a wild/ornamental plant used in folk preparations.

Basic Anti-inflammatory Decoction:

Purpose: For internal fever or inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 5-7 fresh T. coccinea leaves.

2. Boil in 1.5 cups of water until reduced to 1 cup.

3. Strain and drink warm once a day for short-term use.

Topical Analgesic Poultice:

Purpose: For joint or muscle pain.

Preparation & Use:

1. Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a coarse paste.

2. Warm the paste slightly (optional).

3. Apply directly to the affected area, cover with a clean cloth, and leave for 30-60 minutes. Wash off.

Simple Wound Wash:

Purpose: To clean minor cuts and abrasions.

Preparation & Use:

1. Boil two handfuls of leaves in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes.

2. Let it cool completely and strain.

3. Use the liquid to gently wash wounds 2-3 times daily.

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7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Thunbergia coccinea

Introduction

Thunbergia coccinea, the Scarlet Clock Vine, is a perennial climber native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia, admired for its pendulous racemes of bright red-orange flowers. While predominantly ornamental, it holds a reservoir of traditional knowledge among tribal communities in Northeast India (e.g., Khasi, Mizo, Assamese). Its medicinal use is almost entirely ethnobotanical, with modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies being sparse. Its therapeutic potential is hypothesized based on its family (Acanthaceae) profile and preliminary findings on related Thunbergia species (e.g., T. laurifolia, T. grandiflora).

1. Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds (Expected Primary Bioactives)

Likely Compounds: Flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, and their glycosides; phenolic acids like caffeic and chlorogenic acid.

Hypothesized Actions and Relevance:

· Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Flavonoids are potent inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene production. This would scientifically validate its traditional use for joint pain and swelling.

· Antioxidant: These compounds scavenge free radicals, protecting tissues from oxidative damage. This activity supports wound healing and may contribute to general anti-aging and hepatoprotective claims.

· Antipyretic: Flavonoids can influence the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, providing a rationale for its fever-reducing use.

2. Triterpenoids and Sterols

Likely Compounds: β-sitosterol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid.

Hypothesized Actions and Relevance:

· Wound Healing & Anti-inflammatory: Ursolic acid is well-known for promoting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, directly aiding wound contraction and healing. It also has strong topical anti-inflammatory effects.

· Immunomodulation: β-sitosterol can modulate immune responses, potentially explaining its broad use in infections and inflammatory states.

3. Tannins and Saponins

Likely Compounds: Gallotannins, ellagitannins; triterpenoid saponins.

Hypothesized Actions and Relevance:

· Antimicrobial & Astringent: Tannins precipitate proteins, creating a protective layer over wounds and mucous membranes, inhibiting microbial growth. This justifies its use for skin infections and diarrhea.

· Anti-irritant: Saponins can have surface-active, soothing properties.

An Integrated View of Healing in Thunbergia coccinea

· As a Topical Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The proposed synergy between flavonoids (like apigenin) and triterpenoids (like ursolic acid) makes a leaf poultice a logical multi-target intervention for localized inflammation. Flavonoids inhibit inflammatory mediators at the cellular level, while triterpenoids enhance tissue repair and provide additional anti-inflammatory action. This addresses both the pain (analgesia) and the swelling (anti-edema) observed in musculoskeletal complaints.

· For Fever and Systemic Inflammation: If consumed as a decoction, the flavonoids would act systemically. Their antipyretic action could help reset body temperature, while their antioxidant capacity would neutralize inflammatory toxins circulating during an infection. This positions it as a potential folk alternative to common antipyretic herbs, though far less studied.

· In Wound Management: The combined action of astringent tannins (which contract tissue and form a barrier), antimicrobial phenolics, and pro-healing triterpenoids creates a favorable environment for wound healing. It would help in hemostasis, prevent infection, and promote granulation tissue formation—a comprehensive, if traditional, first-aid approach.

· A Herb of Regional Folk Importance: Its use highlights the vast, under-documented pharmacopoeia of India's Northeast. It serves as a "local adaptation" of the anti-inflammatory principle, much like Houttuynia cordata is used in East Asia or Arnica in the West, but rooted in a specific biocultural context.

Conclusion: Thunbergia coccinea is a compelling example of an ornamental plant with latent ethnomedicinal value. Its traditional uses are consistent with the phytochemical profile expected of an Acanthaceae member. However, it remains a plant in need of rigorous scientific validation. Its current status is that of a folk medicine with promising biochemical prospects but unconfirmed clinical efficacy and safety profiles. Any medicinal use should be approached with caution, prioritizing topical application over internal use until more research is conducted. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the deep, often unrecorded, connections between people and local flora.

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Disclaimer:

The medicinal use of Thunbergia coccinea is not well-established in modern evidence-based herbalism. The information provided is based on ethnobotanical reports and preliminary family data. No clinical trials have confirmed its safety or efficacy. Internal use is not recommended due to a lack of safety data. Topical application may be tried for minor conditions but discontinue if irritation occurs. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with chronic health conditions. This monograph is for academic and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before considering its use.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Ethnomedicinal Plants of Northeast India by A.K. Das et al.

· Medicinal Plants of Assam by T.C. Sarma.

· Glory of Eastern Himalayas: Medicinal Plants (Vol. I-IV) - Regional publications.

· The Family Acanthaceae: Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry (Review articles in scientific journals).

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9. Further Study: Plants That Might Interest You Due to Similar Medicinal Properties

1. Clerodendrum viscosum (Bhat)

· Species: Clerodendrum viscosum | Family: Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) | Genus: Clerodendrum

· Similarities: Both are common shrubs/vines used widely in tribal medicine across Northeast India for fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. Both are prominent in folk practice but less so in classical systems.

2. Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod, Asthisamharaka)

· Species: Cissus quadrangularis | Family: Vitaceae | Genus: Cissus

· Similarities: Both are used as a primary treatment for musculoskeletal pain, swelling, and fractures. While Cissus is a well-researched bone-healer, Thunbergia shares the traditional application for joint pain and inflammation.

3. Leea macrophylla (Hastikarna, Dholsamudra)

· Species: Leea macrophylla | Family: Vitaceae | Genus: Leea

· Similarities: Both large-leaved plants are used in folk medicine for topical applications to wounds, swellings, and joint pain. They represent parallel discoveries in different plant families for similar local health needs.

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