From Ethnomedicine to Modern Biomedical Pursuits: A Review on Clinacanthus nutans

Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans), a member of the Acanthaceae family, is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Singapore. Commonly known as Sabah snake grass, it has been traditionally used to treat insect bites, skin rashes, herpes infections, inflammation, and certain types of cancer. Rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids, C. nutans exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Notably, it modulates cancer-related pathways, such as Bcl-2 and p53, and has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, highlighting its potential in cancer therapy. Its anti-inflammatory properties stem from the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, offering promise in managing chronic inflammatory diseases. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of C. nutans, warranting further research for the development of novel plant-based treatments.