A review on critically endangered species of Acanthacea: <em>Justicia beddomei </em>(Clarke) bennet: An immune booster

Abstract

Justicia beddomei (Clarke) Bennet, a member of Acanthaceae, is endemic to the Southern Western Ghats. This plant shows remarkable similarities with J. adhatoda L., and the only morphological difference is the smaller size of both leaves and inflorescence. J. beddomei has an abundance of phytochemicals and widely used in traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. The phytochemicals present in the spewcies possess immense anti-bacterial, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, analgesic, antioxidant activities. Vasicoline, a major phytochemical proved for the treatment for Covid 19. At present, the plant is listed under IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered category. Protecting species from extinction, enhancing ecosystem services and protecting biological diversity are important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The review reveals the importance of conservation of this plant for the fitness of the ecosystem and the development of traditional medicine for the future.