Clinacanthus nutans (female plant)

Clinacanthus nutans (female plant)

Product Name: Ликопус двудомный, Clinacanthus nutans, Belalai gajah, Hierba de serpiente de Sabah, Herbe de serpent de Sabah, عشب الأفعى صباح, เสลดพังพอนตัวเมีย, Belalai gajah, Белалай гажах, Белалай гажах, Белалай гажах, Белалай гажах, Sabah gyvatės žolė, Sabah čūsku zāle, Белалай гажах, Белалай гажах, עשב נחש סבה

Synonyms: Сабахская змеиная трава, Sabah snake grass, Sabahrankenkraut, Hierba de serpiente de Sabah, Herbe de serpent de Sabah, عشب الأفعى صباح, เสลดพังพอน, Clinacanthus burmanni, Clinacanthus siamensis, Justicia nutans, Justicia fulgida

Parts Used: stems, leaves, flowers

Main Indications for the Use of Clinacanthus nutans: herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatoses, type 2 diabetes, chronic hepatitis B, inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Use of Clinacanthus nutans in Mixtures and Complexes: malignant neoplasms of the liver, stomach, cervix, breast, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infections of the urinary tract.

Pharmacological Properties of Clinacanthus nutans: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, wound-healing, hepatoprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Clinacanthus nutans

Powder — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Powder): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatitis, chronic hepatitis B, type 2 diabetes.

Standard Dosage (Powder): oral administration of 1.5–2 grams of powder 2 times a day after meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): oral administration of 2.5 grams 3 times a day after meals for acute manifestations of herpetic infection, human papillomavirus, chronic hepatitis B.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): up to 3 grams 3 times a day for severe forms of shingles, pronounced inflammatory dermatitis, exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B, course no more than 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once a day in the morning for 14 days every 2 months for chronic hepatitis B in remission, in patients with frequent herpes recurrences, in persons with prediabetic conditions.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children from 7 years of age and weighing from 25 kg — 0.5 grams 2 times a day after meals; for children under 7 years of age and weighing less than 25 kg — safety data are not registered.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose — nausea, diarrhea, abdominal spasms.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — dosage reduction by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — dosage increase by 15%.

Preparation Method (Powder): take fresh leaves and stems of the plant — 500 grams, rinse under running water, air dry, remove damaged parts, dry in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 40 °C until constant weight, grind in a mill to a powdery state, sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 mm, package in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, humidity not above 60%, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life 12 months; after opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Dry Extract): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatitis, chronic hepatitis B, type 2 diabetes, oncological diseases of the liver, cervix, breast as part of complex therapy.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): oral administration of 500 mg of dry extract 2 times a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): oral administration of 1 gram 2 times a day for pronounced clinical manifestations of herpetic infection, human papillomavirus, chronic hepatitis B.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): up to 1.5 grams 2 times a day for severe forms of viral skin infections and chronic viral hepatitis, course no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 mg once a day in the morning for 14 days every 2 months for patients with chronic hepatitis B in remission, recurrent herpes.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children from 12 years of age and weighing from 40 kg — 250 mg once a day; for children under 12 years of age — safety data are not registered.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): for body weight below 60 kg — dosage reduction by 15%; for body weight above 90 kg — dosage increase by 10%.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): take dry plant material — leaves and stems 300 grams, grind, pour 70% ethanol in a raw material/solvent ratio of 1:5, extract at a temperature of 40 °C for 48 hours, filter, evaporate the solvent in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until a thick mass is obtained, then dry in a vacuum drying cabinet to obtain a dry extract, grind and sift. The organic solvent is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. The control indicator for solvent removal is the complete disappearance of the odor. Permissible residual content — not more than 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–20 °C, in a tightly closed container, away from heat sources and EMI; shelf life 24 months; after opening the package, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Tincture): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, chronic hepatitis B, inflammatory dermatitis, type 2 diabetes, bacterial skin infections.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): oral administration of 20 drops 2 times a day after meals, pre-diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): oral administration of 25 drops 3 times a day for acute manifestations of herpetic infection, human papillomavirus, chronic hepatitis B.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for severe forms of shingles and exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B, course no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day for 10 days every 3 months in patients with chronic hepatitis B in remission, recurrent herpes.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children from 14 years of age — 10 drops 2 times a day; for children under 14 years of age, safety data are not registered.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, liver diseases in the decompensation stage, alcohol dependence; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose — nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): for body weight below 60 kg — dosage reduction by 15%; for body weight above 90 kg — dosage increase by 10%.

Preparation Method (Tincture): take dry leaves and stems — 200 grams, grind, pour 40% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5, infuse in a glass container at a temperature of 18–22 °C for 14 days, shaking daily, filter, pour into dark glass vials. The organic solvent is used only for extraction and is a component of the finished preparation in this form, but the ethanol concentration must strictly comply with pharmacopoeial standards for tinctures.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, tightly sealed, away from heat sources and EMI; shelf life 24 months; after opening, use within 6 months.

Ointment — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Ointment): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, first and second degree burns.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply in a thin layer to the affected area of the skin 2 times a day, course 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply in a thin layer 3 times a day during the active phase of herpetic infection, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatoses.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 4 times a day for severe manifestations of shingles and first-degree burns, course no more than 10 days with increased frequency of application.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once a day to areas of skin prone to frequent herpes recurrences, for 7 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): topical use is allowed in children from 3 years of age — once a day; safety data for children under 3 years of age are not registered.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, deep wounds and ulcers with an active purulent process; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose — local irritation, erythema, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation Method (Ointment): prepare a methanolic extract from dry leaves and stems — 20 grams of extract, mix with coconut oil — 75 grams and beeswax — 5 grams, heat in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the wax is completely melted, mix thoroughly, pour into sterile jars and cool. The organic solvent is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. Completely remove methanol by vacuum evaporation at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the odor disappears. Permissible residual content — not more than 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in a tightly closed container, in a dark place at a temperature of 10–20 °C, away from heat sources and EMI; shelf life 12 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Cream — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Cream): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatitis, first-degree burns, post-inflammatory skin hyperpigmentation, dryness and peeling of the skin in chronic dermatoses.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin 2 times a day, course 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply in a thin layer 3 times a day for pronounced symptoms of herpetic infection, human papillomavirus, inflammatory dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 times a day for extensive skin lesions in shingles, first-degree burns, course no more than 7–10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once a day to areas of skin prone to recurrences of herpetic infection or inflammatory dermatoses, for 7 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): topical use is allowed in children from 3 years of age — once a day; safety data for children under 3 years of age are not registered.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance, open deep wounds and purulent processes on the skin; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose — local irritation, erythema, itching, skin peeling.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation Method (Cream): prepare a dry ethanol extract from leaves and stems — 15 grams, completely remove ethanol in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the odor disappears, dissolve the extract in 40 grams of coconut oil, prepare an emulsion from 35 grams of distilled water, 8 grams of emulsifier (e.g., beeswax), heat both phases to 45–50 °C, combine with constant stirring until a homogeneous mass is obtained, cool and package into sterile jars. Permissible residual solvent content — not more than 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a hermetically sealed container at a temperature of 5–15 °C, away from heat sources, light, and EMI; shelf life 9 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Balm — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Balm): herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, inflammatory dermatitis, first-degree burns, insect bites, skin cracks, dryness and peeling of the skin in chronic dermatoses.

Standard Dosage (Balm): apply in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin 2 times a day, course 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Balm): apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin processes, herpetic infection, shingles, first-degree burns.

Maximum Dosage (Balm): apply up to 4 times a day for severe itching, extensive rashes in shingles and inflammatory dermatoses, course no more than 7 days with increased frequency of application.

Preventive Dosage (Balm): apply once a day to areas of skin prone to recurrences of herpetic infection or inflammatory dermatoses, for 5 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Balm): topical use is allowed in children from 3 years of age — once a day; safety data for children under 3 years of age are not registered.

Contraindications (Balm): individual intolerance, deep wounds, active purulent processes; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Balm): in case of overdose — local irritation, erythema, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Balm): not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation Method (Balm): prepare an oil extract from fresh leaves — 30 grams of dry extract, completely remove the organic solvent (ethanol or methanol) by vacuum evaporation at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the odor disappears, mix with 60 grams of coconut oil and 10 grams of beeswax, heat in a water bath until the wax is completely melted, stir until homogeneous, cool and package. Permissible residual solvent content — not more than 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Balm): store in a hermetically sealed container at a temperature of 10–20 °C, in a dark place, away from heat sources and EMI; shelf life 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Soap — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Soap): treatment of skin rashes, burns, rash, acne, skin hyperpigmentation, hereditary dermatoses, skin irritation.

Standard Dosage (Soap): use as soap for daily washing twice a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Soap): apply three times a day for pronounced inflammatory and herpetic skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Soap): use up to four times a day for acute symptoms, course no more than 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Soap): use once a day every month for a week if prone to dermatological recurrences.

Pediatric Dosage (Soap): allowed from 3 years of age, once a day; data for children under 3 years of age are not registered.

Contraindications (Soap): individual intolerance to ingredients; contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not registered.

Side Effects (Soap): with excessive use — dryness, irritation, skin peeling.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Soap): not required — form for external use.

Preparation Method (Soap): take dry extract of Clinacanthus nutans — 10 g, mix with coconut oil — 80 ml, olive oil — 10 ml; melt in a water bath at a temperature up to 50 °C, add soap base (e.g., vegetable Castile soap) — 100 g, mix thoroughly, pour into molds and cool until solidified. The organic solvent, if used at the extraction stage, must be completely removed — evaporation at a temperature ≤ 50 °C until the odor disappears, residual content ≤ 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Soap): store at a temperature of 15–25 °C, away from direct light and EMI; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 6 months.

Oil Infusion — Clinacanthus nutans

Indications (Oil Infusion): herpetic infection of the skin, inflammatory dermatitis, muscle and joint pain, insect bites.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): lubricate the affected areas 1–2 times a day with gentle massage.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply 3 times a day for pronounced inflammation or herpetic lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): use up to 4 times a day for severe pain or inflammatory symptoms, course up to 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply once a day to areas with recurrences every 1–2 months for 5 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): allowed from 3 years of age, once a day; no data for under 3 years of age.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, open purulent wounds; contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in early childhood are not registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): with excessive use — irritation, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): not required — topical use.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): take dry extract of Clinacanthus nutans — 20 g, pour with coconut oil — 100 ml, heat in a water bath to 45 °C, leave to infuse for 24 hours, then filter. If an organic solvent was used, it must be completely removed — evaporation at ≤ 50 °C until the odor disappears, residual content ≤ 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a tightly closed container, in a dark, cool place at 10–20 °C; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Clinacanthus nutans

Acute toxicity studies of Clinacanthus nutans in animal models showed no fatalities even at high dosages. Intragastric administration of the aqueous extract at a dose of up to 8,000 mg/kg body weight in rats did not cause signs of toxicity, behavioral changes, or histopathological organ abnormalities. The LD₅₀ value for the aqueous extract exceeds 8,000 mg/kg body weight, indicating extremely low acute toxicity and a high safety profile with traditional use.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics — Clinacanthus nutans

Clinacanthus nutans is characterized by a wide range of pharmacodynamic effects due to a complex of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, glycosides, chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. The plant exhibits a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect associated with the modulation of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, and the suppression of the activity of enzymes involved in the inflammatory reaction (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase). This is accompanied by a decrease in the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which helps reduce the inflammatory response both locally and systemically.

The antioxidant activity of Clinacanthus nutans is realized through the neutralization of reactive oxygen species and the suppression of lipid peroxidation processes, which contributes to the protection of cell membranes, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage. The flavonoids and polyphenols of the plant can activate antioxidant enzyme systems, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, providing long-term tissue protection.

The immunomodulatory effect is expressed in the stimulation of the activity of phagocytes, natural killers, and the modulation of the functional activity of T- and B-lymphocytes. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, an increase in the production of interferons and other mediators of innate immunity was noted. These properties support the overall immune status of the body and may be important in the regulation of inflammatory and infectious processes.

The antimicrobial effect of Clinacanthus nutans is manifested against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. It is assumed that the mechanism is associated with the disruption of the integrity of pathogen cell membranes, inhibition of the synthesis of their nucleic acids and proteins, as well as changes in the metabolism of microorganisms.

Topical application of Clinacanthus nutans extracts is accompanied by accelerated reparative processes in the skin and mucous membranes. This is associated with improved microcirculation, stimulation of fibroblast and epithelial cell proliferation, as well as increased synthesis of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.

The effect on the nervous system has been studied to a limited extent, but individual components of the plant may have a mild sedative and neuroprotective effect, probably through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on neurons and glial cells.

The complex effect of Clinacanthus nutans on the immune, skin, digestive, and nervous systems is confirmed by experimental and clinical studies, which allows the plant to be classified as a multi-purpose phytopharmacological agent with pronounced biological activity at the systemic and local levels.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacokinetics — Clinacanthus nutans

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Clinacanthus nutans are limited, but based on the study of related groups of compounds and dosage forms, the main characteristics can be identified. Upon oral administration, active substances, including flavonoids and polyphenols, undergo absorption in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption of flavonoids and polyphenols occurs mainly in the small intestine with the participation of specific transport proteins and partly by passive diffusion. Bioavailability may depend on the form of the preparation: powders and aqueous extracts are absorbed more slowly compared to alcoholic and oil extracts.

With transdermal application (ointment, cream, balm, oil infusion), the penetration of active substances through the skin is ensured by lipophilic components, primarily coconut oil and wax, which increase the solubility and permeability of flavonoids. Absorption through mucous membranes (e.g., the oral cavity) occurs faster due to high vascularization and the absence of a first-pass effect through the liver.

The distribution of active substances after absorption primarily affects the liver, kidneys, skin, mucous membranes, and spleen, which is associated with a high content of blood capillaries and the active metabolic activity of these organs. Plant polysaccharides may exert a local effect in the intestine, interacting with the microbiota and stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

The metabolism of active compounds occurs mainly in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, conjugation with glucuronic and sulfuric acids, which increases their solubility and facilitates excretion. Some metabolites retain biological activity and may have a prolonged effect.

Excretion of metabolites occurs mainly in the bile and urine, to a lesser extent — through the skin and lungs. In the case of transdermal application, the main part of the active components acts locally, and systemic excretion is minimal.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Clinacanthus nutans

The pharmacological activity of Clinacanthus nutans is due to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, chlorogenic acids, triterpenes, sterols, and polysaccharides. These compounds affect a number of key biological targets and signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through the suppression of the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which leads to a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and a reduction in the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Additionally, some plant flavonoids block the MAPK and JAK/STAT cascades, which modulates the cellular response of macrophages and neutrophils, reducing the intensity of inflammation.

The antioxidant activity of C. nutans is associated with the direct scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as with the induction of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) through the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. This provides protection for lipid membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids from oxidative stress and stabilizes cellular structures.

The antimicrobial effect is associated with the disruption of the integrity of bacterial and fungal membranes due to the binding of polyphenols to cell wall proteins, which leads to increased permeability and disruption of osmotic balance. Plant extracts are also capable of inhibiting viral genome replication by affecting viral proteins and blocking virion assembly.

The immunomodulatory effect of C. nutans is manifested in the enhancement of natural killer cell activity, stimulation of phagocytosis, and increased production of interferons. At the cellular level, this is associated with increased expression of MHC class I and II molecules, which improves antigen presentation. The effect on endothelial cells is accompanied by improved microcirculation and reduced platelet aggregation, which indirectly increases the reparative potential of tissues.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Synergy — Clinacanthus nutans

Extracts of Clinacanthus nutans demonstrate confirmed synergy with a number of plant and natural compounds, enhancing its biological activity. Combined use with Curcuma longa (turmeric) and its active component curcumin potentiates the anti-inflammatory effect due to combined inhibition of NF-κB and COX-2, as well as an additive antioxidant effect due to the total increase in the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes.

In combination with Andrographis paniculata (creat), potentiation of the immunomodulatory effect is observed, which is associated with coordinated stimulation of phagocytosis and increased production of interferons, as well as modulation of the MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling cascades.

The combination of C. nutans with flavonoid-containing plants such as Camellia sinensis (tea) demonstrates an additive antioxidant effect based on the total ability to scavenge free radicals and suppress lipid peroxidation.

Interaction with lipophilic carriers such as coconut oil not only increases the transdermal permeability of active components but also enhances their local anti-inflammatory and reparative action by improving solubility and penetration through the lipid barrier of the skin.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Clinacanthus nutans

Clinacanthus nutans has a broad ethnobotanical history of use in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In traditional Thai medicine, the plant is known as "เสลดพังพอนตัวเมีย" and is used mainly in the form of fresh or crushed leaves, juice, aqueous and alcoholic infusions, as well as in the form of ointments and compresses. Leaves are often ground to a paste and applied to the skin; the juice is used to moisten gauze bandages. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is used in the form of decoctions and macerates, sometimes mixed with other plants for a complex effect.

Historical mentions of the plant are found in ancient Thai herbalists from the Rattanakosin period (late 18th – 19th century), where C. nutans appears as a remedy for external and internal use. In some ethnocultural traditions of the peoples of central and northern Thailand, the plant was classified as a "herb of strength", used in rituals of dwelling purification and amulets against unkind influences. In some rural communities in Laos and Cambodia, the leaves of the plant were chewed or applied to the body in rituals aimed at restoring harmony and energy balance.

In the folklore of Malay peoples, Clinacanthus nutans is sometimes mentioned as a protective plant that was planted near the house to guard against evil spirits. In the traditions of the Moro people of the southern Philippines, it is mentioned as part of ritual potions used in purification ceremonies before hunting or important family events. Non-medical use included the use of fresh leaves in rituals for blessing newborns and as part of offerings in religious ceremonies.

Thus, C. nutans represents an important element of folk medical and cultural practices in Southeast Asia, combining utilitarian and symbolic significance in everyday life and ritual.