Thunbergia Laurifolia as a Medication

Thunbergia laurifolia, a member of the Acanthus family, is commonly known as the blue trumpet vine, the purple allamanda, the laurel-leaved thunbergia, and the laurel clock vine. It is a climbing vine commonly cultivated for its large white and purple flowers as an ornamental plant. In addition, T. laurifolia has been used for many years as a medication for several ailments, and modern research seeks to uncover new uses for its medicinal properties.

History

• Thunbergia laurifolia is traditionally used as medicine in Malaysia and Thailand, where it is known as "akar tuau" and "rang jeud," respectively. In Malaysia, the leaf juice is used to treat menorrhagia in women and as a topical poultice. In Thailand, the plant is used as an antipyretic and antidote.

Detoxificant

• An infusion made from the leaves of T. laurifolia can be ingested as a detoxifying tea. Additionally, the leaf extract can protect against liver toxicity in alcoholics, and serve as a first-aid treatment for poisoning.

Antipyretic

• The leaves of the T. laurifolia contain compounds that can reduce fever. This antipyretic action has been harnessed in traditional Thai medicine for many years.

Diabetes Treatment

• According to Aritajat, et. al. or the Chiang Mai University in Thailand, Thunbergia laurifolia may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Rats with normal glycemic functioning and diabetic-like glycemic functioning were given a leaf extract of the plant. The extract was found to lower blood glucose levels in the rats and encourage re-growth of some insulin-producing cells.

Antioxidant

• The leaves of the T. laurifolia can be made into an infusion for tea. This tea is drunk for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are beneficial for cancer prevention because of their ability to eliminate free radicals and other oxidized agents from the body.