PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Strobilanthes crispus is a medicinal herb native to Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago, traditionally used for cancer, diabetes, and immune system support [PMID:36046107, PMID:33127562, PMID:20684795].
Background
Strobilanthes crispus (Acanthaceae family), also known as Batuzin, Bayam Karang, Kotz Bellin, Pekka Batu, Pecah kaca, or Jin batu, is a plant native to Malaysia [PMID:36046107, PMID:30594607, PMID:33127562].
Traditional uses
Traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory wounds of snake bites, kidney stones, diabetes, hypertension, and to boost the immune system [PMID:30594607, PMID:33127562, PMID:29100935, PMID:27844243]. It has also been used as a diuretic, antilytic, and laxative [PMID:16688478, PMID:22471785].
Active compounds
Identified constituents include lutein, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol [PMID:33127562, PMID:33906591]. Other reported metabolites include indolo-quinazoline alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, terpenoids, tannins, caffeine, and α-linolenic acid [PMID:42005722, PMID:11137889, PMID:30970652].
Mechanism of action
The herb's bioactive subfraction F3 inhibits breast cancer metastasis by affecting markers such as E-cadherin, MMP-9, MUC-1, N-cadherin, Twist, VEGF, and vimentin [PMID:30594607]. It exhibits anti-glycolytic activity by inhibiting the localization of GLUT1 to the cell membrane via reduction in PKC activity and increased TXNIP protein expression [PMID:37259304]. It may induce apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent p53 pathway [PMID:22471785] or by suppressing BCL-2 protein expression [PMID:33511882]. Additionally, it stimulates anti-tumor immunogenicity by increasing MHC class I and II molecules and infiltrating CD4+, CD8+, and IL-2+ cells into the tumor microenvironment [PMID:35972917].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DBreast Cancer
Bioactive subfraction F3 inhibited tumor progression, migration, and metastasis in 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma models [PMID:30594607, PMID:33127562].
Evidence DColon Cancer
Ethanol extract significantly inhibited colorectal carcinogenesis and reduced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats [PMID:26307342, PMID:26608653].
Evidence DHyperglycemia
Hot water extracts of fermented and unfermented tea reduced blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats [PMID:16688478].
Evidence DHepatocellular Carcinoma
Juice concentrations above 0.1% induced apoptosis and DNA damage in HepG2 cell lines [PMID:26320494].
Safety & adverse effects
A 14-day subacute oral toxicity study in rats using ethanol leaf extracts (up to 600 mg/kg) did not cause significant changes in body weight, food consumption, or liver and kidney function parameters [PMID:23593574].
Drug interactions
The bioactive subfraction F3 exhibited relatively weak inhibition of CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes [PMID:35146636].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell lines and in vivo animal models (predominantly rats and mice), indicating promising anticancer, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties; however, there are no human clinical trials provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36046107 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome of Strobilanthes crispus (Acanthaceae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
- 2.PMID: 30594607 (2019) — Strobilanthes crispus inhibits migration, invasion and metastasis in breast cancer. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
- 3.PMID: 33127562 (2021) — Strobilanthes crispus bioactive subfraction inhibits tumor progression and improves hematological and morphological parameters in mouse mammary carcinoma model. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
- 4.PMID: 35972917 (2022) — Strobilanthes crispus elicits anti-tumor immunogenicity in in vitro and in vivo metastatic breast carcinoma. · PloS one
- 5.PMID: 42005722 (2026) — Advances on Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Preclinical Studies of Strobilanthes crispus and Strobilanthes cusia (Acanthaceae) for Drug Development Purpose: A Narrative Review.