Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. (Syn: Justicia picta Linn.) and its Effectiveness: A Well-Known Indonesian Plant

Abstract

Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., a shrubby stove plant, has been used traditionally to treat various diseases. This review summarizes the up-to-date data about its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties and provides a perspective and direction for future research. The phytochemical analysis of G. pictum revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, glycoside, tannins, saponin, chlorophyll, nontoxic alkaloid, and anthocyanin. Meanwhile, the pharmacological analysis revealed that this plant possessed various activities such as antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-analgetic, woundhealing, anti-hemorrhoid, anti-diabetic, and estrogenic effects. However, most of its pharmacological activities were based on the crude extracts and the bioactive compounds responsible for the bioactivities have not been well identified. A further detailed investigation in phytochemistry to identify the bioactive compounds and to investigate the mechanism action of its bioactivities is required. Moreover, a toxicology study is also needed to develop a standardized formulation of G. pictum preparation and to fulfill the requirements of modern phytomedicine.