Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Brillantaisia ulugurica is a synonym of B.cicatricosa: Brillantaisia ulugurica Lindau, Acanthaceae. Giant salvia. Tropical herbaceous plant. Distribution: Tropical Africa. Brillantaisia patula is used by the Yoruba in south Nigeria for small-pox medication, the roots being mixed with Bahia nitida and Marantolchloa leucantha, Piper guineense and snails. This is made into a soup and the snail piece eaten to protect against smallpox for a year (Neuwinger, 1994) which doubtless was efective after the global eradication of smallpox in 1979. Brillantaisia nitens is used in the Cameroons to treat cardiovascular disorders. Phytochemical screening of Brillantaisia species have shown antibacterial action, vascular smooth muscle relaxant properties. Kew reports their use as soap, skin leaves for a foot itch, as a medication in pregnancy (S. Nigeria).
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

Nomenclature

Previously known as Brillantaisia ulugurica
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/

Other use

Brillantaisia ulugurica Lindau, Acanthaceae. Giant salvia. Tropical herbaceous plant. Distribution: Tropical Africa. Brillantaisia patula is used by the Yoruba in south Nigeria for small-pox medication, the roots being mixed with Bahia nitida and Marantolchloa leucantha, Piper guineense and snails. This is made into a soup and the snail piece eaten to protect against smallpox for a year (Neuwinger, 1994) which doubtless was efective after the global eradication of smallpox in 1979. Brillantaisia nitens is used in the Cameroons to treat cardiovascular disorders. Phytochemical screening of Brillantaisia species have shown antibacterial action, vascular smooth muscle relaxant properties. Kew reports their use as soap, skin leaves for a foot itch, as a medication in pregnancy (S. Nigeria).
Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. link

Geographical distribution

  • Africa, East Tropical Africa, Tanzania
  • Africa, East Tropical Africa, Uganda
  • Africa, West-Central Tropical Africa, Congo

Brillantaisia cicatricosa Lindau

Family: ACANTHACEAE
Genus: Brillantaisia
Species: cicatricosa Lindau
Common names: Giant Salvia
Distribution summary: East Africa
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Habitat: Understorey and margins of evergreen forest
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Display bed (R), Plants in pots (POT)
Flowering months: August, September
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use


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