Dyschoriste perrottetii

Dyschoriste perrottetii

Dyschoriste perrottetii

Common Names: 
Local Names: Bidi-Diyau (Hausa, Nigeria) , Vranaropini (Sanskrit, India) , Akwampa (Akan, Ghana)
Species ID: NMP-047 |
wfo-0000658347 | NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 592427

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade: Asterids

Order: Lamiales

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Dyschoriste

Species: D. perrottetii

Binomial Name: Dyschoriste perrottetii (Nees) Kuntze

Synonyms: Dyschoriste scariosa var. perrottetiiDyschoriste scariosa subsp. perrottetiiDyschoriste nagchana (Nees) Bennet

Morphological Description

Dyschoriste perrottetii is a small, perennial herb, typically growing 30–60 cm tall, with a sprawling or erect habit. Key features include:

·       Stem: Quadrangular, hairy, green to reddish, branching at base

·       Leaves: Opposite, lanceolate to elliptic, 2–6 cm long, 1–2.5 cm wide, entire margins, pubescent

·       Flowers: Tubular, purple to lavender, 1.5–2 cm long, in terminal or axillary spikes, blooming June–September

·       Fruit: Capsule, 1–1.5 cm long, with hooked retinacula ejecting seeds

Distribution and Habitat

Dyschoriste perrottetii is native to tropical Africa and parts of Asia, thriving in:

·       Regions: Savannas, open grasslands, disturbed areas, roadsides

·       Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka

·       Climate: Tropical/subtropical, 25–35°C, rainfall 800–1,500 mm annually

·       Soil: Sandy to loamy, well-drained, tolerates poor fertility

·       Elevation: Sea level to 1,200 m

Ethnopharmacology

Dyschoriste perrottetii is a lesser-known medicinal plant native to parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria, where it is used in traditional herbal medicine. Though research on this species is limited, existing studies and ethnobotanical knowledge highlight several important medicinal properties attributed to its leaves and aerial parts, which contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and other phytochemicals.Traditionally, Dyschoriste perrottetii is used to treat respiratory infections, cough, fever, and inflammatory conditions. It is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest it may also possess analgesic effects, making it useful for pain relief. In Nigerian folk medicine, it is often used in managing conditions like malaria, skin infections, and sometimes gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Despite its local medicinal importance, scientific research is still emerging, and further studies—including toxicological and pharmacological evaluations—are needed to validate its therapeutic potential and ensure safe use in modern medicine.

·       Anti-inflammatory: Leaf decoction is used to treats arthritis

·       Antimicrobial: Leaf extract has antimicrobial properties.

·       Antipyretic: Leaf extract is use to lowers fever.

·       Gastroprotective: Whole plant is use to aids digestion.

⚠  Toxicity Profile: No significant toxicity reported

Additional Uses

·       Ornamental: Cultivated for purple flowers and lush foliage in tropical gardens

·       Ecological: Stabilizes soil in disturbed areas; attracts pollinators like bees

·       Fodder: Grazed by livestock in savanna regions

·       Cultural: Used in Nigerian rituals for healing ceremonies

References/External Links

More Pictures


 

Compounds of Dyschoriste perrottetii
References

Yakubu, M. B., Lawal, A. O., & Jasper, E. E. (2018). GC-MS Analysis of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of the whole Plant Extract of Dyschoriste perrottetii (Acanthaceae). Nigerian Journal of Chemical Research, 23(1), 52-58.