Water willow

Related Terms

1-aryl-2,3-naphthalide lignan, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, Acanthaceae (family), alkaloids, betaine, coumarin, dihydrocoumarin, freshcut, Justicia pectoralis, Justicia pectoralis var. stenophylla, justicidin B, lindin, O-methoxylated C-glycosylflavones, piri piri, tilo, umbelliferone, water willow.

Background

Justicia pectoralis is a flowering herb that grows in tropical regions of the Americas. It has been used as a medicine in South America to treat lung infections, chest complaints, prostate problems, flu, fever, stomach distress, and leg pain. In Jamaica, it has been combined with American dodder, orange, and sugar to treat colic and tuberculosis (TB) in infants. Dampened Justicia pectoralis leaves have also been used to promote wound healing.
Justicia pectoralis is found in hallucinogenic snuff used by South American Indian tribes. However, animal research reports that the herb itself may lack hallucinogenic properties. Justicia pectoralis may increase the absorption of other ingredients in the snuff. The dried leaves contain compounds that produce a vanilla smell.
Evidence is lacking to support the use of Justicia pectoralis in humans at this time.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for Justicia pectoralis in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Justicia pectoralis may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Justicia pectoralis may interact with agents that may treat lung disorders, agents that may treat mental illnesses, agents that may treat nervous system disorders, anti-anxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, birth control, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, fertility agents, hormonal agents, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Chariandy, CM, Seaforth, CE, Phelps, RH, et al. Screening of medicinal plants from Trinidad and Tobago for antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1999;64(3):265-270.
de Smet, PA. A multidisciplinary overview of intoxicating snuff rituals in the western hemisphere. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1985;13(1):3-49.
de Vries, JX, Tauscher, B, and Wurzel, G. Constituents of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. 2. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of simple coumarins, 3-phenylpropionic acids and their hydroxy and methoxy derivatives. Biomed.Environ.Mass Spectrom. 4-15-1988;15(8):413-417.
Joseph, H, Gleye, J, Moulis, C, et al. O-Methoxylated C-glycosylflavones from Justicia pectoralis. J.Nat.Prod. 1988;51(4):804-805.
Joseph, H, Gleye, J, Moulis, C, et al. Justicidin B, a cytotoxic principle from Justicia pectoralis. J.Nat.Prod. 1988;51(3):599-600.
Lans, C. Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for reproductive problems. J.Ethnobiol.Ethnomed. 2007;3:13.
Leal, LK, Ferreira, AA, Bezerra, GA, et al. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator activities of Brazilian medicinal plants containing coumarin: a comparative study. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2000;70(2):151-159.
Locklear, TD, Huang, Y, Frasor, J, et al. Estrogenic and progestagenic effects of extracts of Justicia pectoralis Jacq., an herbal medicine from Costa Rica used for the treatment of menopause and PMS. Maturitas 2010;66(3):315-322.
Logarto, Parra A, Silva, Yhebra R, Guerra, Sardinas, I, et al. Comparative study of the assay of Artemia salina L. and the estimate of the medium lethal dose (LD50 value) in mice, to determine oral acute toxicity of plant extracts. Phytomedicine. 2001;8(5):395-400.
Macias-Peacok, B, Perez-Jackson, L, Suarez-Crespo, MF, et al. [Use of medicinal plants during pregnancy]. Rev.Med.Inst.Mex.Seguro.Soc. 2009;47(3):331-334.
MacRae, WD and Towers, GH. Justicia pectoralis: a study of the basis for its use as a hallucinogenic snuff ingredient. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1984;12(1):93-111.
Mills, J, Pascoe, KO, Chambers, J, et al. Preliminary investigations of the wound-healing properties of a Jamaican folk medicinal plant (Justicia pectoralis). West Indian Med.J. 1986;35(3):190-193.
Venancio, ET, Rocha, NF, Rios, ER, et al. Anxiolytic-like effects of standardized extract of Justicia pectoralis (SEJP) in mice: Involvement of GABA/benzodiazepine in receptor. Phytother.Res. 2011;25(3):444-450.