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Family Cleomaceae
Apoi-apoian
Cleome gynandra Linn.
SPIDER FLOWER

Yang jiao cai

Scientific names Common names
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. Apoi-apoian (Tag.)
Cleome affinis (Blume) Spreng. Balabalanoian (Tag.)
Cleome alliacea Blanco Halaya (P. Bis.)
Cleome alliodora Blanco Hulaya (P. Bis.)
Cleome blumeana D.Dietr. Tantandok (Ilk.)
Cleome bungei Steud. Tantandok-a-dadakel (Ilk.)
Cleome candelabrum Sims African cabbage (Engl.)
Cleome denticulata Schult. & Schult. f. Bastard mustard (Engl.)
Cleome eckloniana Schrad. Cat's whiskers (Engl.)
Cleome flexuosa F.Dietr. ex Schult. & Schult. f. Dog mustard (Engl.)
Cleome gynandra Linn. Shona cabbage (Engl.)
Cleome gynandra var. nana (Bloatt. & Hallb.) Bhandari Spider flower (Engl.)
Cleome heterotrichia Burch. Spider plant (Engl.)
Cleome muricata (Schrad.) Schult. & Schult. f. Spider wisp (Engl.)
Cleome oleracea Welw. Stinkweed (Engl.)
Cleome pentaphylla Linn.  
Cleome pentaphylla var. glabra Kuntze  
Cleome pentaphylla var. hirsuta Kuntze  
Cleome pubescens Sieber ex Steud.  
Cleome rosea Eckl. ex Steud.  
Cleome sessilifolia (DC.) Schult. & Schult. f.  
Cleome triphylla L.  
Gynandropsis affinis Blume  
Gynandropsis candelabrum (Sims) Sweet  
Gynandropsis denticulata DC.  
Gynandropsis glandulosa C.Presl  
Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.  
Gynandropsis heterotrichia DC.  
Gynandropsis muricata Schrad.  
Gynandropsis ophitocarpa DC.  
Gynandropsis palmipes DC.  
Gynandropsis pentaphylla (L.) DC.  
Gynandropsis pentaphylla var. nana Blatt. & Hallb. L.) DC.  
Gynandropsis sinica Miq.  
Gynandropsis triphylla DC.  
Gynandropsis viscida Bunge  
Pedicellaria gynandra (L.) Chiov.  
Pedicellaria pentaphylla (L.) Schrank  
Pedicellaria pentaphylla var. hirsutissima De Wild.  
Podogyne pentaphylla (L.) Hoffmanns.  
Sinapistrum pentaphyllaum Medik.  
Tandanduk is a shared common name: (1) Solidago virgo-aurea, tantanduk, and (2) Gynandropsis gynandra, tantandok
Cat's whisker is a common name shared by: (1) Orthosiphon aristatus, Kabling-gubat, Balbas-pusa, and (2) Gynandropsis gynandra, spider flower.
Apoyapoyan (Pouzolzia zeylanica) is phonetically confused with (1) Apoi-apoian (Gynandropsis gynandra), and (2) apoy-apoyan, bias-pugo, Ammannia baccifera.
Cleome gynandra is an accepted species. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
ANGOLA: Musambe, Muzambue, Kasangu.
ASSAMESE: Bhutmulia.
BENGALI: Hurhuria, Shulte.
BOTSWANA: Rothwe, Lothnue.
CAMBODIAN: Momienh.
CAMEROON: Rorbwa, Worba, Kinaski.
CHINESE: Bai huo cai, Pe hua tsai, Yang jiao cai.
CUBAN: Volantin.
EGYPTIAN: Abu quam, Arareeg, Tamaleekah, Tokshangeth.
ETHIOPIA: Boekbeha, Gargama.
FRENCH: Mousambe.
GERMAN: Senfkapper, Benzoinbaun, Fieberstrauch.
HINDI: Hulhul, Hurhur, Kavalia.
INDONESIAN: Babowan, Enceng-enceng, Mamang, Langsana, Merah, Boboon, Ent jengent.
KENYAN: Chinsaga, Saget, Keyo, Mikabili, Mwangani, Mwianzo, Kisiat, Akio luni.
LAOTIAN: Sienz.
MALAYALAM: Atunari vela.
MALAYSIAN: Maman, Langsana merah.
NETHERLAND: Kattesnor.
SANSKRIT: Pasugandhi, Ajagandha.
SOMALIA: Palmbossie, Vingerblaartee.
SOUTH AFRICAN: Tameleika, Akaki, Agyiri, Ziri.
TAMIL: Nal valai, Nal velai.
TELUGU: Vaminta, Vayinta.
VIETNAMESE: M[af]n m[af]n tr[aws]ng.

Gen info
- Cleome is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cleomaceae. It was previously placed in the family Capparaceae, until DNA found the Cleomaceae genera more closely related to the Brassicaceae than then Capparaceae. Cleome contains about 275 species, the vast majority of the Cleomaceae. (45)

Botany
• Apoi-apoian is an erect, annual, branched, somewhat hairy herb, growing 0.4 to 1 meter high, usually with purplish stems. Leaf has a very long petiole with five leaflets. Leaflets are obovate or oblong-obovate, 2 to 5 centimeters long, pointed at the base, more abruptly pointed at the tip. Flowers are borne in racemes which terminate the branches, showy and somewhat spidery in appearance. Sepals are lanceolate, green, about 4 millimeters long. Petals are white or tinged with purple, 1 to 1.2 centimeters long, withe elliptic to obovate blades. Fruit is a cylindric capsule, 4 to 10 centimeters long, about 5 mm in diameter, containing numerous, small, dark-brown seeds.

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- At low and medium altitudes, occurring as a weed in waste places, often abundantly, especially near the sea.

- Also native to Angola, Assam, Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Provinces, Cape Verde, Central African Repu, Chad, China, Christmas I., Cocos (Keeling) Is., Congo, Djibouti, East Himalaya, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Free State, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Gulf States, India, Ivory Coast, Jawa, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaya, Maldives, Mali, Maluku, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Provinces, Northern Territory, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine,, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Socotra, Somalia, South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zaïre, Zimbabwe.  (28)
- Considered an invasive weed in many places in the U.S. and some places in the Pacific.

Constituents
- Plant yields an acrid, volatile oil having the properties of garlic or mustard.
- Seed yields a thick, greenish, drying oil.

- Phytochemical screening of extracts of fresh leaves, roots, stems, seeds, and seed pod yielded alkaloids, flavones (except for roots), sugar, phenolic compounds, essential oil,amino acids, and saponin. (see study below) (3)
- Study yielded biologically active phytochemicals such as triterpenes, tannins, anthroquinines, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, resins, lectins,, glycosides, sugars, phenolic compounds and alkaloids.
- Screening for secondary metabolites yielded alkaloids, cynanogenetic glycosides and steroidal nucleus. (12)
- In a study of different plant parts, stem extract showed the highest concentration of total phenolics (126 ± 0.55 mg/g), flavonoids (40.58 ± 0.06 mg/g) and flavanols (42.41 ± 0.05 mg /g) while the stem extract had the highest amount of proanthocyanidins (419.01 ± 0.67 mg/g) compared to leaves (403.29 ± 0.89 mg/g) and fruits (107.18 ± 0.59 mg/g). (see study below) (20)
- Phytochemical screening of aerial parts yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids; oils, fats, and steroids were present in the ethanolic extract but were absent in the water extract. (see study below)      (24)
- Studies have yielded oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, and a phytosterol from seed oil.
Root has yielded two glyco-flavonones as narringenin-4-galactoside-1 and dihydrokaempferol-4f-galactoside-2. (29)
- Studies of seeds for amino acid have yielded glutamic, arginine, aspartic, leucine, valine, glycine, proline, phenylalanine, isoleucine, threonine, alanine. serine, lysine, tyrosine, and histidine. (29)
- Hydrodistillate constituents of aerial parts analyzed by GC and GC-MS yielded 13 constituents. Major constituent was identified as 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester (56.4%). Linalool was present to about 3%, while other components were mostly trace. (36)
- Study of whole plant (excluding seeds) isolated a novel dammarane triterpenoid, 20S,24S)-epox-19,25-dihydroxydammarane-3-one hemiketal. designated as cleogynol. (39)

Properties
- Plant has an odor resembling asafoetida, but more delicate.
- Seeds considered to have properties similar to those of mustard.
- Seeds are febrifuge, antispasmodic, sudorific, anthelmintic, carminative.
- Leaves considered rubefacient and vesicant.
- Studies have suggested antioxidant, immunmodulatory, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, antifungal, antibacterial, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, repellent, antihemolytic, antimalarial, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, antiallergic, anthelmintic properties.

Parts used
Leaves, seeds, roots, leaf juice.

Uses

Edibility / Nutrition
- Leaves and flowers are edible.
- Leaves are bitter, sometimes peppery, akin to mustard greens.
- Throughout Africa, the tender leaves or young shoots, often the flowers, are boiled and consumed as potherb, relish, flavoring for sauces, stew or side dish. Fresh leaves are bitter and so are cooked with other vegetables; also, are ingredients of mashed foods and dried leaves are ground and incorporated in weaning foods. (8)
- Leaves are boiled and marinated in sour milk for 2-3 days and eaten as a nutritious meal.
- Flavor suggests that of radishes.
- Often pickled with salt and added to rice as a flavoring.
- Rich source of nutrient, especially vitamins A and C, minerals (calcium and iron).
Folkloric
- Bruised leaves used as counterirritant or revulsive.
- Leaves used externally as the seeds of mustard, and taken internally for certain bilious disorders.
- Whole plant made into an ointment applied to pustular eruptions of the skin; simply boiled in oil, used - for cutaneous diseases, especially leprosy.
- In Indo-China, used as antiscorbutic.
- Bruised leaves used as rubefacient and vesicant, producing copious exudation, providing relief obtained from blister without its inconveniences.
- Shangaans used the pounded leaf as counterirritant in rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, stiff neck, taking care to withdraw the application before it produces a blister.
- Leaf juice used occasionally for earache, otorrhea, and other ear affections.
- Root decoction used as mild febrifuge.
- Decoction of seeds used as wash for piles, rheumatism and malarial disorders.
- Seeds are febrifuge and applied locally for headaches.
- In Uganda, weed topically used for treatment of Tinea capitis. (
24) In the Nebbi district, Infusion of leaves and stems used as ear and eye drops for ear and eye infections and cataracts; also chewed for stomach aches and food poisoning. (40)
- In Africa, leaves are crushed for a concoction to drink as scurvy cure. In other communities, leaves are boiled and marinated in sour milk to become a nutritious meal, believed to improve eyesight, provide energy, and cure marasmus. Also, highly recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Also, used in the treatment of bronchitis, boils, earaches and nasal congestion and as eyewash.

- In Ayurvedic medicine, it is a chief constituent in Narayana Churna. In Ayurveda, used as anthelmintic, for ear diseases, pruritus, and gastrointestinal maladies. (29)
- In Kenya, concoction of crushed leaves drunk to treat scurvy. (29)
- Consumption of leaves by pregnant women believed to ease childbirth by reducing the length of labor and help postpartum recovery. Infusion or decoction of boil leaves and/or roots used to facilitate labor, treat stomach ache, constipation, conjunctivitis. Sap from leaves used as analgesic for headaches, Sap from pounded young leaves squeezed into ears, nostrils, and eyes to treat earaches and epileptic fits. In Taiwan, used to treat dysentery, gonorrhea, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis. In india, used as rubefacient and anthelmintic. Plant used for treatment of malaria, fevers, piles and rheumatism. (29)
Others
- Seed oil:
Used for making soap. Also used for killing head lice. (33)
- Repellent: Useful for intercropping due to insect repellent properties. (43)


Studies
Antimicrobial / Antifungal / Phytochemicals:
Phytochemical screening yielded tannin, alkaloid, flavones, sugar, phenolic group, essential oil, amino acids, and saponin. Antimicrobial activity was shown against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Penicillium notatum. The extracts of leaves showed the highest activity and the highest activity index was against the fungus P notatum. (1)
Antimicrobial: Study showed showed activity against A niger, A flavus and Metarhizium anisopliae, with the seed extract showing the highest activity.
Essential Oil / Tick Repellent: Study of the G. gynandra oil yielded 28 compounds; carvacrol occurred in the largest quantity (29.2%), followed by trans-phytol (24.0%), linalool (13.3%), among others. Tested against the livestock tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, the oil exhibited a repellency effect higher than a commercial arthropod repellent. Methyl isothiocyanate which occurred at a relative percentage of 2.1, not tested in the bioassay due to its toxicity may have contributed significantly to the repellency of the oil. (2)
Antimycotic / Antibacterial: Study evaluated extracts of fresh leaves, roots, stems, seeds, and seed pod for antimycotic and antibacterial activities. Acetone extracts of all five parts showed significant activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Metarhizium anisopliae were highly susceptible to methanol extracts.. The seed extracts showed highest activity of all the extracts. (3)
Allergic Disorders / Immunotherapy: Study evaluating the effect of immunotherapy with specific pollen of Gynandropsis gynandra showed both immediate and delayed skin test responses were highly significant. The symptom intensity score and medication was reduced and total IgE levels were inconsistent after the course of IT. (4)
Immunotherapy: Stu Aeroallergens play a major role in the pathogenesis of respiratory allergic diseases - asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria. In a study evaluating the effect of immunotherapy towards whole pollen antigen of G gynandra and its fractions showed a significant increase in IgG and its subclass antibodies specific to Gg pollen.
Lipid Peroxidation Inhibition / Antioxidant: Study of G. gynandra extract confirmed its chemopreventive efficacy by diminishing the rate of lipid peroxidation and significantly increasing the levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione vitamins E and C, and uric acid) antioxidants.
Anthelmintic: Study of G gynandra and B coriaceae extracts showed considerable anthelmintic activities against Fasciola gigantica, Taenia solium and Pheretima posthuma. (6) Study pf ethanolic extract of Cleome gynandra against Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma showed dose dependent anthelmintic activity when compared to standard drug Albendazole. (27)
Anthelmintic / Seed Oil: Study of seed oils from five medicinal plants, including G gynandra, all showed moderate to significant anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. (10)
Anti-Inflammatory / Antinociceptive: Study of G gynandra extract showed significant dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. (7)
Modulatory Effect on Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The modulation of glucose-metabolizing enzyme activities play a role in the depletion of energy metabolism that leads to inhibition of cancer growth. In this study, the effect of Gg extract on aflatoxin-induced hepatocellular carcinoma on glucose metabolizing enzymes in rats caused a significant increase in the activities of glycolytic enzymes and an increase in gluconeogenic enzyme activities. The results suggest a definite modulating role on the key enzymes of glucose metabolism in HCC and may be due to phytoactive constituents in the extract. (9)
Anticancer: Study of methanol extract of Cg in Swiss albino mice against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cell line showed a potent dose-dependent anticancer activity comparable to that of 5-fluorouracil. The methanol extract showed a significant decrease (p<0.01) in tumor volume, viable cell count, tumor weight, and elevated life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematologic abnormalities reverted to normal level in MECG treated mice. (11)
Antimicrobial / Leaves and Stems: Study evaluated the extract of leaves and stems of G. gynandra and Buchholzia coriacea for antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hexane and methanolic extracts of both plants showed various degrees of activity in both bioassays. Ampicillin and itraconazole were used as standard reference drugs. (12)
Volatile Constituents / Spider Mite Repellent: Study evaluated G. gynandra leaves in search of compounds for the management of spider mites. Results yielded thirteen volatile compounds including isothiocyanates, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and terpenes. Spider mite populations were rendered inactive on 2 h exposure to some of the compounds. (15)
Antinociceptive / Leaves: Study evaluated extracts of leaves for antinociceptive activity using a hot plate test and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were most active. Results suggested involvement of opioid receptors, and flavonoid and tannin constituents probably responsible for the antinociceptive activity. (16)
Antineoplastic Agents 540: Study of an entire plant extract based on a bioassay employing cancer lines isolated six cancer cell growth inhibitors which were known flavone apegenin (4) and flavonols 1-3, 5 and 6. The five flavonols inhibited the murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line and all six flavonoids exhibited activity against a panel of six human cancer cell lines. Compound 3, penduletin, inhibited Gram-negative pathogen Neisseria gonorrhea. (17)
Antiproliferative Effects on Human and Lung Cancer Cells: Study showed both G. gynandra and Piper methysticum possess antiproliferative effects on human lung and stomach cancer cells. (18)
Anti-Inflammatory / Lysosomal Stability / Adjuvant Induced Arthritis: Study evaluated the anti-arthritic nature of C. gynandra against Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Study showed antiarthritic property which may be through the prevention of spread of inflammation by the stabilizing action on lysosomal membranes. (19)
Antioxidant: Study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of acetone extracts of various parts of C. gynandra. Of different plant parts, stem extract showed the highest concentration of total phenolics (126 ± 0.55 mg/g), flavonoids (40.58 ± 0.06 mg/g) and flavanols (42.41 ± 0.05 mg /g). Reducing power of extracts was significant higher than standard drugs. Activities of plant extracts against ABTS, DPPH, and NO radicals were dose responsive with IC50 values of 0.2, 0.1, and 0.03 mg/g respectively. (see constituents above) (
20)
Immunomodulatory: Study evaluated the immunomodulatory activity in phagocytic activity, cell-mediated and humoral immune system on albino rats. Results showed the ethanolic extract showed significant (p<0.05) dose dependent suppression of the immune system while an aqueous extract showed week immunosuppressive effect. (
21)
Analgesic / Whole Plant: Study of whole plant of Cleome gynandra by writhing method using acetic acid in a mice model showed analgesic activity. Diclofenac sodium was used as standard. (
22)
Hypoglycemic / Hypolipidemic / Leaves: Study evaluated an ethanolic leaf extract of C. gynandra on normal and non-insulin diabetic rats induced by alloxan. Administration of 200 mg/kg EECG significantly (p<0.01) reduced blood glucose (119.24 ± 4.67 mg/dL) compared to control (289.42 ± 5.23 mg dL). There was an increase in HDL, a reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL. (
23)
Antifungal / Topical Treatment of Tinea Capitis / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis of ethanol and water extracts of C. gynandra. Both extracts demonstrated antifungal activity as shown by MIC and MFC for the different extracts, which varies with the type of organism of the clinical fungal isolates. The ethanol extract showed comparable activity to the aqueous extract. (see constituents above) (
24)
Comparative Free Radical Scavenging / Wild & L-Arginine Treated: Study evaluated the DPPH radical scavenging activity of L-arginine treated and wild Cleome gynandra using ascorbic acid as standard. Results showed the ethanolic extract of L-arginine treated CG showed highest DPPH scavenging activity than the other extracts. (
25)
Hepatoprotective / CCl4-Hepatotoxicity / Leaves: Study of methanol leaf extract of Cleoma gynandra showed hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Results showed dose-dependent reversal (p<0.05) in levels of all estimated biochemical parameters. The hepatoprotective effect can be attributed to high content of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. (
26)
Anti-Diabetic / Anti-Dyslipidemic: Study evaluated the antidiabetic and anti-dyslipidemic effect of C. gynandra plant extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The C. gynandra ethanol extract significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum glucose, elevated dyslipidemic levels, SGOT and SGPT levels. (
30)
Inhibitory Effect on Ovarian Folliculogenesis / Leaves: Cleome gynandra extracts contain phytoestrogenic compounds acting as agonist or antagonist estrogen receptors, affecting steroid hormone levels. Study evaluated the effects of methanolic extract of leaves on the folliculogenesis of female albino mice. Results showed a reducing effect upon follicular development for a period of consecutive 21 days. The number of primordial, primary, secondary, and graafian follicles significant reduced in the CGME and estradiol treated groups. (
31)
Anti-Inflammatory / Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis / Leaves: A methanolic extract of leaves exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. There was significant decrease in paw edema with remarkable increase in body weight, along with restoration to near normal levels of abnormal pretreatment hematological and biochemical parameters. The extract showed no harmful effects. (
32)
Comparative Mineral Content / Antioxidant Activity: Study evaluated the mineral constituents, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties of Cleome gynandra compared to Brassica oleracea and Beta vulgaris (beet). C. gynandra had highest concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and flavonoids. (Beta vulgaris showed higher content of sodium, magnesium, manganese, copper and ß-carotene). C. gynandra also showed higher antioxidant activity compared to the two vegetables. (
34)
Cosmetic Application / Leaves / Invention: Invention relates to a composition, preferably cosmetic, dermatological pharmaceutical composition of above ground parts, particularly leaves, and a suitable carrier. The composition is to be used for the prevention or treatment of dermatologic pathologies, viz. skin, mucous membranes, or keratinous appendages; prevention of vascular disorders; as anti-acne, anti-aging, healing, slimming, anti-allergy and pro-pigmenting product. (
35)
Antimicrobial / Phytoconstituents / Stem: Study evaluated dried and powdered stems extracted with methanol and chloroform solvents for phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity. Silicagel-G column chromatography yielded four novel compounds viz. ß-amyrin, ß-amyrin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside, stigmasterol, and sitosterol. On antimicrobial testing, the compounds inhibited all tested bacterial and fungal cultures. (
37)
Ameliorative Effect on Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia / Leaves: Study evaluated various extracts of leaves for memory enhancing ability. Exteroceptive behavioral models such as elevated plus maze, Morris water maze, Radial arm maze, Y maze and open field test were used to evaluate learning and memory, while scopolamine served as the natural ageing inducing amnesia in the interoceptive model. The ethanol extract significantly reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine. Steroids, flavonoids, and the potent antioxidant property of the ethanolic leaf extract may have favorably contributed to the memory enhancing effect. The beneficial effect on memory and learning may be due to facilitation of cholinergic transmission and inhibition of ß-amyloid levels in mouse brain. (
38)
Hypolipidemic / Dexamethasone Induced Hyperlipidemia / Leaves: Study evaluated the hypolipidemic activity of C. gynandra in a in vivo rat model of hyperlipidemia induced by dexamethasone. Results showed significant amelioration of altered serum lipid profile and reduction of atherogenic index as evidenced by histopathological studies. (
41)
Muscle Relaxant / Leaves: Study evaluated the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of N-butanol fraction of leaves of Cleome gynandra in Swiss albino mice and compared with diazepam. Skeletal muscle relaxant activity was assessed by use of Rota rod apparatus. Results showed highly significant reduction in time spent by animals on the revolving rod compared to control (p<0.01). Three different doses showed dose-dependent increase in muscle relaxation. Results suggest potential for the development of cheap, effective, and safe skeletal muscle relaxant drugs. (
42)
Antimalarial  Plasmodium berghei: Study evaluated combined methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of plant for in vivo antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei NK65 using white albino mice. In vivo antimalarial results showed significant clearance of Plasmodium berghei NK5 from group 4 administered 50 mg/kg of the plant extract and group 7 administered 25 mg/kg of halofantrine. The dose of 50 mg/kbw showed best activity against Plasmodium berghei with 73.2% clearance. (45)
Effect on Hemolytic Anemia: Study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and phytochemical composition of Cleome gynandra and Solanum scabrum as applied in the treatment of hemolytic anemia in wistar albino rats. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of 250 and 500 mg/kbw were used for 3 weeks. Toxicity testing showed LD50 dose was above 3000 mg/kg. Results showed some hematinic activity against 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine induced hemolytic anemia in wistar albino rats. (46)

Availability
Wild-crafted.

Updated October 2023 / April 2020 / July 2016

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
IMAGE SOURCE: Photograph / Cleome gynandra / Sosicles Ennius / Feb 2019 / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 //International / Click on image to go to source page / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Public Domain / File:Cleome gynandra Blanco1.233.png / Flora de Filipinas / 1880 - 1883 / Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A) / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Public Domain / File:Cleome gynandra-Hortus Malabaricus-V9-T24.png / Volume 9, Tab 24 of Hortus Malabaricus :continens regni Malabarici apud Indos cereberrimi onmis generis plantas rariores, Latinas, Malabaricis, Arabicis, Brachmanum charactareibus hominibusque expressas/ 1689 / Wikimedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Public Domain Cleome gynandra / 葉子 / Public Domain / Click on image or link to go to source page / iNaturalist

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Toxicity of Gynandropsis pentaphylla DC Extracts Against Microbials and Its Phytochemical Profile / J Francis Borgio, Pravin K Thorat and Archana Lonkar / Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 320-336. 2008.
(2)
Gynandropsis gynandra essential oil and its constituents as tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) repellents / W Lwande, A J Ndakala et al /
Phytochemistry, Volume 50, Issue 3, 10 February 1999, Pages 401-405 /
doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(98)00507-X
(3)
Antimycotic and Antibacterial activities of Gynandropsis pentaphylla DC extracts and its Phytochemical Studies / J Francis Borgio, P Thorat, A Lonkar / The Internet Journal of Microbiology, 2007; 5(2)
(4)
The effect of immunotherapy with gynandropsis gynandra pollen in atopic asthma patients / G Suman Latha et al / Lung India, 2007, Volume : 24, Issue 4, Pp124-127 / DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.44375
(5)
Preventive role of G gynandra L against aflatoxin B1 induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanism in rat / D Sivanesa and V Hazeena Begum / Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol 45, March 2007, pp 299-303
(6)
In vitro Anthelmintic Properties of Buchholzia coriacea and Gynandropsis gynandra Extracts / E O Ajaiyeoba et al / Pharmaceutical Biology, 2001, Vol 39, No 3, Pp 217-220
(7)
EVALUATION OF ANTINOCICEPTIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF GYNANDROPSIS PENTAPHYLLA / Mule S N, Ghadge R V et al / Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology 2 (1) 41-44 (2008)
(8)
NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF CLEOME GYNANDRA / E Van den Heever, S L Venter / Acta Horticulturae, 2007; 752: pp 127-130 /
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2007.752.17
(9)
Modulatory effect of Gynandropsis gynandra L. on glucose metabolizing enzymes in aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats / Sivanesan D and Begum V H /
Indian J Biochem Biophys. 2007 Dec;44(6):477-80.
(10)
In vitro anthelmintic property of various seed oils against Pheritima posthuma / S s Jalaipure, K R Alagawadi et al / Indian Journ of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2007 | Volume : 69 | Issue : 1 | Page : 158-160
(11)
Evaluation of anticancer activity of Cleome gynandra on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma treated mice / Asis Bala, Biswakanth Kar et al /
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol 129, Issue 1, 4 May 2010, Pages 131-134 / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.010
(12)
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES OF GYNANDROPSIS GYNANDRA AND BUCHHOLZIA CORIACEAE EXTRACTS / Ajaiyeoba E O / Afr. J. Biomed. Res. (2000): Vol 3: 161 - 165
(13)
Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. (accepted name) / Chinese names / Catalogue of Life, China
(14)
Gynandropsis gynandra / Vernacular names / GLOBinMED
(15)
Volatile compounds from leaves of the African spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) with bioactivity against spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) / S.O. Nyalala, M.A. Petersen, B.W.W. Grout / Annals of Applied Biology, May 2013; 162(3): pp 290–298 / DOI: 10.1111/aab.12021
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Antinociceptive Activity of Gynandropsis gynandra Leaves / U R Ghogare, S A Nirmal, R Y Patil, and M D Kharya / Natural Product Research, Vol 23, No 4, March 2009, pp 327-333.
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Antineoplastic Agents 540. The Indian Gynandropsis gynandra (Capparidaceae) / Pettit, George R.; Meng, Yanhui; Herald, Delbert L.; Stevens, Andrew M.; Pettit, Robin K.; Doubek, Dennis L. / Oncology Research Featuring Preclinical and Clinical Cancer Therapeutics, Volume 15, Number 2, 2005 , pp. 59-68(10)
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Antiproliferative effects of Gynandropsis gynandra and Piper methysticum on human and lung cancer cells / Adebolu, Olujoba O., M.S., VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY, 2010, 50 pages; 1480003 / Dissertation
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Anti-inflammatory and lysosomal stability actions of Cleome gynandra L. studied in adjuvant induced arthritic rats / R.T. Narendhirakannana, S. Subramanianb, M. Kandaswamya / Food and Chemical Toxicology, June 2007; Volume 45, Issue 6: pp 1001–1012 / doi:10.1016/j.fct.2006.12.009
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PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF ACETONE EXTRACT OF CLEOME GYNANDRA (L.) GROWING IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
. / Linda I. Sowunmi and Anthony J. Afolayan⃰ / Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. (2015) 12(3):1-8 / http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v12i3.1
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INVESTIGATION OF IMMUNOMODULATORY POTENTIAL OF CLEOME GYNANDRA LINN. / M. L. KORI, K. GAUR, V. K. DIXIT / Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, Jan-Mar 2009; Vol 2, Issue 1
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Study of Analgesic Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Cleome Gynandra / Radhika C, Saravanakumar K, Nagaveni P, Nethra Vani G, Sravanthi P / Pharma Research Library
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EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF CLEOME GYNANDRA L / KARIMULLA SHAIK*, AFSAR SHAIK, DEEPAK KUMAR, DEVI KADIRVEL / International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 5, Suppl 3, 2013
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Antifungal activity of Cleome gynandra L. aerial parts for topical treatment of Tinea capitis: an in vitro evaluation / Lawrence Imanirampa and Paul E. Alele / BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016; 16: 194 / DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1187-9 / PMCID: PMC4939024 / PMID: 27391957
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FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF WILD AND L-ARGININE TREATED CLEOME GYNANDRA L. / T. Shanmuganathan* and A.V.P. Karthikeyan** / International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research (IJPSR), Vol 5, No 7, July 2014
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Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extract of Cleome gynandra Leaves against CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats / K Tejaswini, S Ravindra Babu, B Suneetha, S Sunanda, P Kranthi Raju, K Thirupathi / International Journal of Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2015; 3(1): pp 85-90
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PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDYS FOR INVESTIGATION OF ANTIHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF Cleome gynandra AGAINST ADULT INDIAN EARTHWORM PHERITIMA POSTHUMA / Nadiminti Satish Reddy, D. Santhosha, Ch. Venu, B. Vijaya Laxmi, B. Pravanthi. / IAJPR. 2015; 5(10): 3249-3253
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Cleome gynandra / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online
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Review on Cleome gynandra / Subhransu Sekhar Mishra, Dash Mr , Moharana Sk / IJRPC: International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry, 2011; 1(3): pp 681-689
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Anti Diabetic and Anti Dyslipidemia Activities of Cleome gynandra in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats / Ravichandra B, P Saketh Ram, Ch Saritha, P Shankaraiah / Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 9: pp 55-61 / DOI: 10.3923/jpt.2014.55.61 
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Effects of Cleome gynandra Linn: Leaf Extract on Ovarian Folliculogenesis of Albino Mice  / Jupitara Deka and J C Kalita / Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy, 5:196
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Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cleome gynandra L. on Hematological and Cellular Constituents in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats / R T Narendhirakannan, M Kandaswarmy, Dr S Subramanian / Journal of Medicinal Food, 2006; 8(1) / https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.93
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Cleome gynandra / Ken Fern / Useful Tropical Plants
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Determination of mineral constituents, phytochemicals and antioxidant qualities of Cleome gynandra, compared to Brassica oleracea and Beta vulgaris / Mack Moyo, Stephen O Amoo, Adeyemi O Aremu, Jin Cruz, Michaela Subrtova, Monika Jarosoya, Petr Tarkowski, Karel Dolezal / Frontiers in Chdmistry, 2017; Vol 5 / 10.3389/fchem.2017.00128
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Extract of the above-ground portions of gynandropsis gynandra or cleome gynandra, and cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical compositions including same  / Inventor: Philippe Msika, Alex Saunois, Caroline Baudouin, S. Leclere-Bienfait, Sebastian Debrock / US9370541B2
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CONSTITUENTS OF HYDRODISTILLATE OF CLEOME GYNANDRA L. OF INDIAN ORIGIN / S. B. PAUL and S. ROY / Int J Chem Sci, 2009; 7(2): pp 969-975
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ISOLATION OF NOVEL PHYTOCONSTITUENTS FROM THE STEM PART OF CLEOME GYNANDRA LINN AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY / Ranjitha J, Madonna Shalma, Madonna Shalma, Michael Donatus, Michael Donatus, Vijayalakshmi S / International Journal of Phytomedicine, 2014; 6(3)
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Ameliorative effect of Cleome gynandra Linn against scopolamine induced amnesia in mice / Manasa A, Karimulla S K, Gobinath M / International Journal of Reserach in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017; 8(4)
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Cleogynol, a Novel Dammarane Triterpenoid from Cleome gynandra / Prabhash Chandra Das, Amarendra Patra, Suvra Mandal et al / Journal of Natural Products, 1999; 62(4): pp 616-618 / https://doi.org/10.1021/np9803528
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Wild Plants Used as Nutraceuticals from Nebbi District, Uganda / Godwin Anywar, Hannington Oryem-Origa and Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha / European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2014; 4(6): pp 641-660
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Evaluation of Hypolipidemic Activity of Cleome gynandra L. against Dexamethasone Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats / Mallikarjuna G, Shireesha T, Suma Sree V, Shalini Priyadarshini M, Ramulu Naik M, Charitha Y / Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., May-June 2018; 50(1), pp: 47-52
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Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Activity of N-Butanol Fraction of Methanolic Extract of Cleome Gynandra Leaf in Albino Mice / Bandari Sneha, Kanakam Vijayabhaskar, Madupu Akhila1, Adimula, Rajendraprasad, Pingali Srinivasa Rao, Manchikatta Amulya, Takur Shivani / Journal Of Pharmacy And Biological Sciences (IOSR-JPBS), Jan –Feb 2020; Volume 15, Issue 1 Ser. I: pp 13-17 / DOI: 10.9790/3008-1501011317
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Cleome gynandra / Wikipedia
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Cleome / Wikipedia
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In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Cleome gynandra Extracts / John Ogbaji Igoli, Catherine Aloyce Masao, Uterdzua Orkpeh, T A tor-Anyiin et al / Journal of Natural Products Research Updates, 2016; 2: pp 19-29 / eISSN: 0000-0000/16
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THERAPEUTIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND SAFETY OF SOLANUM SCABRUM AND CLEOME GYNANDRA IN MANAGEMENT OF HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS / Charles Wanjala Wakhisi (B.Sc.) / Thesis: October 2020 - Master of Science in Immunology

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DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

                                                            List of Understudied Philippine Medicinal Plants
                                          New plant names needed
The compilation now numbers over 1,300 medicinal plants. While I believe there are hundreds more that can be added to the collection, they are becoming more difficult to find. If you know of a plant, native or introduced, to suggest for inclusion, please email the info: local plant name (if known), any known folkloric medicinal use, scientific name (most helpful), and, if possible, a photo. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

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