Justicia gendrassa – Vathamkolli, Kasanah, Bakas, Kala Adulasa, Vaidyasinha – Plant

Justicia gendarussa, commonly known as willow-leaved justicia, is a small erect, branched shrub with intriguing medicinal and insecticidal properties. While some sources claim it to be rare and endemic to India, its extensive use in various medicinal forms contradicts this notion. This quick-growing, evergreen forest shrub is believed to be native to China and found in Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. Harvested for its leaves, Justicia Gendarussa is utilized in the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, colics in children, and skin problems like eczema. Moreover, ongoing clinical tests in Indonesia are exploring its potential as the basis for a male contraceptive pill. This multi-faceted plant holds promise as a valuable resource in traditional medicine and modern research.