Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Isodon

Common Name

Wang Zao Zi

Plant Figure

Description

Isodon amethystoides (Ben-th) Cy Wu et Hsuan, referred to as“Wang Zao Zi”and“Xiang Cha Cai” in China, is known for its broad applications as a folk remedy for abscesses, swollen sores, and tumors. Its ethanol extracts have shown a broad spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy, and in the 1980s were investigated as “Wang Zao Zi Soap” or “Wang Zao Zi Injection” for clinical trials in the Huaibei region of China. Wangzaozins, including Wangzaozin A, glaucocalyxin A (Wangzaozin B), glaucocalyxin B (Wangzaozin C), are ent-kaurane-type tetracyclic diterpenoids isolated from Wangzaozi . Wangzaozin A has been proved to be effective in the treatment of pneumonia, lung abscess, and pulmonary tuberculosis when applied independently. Glaucocalyxin A has been widely studied for certain important biological activities, including antitumor, apoptosis induction, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, anticoagulative, antithrombotic, antifibrotic, immune, and antineuroinflammatory activities.