Gen info
- The genus Acanthus consists of about 30 species.
- Etymology: The genus name Acanthus derives from Greek word akanthos, which is derived from ake meaning "point of thorn" or "spiny" or "thistle", and anthos meaning "flower". (3) Alternatively, the genus is also known as "Bear's breeches" referring to the spiny nature of the plant. (5)
- The Jerujus: Three Acanthus species share the name "Jeruju": Acanthus volubilis (Jeruju), A. ilicifolius (Jeruju putij), and A. ebracteatus (Jeruju hitam). According to Tomlinson, "the species do not seem to differ in any consistent vegetative feature" and "there is a tendency to treat the mangrove species as one single variable species". Giesen also says some authors regard the three species as one highly variable specie. However, they are differentiated in Singapore guidebooks. (5)

Botany
• Growth form: Semi-erect to climbing plant, has thin, dark-green, smooth stems, 4 - 8 m in height.  Roots: Tap root system and sometimes the base of the stem is supported by slender stilt-roots arising from basal nodes. Foliage: Leaf blades are smooth, entire or slightly lobed, usually without spines, fleshy to leathery, oblong-lanceolate, measuring 2.5 - 5 by 7 - 9 cm and have a blunt tip. Simple, opposite leaves with a leaf stalk about 1.0 cm long, slightly flattened and green.  Flowers: Flowers occur in nearly arranged long spike, 10 - 12 cm in length, located at the ends of branches. Petals are white and turn brown when older. Flowers measure 1.9 - 2.5 cm in length, 4 sepals of mixed sized, green, smooth, leathery, curved and pointed; petals number 5, fused to form a single plate, and the base is fused, forming a hollow, short tube, while the point flattened to form 5 short 2-lipped lobes. Fruit: Rarely formed, consists of a capsule about 2.5 cm long, ellipsoid and flattened. (Flora & Fauna Web)

• Species note: Acanthus volubilis is distinguished by its slender foliage and creeper habit. It is comparable with the white flowered A. ebracteatus var. ebracteatus having similar flowers with white petals. But the species is separated further by lack of spines, it relatively rare fruits. (6)

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines. (1)
- Found in Basilan Mindoro, Panay, Samar, Sibuyan.
- In brackish swamps and tidal streams.
- Also native to Andaman Is., Bangladesh, Malaya, Myanmar, Nicobar Is., Thailand. (2)
- Listed as Vulnerable in Singapore's Red List of Threatened Plants. (5)

Constituents
- Study of aerial parts isolated three benzoxazinoid glucosides (1-3), three phneylethanoid glycosides (4-6), two flavonoid glycosides (7,8), one lignan glucoside (9), one phenolic glycoside (10), one aliphatic glycoside (11), and one purine derivative (12). (4)

Parts used
Leaves, seeds, roots.

Uses
Folkloric
- No reported folkloric medicinal use in the Philippines.
- In Malay folk medicine, powdered seeds taken with water as blood cleansing medicine against ulcers. (3)
- According to Burkill, the Malays do not distinguish medicinal use for the three Acanthus species, Acanthus volubilis, A. ilicifolius, and A. ebracteatus. Seeds are used for deworming of children and treatment of cough and boils. Pounded seeds used as poultice on boils. Juice of leaves used for hair care. Roots used for shingles. Pounded fruit used as blood purifier and dressing for burns. Leaves used for treatent of rheumatism. Compress of roots and leaves applied to snakebite and arrow poisoning. (5)
Others
- Rituals: Malays place leaves under the house to ward off evil from pregnant women. Leaves also used in rituals for treating mad people.(5)
- Fodder: Plant use as fodder.

Studies
• No studies found on  biologic activities.

Availability
- Wild-crafted.

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Acanthus volubilis / Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines.
(2)
Acanthus volubilis / KEW: Plants of the World Online
(3)
Acanthus volubilis Wall. / National Parks: FLORA & FAUNA WEB
(4)
Chemical constituents of Acanthus volubilis Wall. / Tripetch Kanchanapoom, Pawadee Noiarsa, Hideaki Otsuka, Somsak Ruchirawat / Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2006; 34: pp 442-445 /
DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2005.12.006
(5)
Jeruju or Sea Holly - Acanthus sp. - Family Acanthaceae / Wild Singapore / WILD FACT sheets
(6)
Acanthus volubilis Wall. / MANGROVEWATCH

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)