Uses
Folkloric
- In the Philippines, used for gastric catarrh and intermittent fevers.
-- Driied plants parts of leaves, flower, fruit, wood, bark, seeds, and whole plant used as raw materials for preparation of various traditional remedies of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, and various folk and tribal medicine.
- Decoction of leaves used as antirheumatic and stomachic.
- Decoction of dried or fresh material used as a wash for external afflictions, eczema, pruritus skin problems.
- Leaves chewed for toothache.
- Used for snake bites.
- Used for rheumatism, bone pains, cold, fever, abdominal cramps and gas pains.
- Juice of leaves use for colic in children, dyspepsia, and for fever associated with teething.
- Inhalation of vapor of hot infusion used to induce copious perspiration.
- Decoction of plant used as fomentation for rheumatic joints.
- Essential oil distilled from leaves used externally as embrocation in rheumatic arthritis.
- Distilled oil used for uterine affections.
- In the Dutch Indies, decoction of plant used for gravel.
- In Sri Lanka, boiled stems and leaves used for gastroprotection. Also, a decoction of leaves and stems used for pain.
- In China, used medicinally for rheumatism, colds, fevers, abdominal pain, skin sores and snake bites.
- In Chinese and Indian medicine, used to treat gastric dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and hypertension.
- In Nepal, leaf extract used for urinary complaints. In Ayurveda, used for uterine affections. (21)
Others
- Natural herbicide: Study showed that the mulch of A. indica holds good promise for use as a natural herbicide for managing weeds in wheat fields.
- Repellent: Plant is burned to act as mosquito-repellent.

Studies
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study isolated a diterpenoid, two benzenoids, five flavonoids and six phenyl propanoids. Compound 3, ovatodiolide, exhibited potent inhibition of NO, TNF-α and IL-12 enhanced production, followed by pedalitin (3), scutellarein 7-O-beta-d-glucuronide methyl ester (6), and acteoside (12). The compounds provide ethnopharmacologic relevance to the plant use in folk medicine for treatment of inflammation. (1)
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study showed the anti-inflammatory activity of the pre-flowering plant is from cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition, plasma membrane stabilization, antihistamine and free radical scavenging activities, while revealing a loss of activity after flowering.
• Gastroprotective / Antioxidant: Study showed decoction of leaves and stems of Anisomeles indica at the pre-flowering stage, provide significant gastroprotection. The extract of AI also showed in vitro antioxidant activity. (2)
• Anti-Thrombin / Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation: Bioactive Cembrane Diterpenoids of Anisomeles indica: Study isolated fire new cembrane-type diterpenoids, a new flavonoid glucoside and 17 other known compounds. A compound showed cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Some showed selective platelet aggregation activity while others showed inhibition of thrombin induced antiplatelet aggregation.
• Anti-H. Pylori Activity: 50 Taiwanese folk medicinal plants were studied for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Anisomeles indica was one of six studied plants that exhibited strong anti-H. pylori activity. (4)
• Analgesic / Antihyperalgesic: Water extracts of stems and leaves of flowering and preflowering plant showed dose-dependent analgesic effect without toxic effects. Antihyperalgesic effect was noted in preflowering but not in flowering plants. The analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of preflowering plant were attributed to COX-1 inhibition with resulting impairment of prostaglandin synthesis. (7)
• Anti-Arthritic / Anti-Inflammatory / Anti-Platelet: Methanolic extract of A. malabarica exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activi5y and remarkable anti-arthritic and anti-platelet functions. (10)
• Anti-HIV Activity: Study showed inhibition of the cytoprothic effects of HIV-1 infection by ovatodiolide, a diterpenoid. The anti-HIV activity of ovatodiolide was compared to that of AZT. (12)
• Anti-Cancer: Ovatodiolide compound showed cytotoxicity effects by causing apoptosis in producing reactive oxygen species and down-regulation of FLICE inhibitory protein leading to cell cycle arrest towards oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• Phytotoxicity Effect / Potential as Natural Herbicide: The leaf and root powder of Anisomeles indica showed phytotoxicity effect towards little seed canary grass suggesting a usefulness as a useful herbicide in wheat fields. (5)
• Ovatodiolide / Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori-mediated Inflammation: Study have shown Anisomeles indica and its constituent ovatodiolide (OVT) to have bactericide activity against H. pylori. Study showed ethanol extracts to contain large amount of OVT with potent anti-H pylori activity, with attenuation of NF-kB activity and interleukin-8 secretion of gastric epithelial cells, together with significant inhibition of LPS-induced expression of iNOS, NO, and tumor necrosis factor by macrophages. (13)
• Inhibitory Effect of Ovatodiolide on Melanogenesis / Dermatologic Whitening Agent: Study showed increase in antioxidant capacities in a dose-dependent pattern. Ovatodiolide inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity, with effective suppression of intracellular tyrosinase activity and dose-dependent decrease of melanin in B16F10 cells. Results suggest potential application for the extract and ovatodiolide as a type of dermatologic whitening agent in skin care products. (14)
• Inhibitory Effect on Antibiotic Resistant Urinary Tract Pathogens / Leaves: Study evaluated the inhibitory effect of a methanolic extract of A. indica leaf against antibiotic resistant urinary tract pathogens. Results showed gram positive bacteria with higher susceptibility than gram negative bacteria, with E. coli and Staph aureus inhibited to a higher extent. (15)
• Antimetastatic Potential: A previous study showed apoptosis in FaDu human pharynx squamous cancer cells. Study showed the extract can inhibit the migration and invasion of FaDu cells by suppressing the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2. (16)
• Antibacterial / H pylori Inflammatory Inhibition: Study evaluated the antibacterial activity of A. indica extract and isolated constituents against H. pylori growth. Study yielded pure constituents ovatodiolide (OVT), acteoside, isoacteoside, and terniflorin, which showed potent antimicrobial activity. OVT inhibited H. pylori adhesion and invasion to human gastric epithelial cells, in addition, inhibiting H. pylori-induced inflammatory response by NF-kB activation and IL-8 expressions in H. pylori infected AGS cells. Results suggest potential use as food supplement or drug source for H. pylori complications. (17)
• Antiepileptic / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated various extracts of aerial arts of A. indica for antiepileptic activity against maximal electroshock (MES) model and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models in Wistar rats. Results showed the flavonoid fractions of ethyl acetate extracts of aerial parts has antiepileptic potential, without producing neurotoxic effects. (18)
• Antibacterial / Leaves: Study evaluated the invitro antibacterial activity of crude leaf extracts of A. indica against selected pathogenic bacterial strains, viz. B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. typhi. All bacteria were highly susceptible to the crude extracts and the most effective activity was observed with the methanol extract. (20)
• Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles / Anti-Cancer / Leaves: Study reports on the biogenesis of silver nanoparticles from the leaves of A. indica. Test for anticancer activity against MCF-7 cancer cell line showed decreased cell viability with increased concentration of AgNPs. The DNA fragmentation showed the cell death was due to apoptosis. (22)
• Cytotoxic Effect of Human Pharynx Squamous Cancer Cells: Study investigated the inhibitory effect of A. indica hexane extract on the proliferation of FaDu human pharynx squamous cancer cells and the apoptotic effect of the extract on FaDu cells. The AIE exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward FaDu cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Results suggest the AIE possesses potential anticancer activity through growth inhibition via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of FaDu cells. (23)
• Diuretic / Leaves and Stems: Study in rats evaluated the diuretic activity of leaves and stems of preflowering and flowering plants. Results showed marked diuretic activity. Proper selection of plant stage was vital for diuresis induction. (24)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves and Stems / Influence of Plant Stage: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of decoctions of leaves and stems at pre-flowering (E1) and flowering (E2) stages using carrageenan-induced paw edema, formaldehyde-induced paw edema and adjuvant-induced paw edema model in rats. E1 demonstrated significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in all three models and significant and dose-dependent antihistamine activity and free radical scavenging activities. A 30-day treatment at 500mg/kg did not show liver or renal toxicity. (25)
• Anti-Fatigue Effect: Study evaluated the anti-fatigue effect of A. indica in a mice model. Mice treated with the AI extract showed significantly prolonged exhaustive swimming time (p<0.05), increased hepatic glycogen and muscle glycogen levels (p<0.05) and decreased triglycerides and plasma ammonia level (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner. Results suggest a potential as an ergogenic and anti-fatigue agent. (26)
• Ovatodiolide / Anticancer Potential / Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line: Ovatodiolide (OV) is a bioactive macrocylic diterpenoid isolated from Anisomeles indica. Study showed OV could inhibit Mia-Pa-Ca2 cancer cells proliferation and induce apoptosis through modulation of the NF-kB and STAT3 pathway. Results suggest a therapeutic and antimetastatic potential of ovatodiolide for treatment of pancreatic cancer. (27)
• Toxicity / Antiproliferative Against Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells: Study showed a crude extract of Anisomeles indica expressed toxicity to HeLa cells with an IC50 dose of 38.8 µg and to zebrafish embryos with malformations, lethality and  hatching inhibition.  The extract significantly promoted the number of cells entering apoptosis. The caspase-8 and caspase-3 levels  in the treated cells were higher than control.  Extract treatment caused cell cycle arrest at the  G1 phase in a  p53-independent manner.  Extract treatment significantly decreased anchorage-independent growth of the HeLa cells. Results suggest potential for the plant to be used  against cervical cancer cells, with caution and close monitoring when used in pregnant women, (29)
• Ovatodiolode / Antibacterial / Helicobacter pylori: Extensive antibiotic use has increased resistance rates.  Ovatodiolide, a pure constituent, was isolated from Anisomeles indica and exhibited bactericidal activity against H. pylori. The ovatodiolide inhibited the growth of both H. pylori reference strain and clinical multidrug-resistant isolates. Ovatodiolide inhibited bacterial growth by reducing levels of the ribosomal protein, RpsB, which plays a crucial role in protein translation. Results showed ovatodiolide binds to  a  ribosomal protein and interferes with protein synthesis. Ovatodiolide has potential to be developed into a potent therapeutic agent for treatment of H. pylori infection. (30)
• Anticholinesterase Activity / Antioxidant / Alzheimer's Disease: Study evaluated the anticholinesterase inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties of A. indica crude extracts  and fractions in the treatment of AD. An ethyl acetate extract exhibited highest inhibitory activity against both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. The EA extract also exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity on DPPH assay. The EA fraction also showed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids. Results suggest the EA fraction, possibly due to its phenolic compounds has potential antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory activities which may be useful in the treatment of AD. (31)
• Innovative Purification Method / Ovatodiolide / Anti-Gastric Cancer: Study evaluated the anticancer effect of ovatodiolide on human gastric cancer cells and reports on a newly developed purification technique.   Ova induced cell apoptosis and arrested the cells  at the G2/M phase.  Further research was suggested  to confirm the proposed Ova-induced apoptotic pathway in AGS cells. (33)
• Antinociceptive / Anxiolytic and Sedative: Study evaluated the antinociceptive, anxiolytic, and sedative effects of A. indica extract in mice and a computer aided model. Acetic acid treated mice showed reduction in writhing number. , decreased paw licking time in the formalin-induced test, and dose-dependent reduction of locomotor activity in the open field and hole-cross tests. In the EPM (elevated plus maze) for anxiety testing, there was was increase of time spent percentage in open arms. The methanol extract potentiated the effect of thiopental-induced hypnosis  in lesser extent compared to diazepam. Results suggest potential as alternative treatment of antinociception and neuropharmacological abnormalities. The compound 3m4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was found to be most effective in the computer aided models. (34)
• Antiviral: Study evaluated the in vitro antiviral activities of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Vietnamese medicinal plants against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, a coronavirus family member. Results showed 14  out of 17 medicinal plants, including Anisomeles indica, would inhibit the cytopathic effect of PEDV. (35)
• Antidepressive / Antidiarrheal / Thrombolytic / Anti-Inflammatory: GC-MS study of methanol extract revealed several bioactive compounds. MeOH of A. indica administration resulted in significant (p<0.01) reductions in immobility times for both tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The extract also induced significant (p<0.01) reductions in castor oil-induced diarrhea severity and gastrointestinal motility in a mouse model. In vitro anti-inflammatory effect on protein inhibition and denaturation in heat- and hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis assay and thrombolytic activity by clot lysis test in human blood produced remarkable responses. Binding assay showed that 4-dehydroxy-N-(4,5-methylenedioxy-2-nitrobenzylidene) tyramine interacts favorably with MAO and serotonin and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, displaying good pharmacokinetic effects, which may mediate the effect of the MeOH on depression and diarrhea. (40)
• Amelioration of LPS-Induced Inflammation in RAW264.7 Cells / Leaves: Study evaluated the EO of A. indica leaves and its mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects via an integrated approach of network pharmacology and in vitro assays. GC-MS analysis of leaf EO revealed a total of 30 constituents representing 94.19% of total oil. Majority of chemical groups include diterpene hydrocarbons with abietatriene (58.13%) and abietadiene (7.18%) as major constituents. The EO did not exhibit cytotoxic effect on RAW264.7 cells, but significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) in vitro assays. The EO also enhanced expression levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSH). The EO modulated the level of mRNA expression of all five core targets associated with P13K-AKT. Study provides insight into mechanisms by which the EO exerts anti-inflammatory activity. (41)
• Gastroprotective in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer / Acteoside: Study evaluated the gastro-protective effects of A. indica on Wistar rats with gastric ulcers induced by oral administration of 70% ethanol. Acteoside, an ingredient in A. indica extract was formulated as HP813 powder for assessment of gastrointestinal functional improvement. Doses of HP813 powder at 415 and 930 mg/kbw were effective in amelioration 70% EtOH-induced acute gastric ulcers. (42)
• Antimicrobial / Essential Oil: GC-MS study of essential oil from the Central Himalayan region showed the oil to be rich in oxygenated diterpenes and diterpene hydrocarbons (54.7%). A total of 43 compounds were identified representing 88.1% of the oil. The EO was evaluated for microbial growth inhibitory effect against ten bacterial and three fungal strains. The EO showed significant activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasturella multocida and Aspergillus flavus. (see constituents above) (43)

Availability
Wild-crafted.