Adhatoda zeylanica Medic.: A versatile plant with wide spectrum medicinal activities

Adhatoda zeylanica Medic., syn. A.vasica (Linn.) Nees and Justicia adhatoda Linn., of family: Acanthaceae is a popular medicinal plant which has commonly been used in Ayurvedic system of medicine since antiquity. The plant has been shown to contain a wide range of phytochemicals having important pharmacological activities like antitubercular, anti-ulcer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, abortifacient, hepatoprotective and cardiovascular protection. Extensive research, on this plant, is required to have validation of its medicinal properties given in ancient ayurvedic literature.