Botanical Overview
Avicennia alba is a species in the Verbenaceae family. The verbena family (Verbenaceae) includes herbs, shrubs, and trees with opposite leaves and spikes or clusters of small, tubular flowers with four or five petals. Many species produce aromatic oils in glandular hairs on their leaves and stems. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
It is found growing in coastal and estuarine locations in India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
Family Context
The Verbenaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Lantana — 59 documented uses
- Vervain — 58 documented uses
- Brazilian Tea — 55 documented uses
- White Lippia — 20 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Avicennia alba has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: betulin, betulinic-acid.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.