Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.

Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem. & Schult., native to sub-Saharan Africa, grows to 1.5 m tall and gives rise to flowers that are typically white or purple which occur on spike-like inflorescences. The leaves, root bark and decoctions have traditionally been used for several ailments. Therefore, the phytochemistry of H. aristata was explored and lignans (hinokinin, savinin, medioresinol) have been identified. Due to the traditional use and phytochemistry, the biological activity of H. aristata was explored and anti-HIV and antiproliferative activities were found. The botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnobotanical usage, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties have been reported in this chapter.