Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br.

Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br. is an annual herb that gives rise to pale-pink or white flowers arranged unidirectionally in a spike formation. It is widely distributed throughout Southern Africa, Saharan highlands, Arabia and Madagascar. The fresh leaves and juice of H. forskaolii boast several ethnobotanical uses, subsequently leading to the identification of several C-fusicoccane-type diterpenoids. The plant is predominantly used to treat malaria. The antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties of the plant have also been investigated. The botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnobotanical usage, phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of H. forskaolii have been reported in this chapter.