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Strobilanthes cusia (Assam indigo, Chinese rain bell) is a perennial shrub in the family Acanthaceae, native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, China, Indochina, and Malaysia. It grows 0.5-1.8 m tall, with four-angled stems, ovate serrated leaves, and violet to pink tubular flowers.Traditionally, its leaves were a major source of natural indigo dye due to their high indican content. Besides dyeing textiles, it holds importance in traditional medicine, especially in Chinese herbal practice under the name Ban-Lan-Gen, used for fever, sore throat, infections, and skin disorders. In folk medicine across Asia, it’s applied for respiratory ailments, inflammation, and wound healing.Chemically, it contains indole alkaloids (indigo, indirubin, tryptanthrin), triterpenes (lupeol, betulin), and glycosides, many of which show antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. Recent studies confirm its activity against coronaviruses and certain bacteria.Today, it is valued both for sustainable natural dye production and as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical research.
