Isodon inflexus
Isodon inflexus
Synonyms: Plectranthus coreanus, Plectranthus inflexus var. macrophyllus, Amethystanthus inflexus, Isodon inflexus f. leucanthus, Isodon inflexus var. microphyllus, Plectranthus inflexus var. canescens, Plectranthus inflexus f. vilior, Amethystanthus inflexus var. vilior, Ocimum inflexum, Isodon inflexus var. transticus, Isodon inflexus var. verticillatus, Plectranthus inflexus f. macrophyllus, Rabdosia inflexa f. leucantha, Rabdosia inflexa var. macrophylla, Plectranthus inflexus var. verticillatus, Plectranthus inflexus f. subglaber, Plectranthus inflexus var. transticus, Plectranthus inflexus var. microphyllus, Rabdosia inflexa, Amethystanthus inflexus f. leucanthus, Isodon inflexus f. canescens, Isodon inflexus var. macrophyllus, Amethystanthus inflexus f. subglaber, Amethystanthus inflexus var. macrophyllus, Isodon inflexus var. nakayamae, Plectranthus inconspicuus, Amethystanthus inflexus var. transticus, Isodon inflexus var. canescens, Plectranthus inflexus, Amethystanthus inflexus var. canescens, Isodon inflexus f. verticillatus
Botanical Description
Isodon inflexus is a perennial herb of the mint family native to eastern Asia, where it occurs in temperate woodlands and grassy slopes of Japan, the Korean peninsula, far-eastern Russia and parts of northeastern China. Plants develop from a creeping rootstock and produce erect, four-angled stems 40-100 cm tall, sparsely to densely covered with short retrorse hairs. The opposite, broadly ovate to deltoid leaves are 4-9 cm long, with abruptly contracted, winged petioles and coarsely serrate margins. In late summer and autumn the stems bear loose, open, much-branched terminal panicles of small, two-lipped flowers. The corolla is pale violet to bluish, only 8-10 mm long, with the lower lip cupped and forward-projecting; the slender stamens and style are exserted. Like other Isodon species it is rich in bitter ent-kaurane diterpenes that are of pharmacological interest.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.