Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Subclass: Ateridae

Order: Lamiales

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Carmona

Species: Carmona retusa

• Tsaang gubat, one of the top 10 medicinal plants approved by the Philippine Department of Health, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, and anti-mutagenic effects. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in providing anti-allergic, antidiarrheal, antibacterial, antitumor, antiproliferative, wound healing, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and cardiotonic benefits. These properties underscore its significant therapeutic potential and value in traditional medicine.

• The plant is widely distributed across eastern and southeastern Asia, spanning from India, Indochina, southern China, Taiwan, and Japan to Malesia. Its range includes the Australian territory of Christmas Island, New Guinea, mainland Australia at Cape York Peninsula, and the Solomon Islands. In Hawaii, it has become an invasive weed, favored as an ornamental plant, with its seeds likely spread by fruit-eating birds.  

• Alkaloids 

• Flavonoids 

• Glycosides 

• Tannins 

• Beta-Terpenoids 

• Saponins 

Pharmaceutical Use: 

• In pharmaceutical applications, tsaang gubat is utilized across various formulations. It has been investigated for its wound healing properties, stimulating epithelization and accelerating the closure of wounds. Additionally, its role in managing conditions such as diabetes, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal disorders has been studied, demonstrating its potential as a natural remedy in clinical settings. 

Pharmacologic Use: 

• Tsaang gubat is valued for its diverse pharmacological properties. Studies have highlighted its potential as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial agent, with specific bioactive compounds like triterpenes showing significant activity against pain and inflammation. Its antimutagenic and anticancer properties further underscore its potential in combating cellular mutations and supporting cancer treatment protocols.