Other Names

In Nigeria, it is commonly referred to as “Ewe Eje” or “Ewe Ajeri” (meaning “blood leaf” or “Jehovah’s Witness leaf”) by the Yoruba people and “Ogwu Obara” (meaning “blood medicine”) by the Igbo people. Other local names include “Maganin Jini” (Hausa for “blood tonic”), “Hospital Too Far,” and “Blood of Jesus Leaf,” reflecting its widespread use as a blood tonic. In English, it is known as Brazilian Plume Flower, Flamingo Flower, Jacobinia, King’s Crown, or Paradise Plant, names that highlight its vibrant pink blooms and ornamental appeal. These diverse names underscore its cultural significance and medicinal prominence in various

Health Benefits

Justicia carnea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, primarily due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical composition. The plant contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, and tannins, along with minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper) and vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12). These components contribute to the following health benefits:

  • Blood Production and Anemia Prevention: Justicia carnea is renowned for its blood-boosting properties, attributed to its high iron and vitamin C content. It increases red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet levels, making it a valuable remedy for anemia, particularly in pregnant women and convalescents. Studies have shown its efficacy in reversing anemic conditions and improving iron absorption.
  • Antidiabetic Properties: The aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts exhibit hypoglycemic effects, reducing blood glucose levels and potentially preventing diabetic complications like retinopathy, making it useful for diabetes management.
  • Antioxidant Activity: The plant’s flavonoids, phenols, and vitamins (C and E) provide potent antioxidant effects, protecting against oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
  • Heart Health: Justicia carnea’s anti-hyperlipidemic properties help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Its antioxidant and cardio-protective effects further support cardiovascular health.
  • Liver Protection: Studies indicate that the plant has hepatoprotective properties, safeguarding the liver from damage and supporting detoxification processes, which may reduce the risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis.
  • Immune System Support: By enhancing white blood cell production and containing immune-boosting nutrients, Justicia carnea strengthens the body’s defenses against infections and diseases.
  • Energy Boost: Rich in B-vitamins, the plant provides energy, helping combat fatigue and supporting daily activities.
  • Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: The leaf extract has shown significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, beneficial for conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.
  • Potential Antidepressant Activity: Preliminary studies on related Justicia species suggest possible mood-improving effects, though further research is needed to confirm this for Justicia carnea.
  • Epilepsy Management: Animal studies indicate that the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may reduce seizure activity, suggesting potential benefits for epilepsy management.
  • Wound Healing: Its leaves are applied topically to promote faster healing of wounds and burns. 

Other Benefits

  • Ornamental Value: With its vibrant pink flowers, the plant is widely cultivated as a decorative potted plant or used in landscaping in warm temperate and subtropical climates. It enhances aesthetic appeal in gardens and homes.
  • Cultural Significance: In African communities, particularly in Nigeria, Justicia carnea is deeply embedded in traditional healing practices, symbolizing vitality and resilience. Its nicknames, such as “Blood of Jesus Leaf,” reflect its cultural and spiritual importance.
  • Economic Potential: The plant has commercial value in the pharmaceutical industry for producing supplements and drugs. It is also sold as seedlings or dried leaves, with opportunities for cultivation, processing, and packaging along its value chain. A seedling in Nigeria costs approximately ₦1,000.

How It Is Used

Justicia carnea is versatile in its preparation and administration, reflecting its integration into both medicinal and culinary practices:

  • Herbal Tea/Decoction: The most common method involves boiling 8-10 fresh or dried leaves in a cup of water for 15-20 minutes until the water turns crimson. The decoction can be consumed warm, sometimes with milk or honey to improve taste. This tea is often taken daily to boost blood levels or manage other conditions.
  • Culinary Use: Fresh leaves are washed, chopped, and added to soups, stews, yam porridge, or rice, often combined with other vegetables like ugu or moringa. This method serves both nutritional and preventive health purposes.
  • Raw Consumption: Fresh leaves may be blended and consumed in small quantities. Some individuals chew the raw leaves directly, particularly during illness or fatigue, to harness its benefits.
  • Powder Form: Dried leaves are ground into powder for longer storage and can be mixed with other herbs or added to meals.
  • Combination Therapies: Traditional healers may combine Justicia carnea with other herbs such as Gongronema latifolium (utazi) or Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) to treat specific conditions, depending on local practices.
  • Poultice and topical application: Crushed leaves are sometimes applied externally for wounds and skin inflammations.

Side Effects/Caution

While Justicia carnea is generally considered safe when consumed moderately, caution is advised:

  • Potential Side Effects: No significant adverse effects are widely reported with moderate use. However, high doses (e.g., 1200 mg/kg) may cause mild to severe liver and kidney lesions, as observed in animal studies
  • Fertility Concerns: Research suggests that Justicia carnea may lower sperm count in male rats, indicating potential effects on male fertility. Its impact on female fertility is not yet known.
  • Medical Consultation: Always consult a healthcare provider before using Justicia carnea for medicinal purposes, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or individuals on medications, due to limited data on interactions.
  • Avoid Raw Consumption: Eating raw leaves is discouraged due to potential risks, and proper preparation (e.g., boiling) is recommended.
  • Individual Variability: Reactions may vary based on age, health status, or existing conditions, necessitating caution
  • Toxicity: Studies confirm that Justicia carnea is non-toxic at moderate doses, with an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats, indicating relative safety.

References

  • “10 Health Benefits of Ewe Eje (Justicia carnea).” Finelib.com, www.finelib.com/about/health-and-fitness/10-health-benefits-of-ewe-eje-justicia-carnea/1082.
  • Adebayo, Joseph O., and Oluwatosin A. Adetutu. “Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Justicia carnea: A Review.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, vol. 12, no. 5, 2018, pp. 45-52. 
  • Akinmoladun, F. O., et al. “Ethnobotanical Survey and Medicinal Uses of Justicia carnea in South-West Nigeria.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, vol. 14, no. 8, 2020, pp. 427–433.
  • Akinmoladun, F.O., Komolafe, T.R., Farombi, E.O. “Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Capacity of Justicia carnea Leaves.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, vol. 13, no. 5, 2019, pp. 123–130.
  • Akintimehin, Emmanuel Sina, et al. “Safety Assessment of Oral Administration of Ethanol Extract of Justicia carnea Leaf in Healthy Wistar Rats: Hematology, Antioxidative and Histology Studies.” Clinical Phytoscience, vol. 7, no. 2, 2021, doi:10.1186/s40816-020-00233-0.
  • Aworinde, D. O., and S. M. Erinoso. “Ethnobotanical Assessment of Plants Used for the Treatment of Anaemia in Southwestern Nigeria.” International Journal of Herbal Medicine, vol. 3, no. 2, 2015, pp. 27–33.
  • Calista, Chinwendu. “Roots of Healing: Exploring the Traditional Power of Justicia Carnea, the ‘Bleeding’ Miracle Worker.” Oriire, 7 Aug. 2025, www.oriire.com/roots-of-healing-exploring-the-traditional-power-of-justicia-carnea-the-bleeding-miracle-worker.
  • Eshemokha, Udomoh. “Side Effects, Uses and Health Benefit of Ewe eje (Justicia carnea leaf).” Nigerian Health Blog, 2 Jan. 2023, nimedhealth.com.ng/2023/01/02/side-effects-uses-and-health-benefit-of-ewe-eje-justicia-carnea-leaf/.
  • Eze, S.C., and Okoye, T.C. “Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Justicia carnea: A Review.” International Journal of Herbal Medicine, vol. 7, no. 2, 2019, pp. 45–51.
  • Ezeonu, Sylvia C., and Chukwuma S. Nworu. “Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition of Justicia carnea Leaves.” African Journal of Biotechnology, vol. 14, no. 22, 2015, pp. 1872-1879. 
  • Ogbole, O.O., et al. “Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Justicia Species.” Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. 11, no. 22, 2017, pp. 145–156.
  • Okeke, Ifeoma N., et al. “Traditional Uses of Justicia carnea in West African Folk Medicine.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 203, 2017, pp. 39-45. 
  • Okoye, Ngozika. “Ogwu Obara.” Pharmanewsonline, 17 May 2024, pharmanewsonline.com/ogwu-obara/.
  • Silva, Maria A., and Raimundo B. Oliveira. “The Ornamental and Medicinal Significance of Justicia carnea.” Horticulture Journal, vol. 8, no. 3, 2019, pp. 112-120. 
  • Umeokoli, B.O., and Eze, P.M. “Therapeutic Potentials of Justicia carnea in African Traditional Medicine.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, vol. 15, no. 3, 2018, pp. 87–94.