Sabah snake Grass, also known as Clinacanthus nutans, is one of the few plants that have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. It is also rich in anti-aging and oxidant compounds as well as many phytoconstituents believed to be the force behind the therapeutic properties of the plant.
In this post, you will discover 27 Sabah snake grass benefits you would probably never imagine. In addition, at
27 Health Benefits and Uses of Sabah Snake Grass
1. Healthy Kidney and Liver Functions
Sabah Snake Grass is commonly used in Indonesia, Malaysia and other part of Asia to help restore the normal functions of the liver and kidneys, and speed up recovery. But most of those claims are based on traditional uses.
2. Rich in Nutrient
Sabah Snake Grass Is high in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and many essential minerals capable of strengthening the immune system. Amazingly, the plant also contains other essential minerals such as zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, manganese, and 17 amino acids, both essential and non-essential amino acids, which are needed by the body to perform many vital functions.
Regular Consumption of dietary fiber and plant-based nutrients not only helps proper digestion, but also supports a variety of conditions, including regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Anti-Cardiovascular Disease
Lab analysis reveals Sabah snake Grass has a good percentage of iron, crude protein (more than 45%), carbohydrates, minerals, essential fatty acids. It is believed, along with exercise, the plant can help prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Because of its nutritional content alone, Sabah snake grass is an effective food supplement for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, and high cholesterol.
- Anti-diabetes
Sabah Snake Grass was originally recommended in alternative medicine in the treatment of bone fractures, kidney problems, and diabetes. It was also used as a diuretic and anti-viral, anti-bacteria and anti-fungal agent.
Consumers claim Clinacanthus nutans helps control urine output and strengthen the urinary bladder to function properly. If you have diabetes or know someone who does, kindly share the article with him; Sabah Snake may help.
- Anti-inflammatory
One of the most common Sabah snake grass benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation and treat insect bites. It is also taken in Malaysia and Indonesia, in traditional medicine, to treat lesions from Herpes Simplex Virus and common allergic symptoms.
In a study conducted by Wanikiat P and his team on the anti-inflammatory effects and the inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness by Barleria lupulina and Clinacanthus nutans extracts, it was discovered that both the leaves and extracts of sabah snake grass induced powerful dose-dependent inhibitory effects in edema-induced rats. The scientists believe the plant works by inhibiting the neutrophil responsiveness.
Another study was done in 2014 to determine the Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Clinacanthus nutans, the scientists discovered data confirming the inhibition of elastase by 4 sulfur-containing bioactive compounds. Released secreted elastase from neutrophils has been linked to the development of many inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and cystic fibrosis
- Anti Influenza And Viral Infections
Dr Tu and his colleagues conducted a recent study on bioactive compounds of Sabah snake grass. Results showed ethanolic extracts have moderate anti-dengue virus activity. The finding is very recomforting considering in the Philippines and other parts of the world many children die from dengue virus every year.
A study was also conducted to determine the effectiveness of Sabah Snake Grass extract on the Influenza Viruses. The researchers found the extract has an inhibitory action on Influenza virus NA (neuraminidase). The conclusion was simple to determine: Sabah snake Grass has anti-Influenza virus property.
Finding a natural alternative to fight Influenza virus infection is also encouraging. The infection is highly contagious and has a high mortality and morbidity rate. Influenza A viruses are behind all flu pandemics that has ravaged our world. 
- Anti- Herpes Simplex & Varicella Zoster Viruses
in South East Asia Sabah Snake Grass leaves have been used as a treatment of various infectious diseases including Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections. Today, more and more studies have been conducted to put those claims on the test.
In a recent study, scientist compare the effects of chloroform crude extract, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), all from sabah snake grass, on Herpes Simplex Virus. They were investigated for their antiviral properties against HSV-1 and HSV-2, on Vero cells extracted from the kidney of an African green monkey.
The results…:
The chloroform crude extract showed 50% protective effect against the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection.
MGDG and DGDG from the Sabah Snake Grass demonstrated 100% inhibition of HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication. The authors concluded that monogalactosyl diglyceride and digalactosyl diglyceride are the main inhibiter of the HSV replication and are most effective in the post step of the infection.
In 1995, S K Sangkitporn performed a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 51 patients suffering with Varicella zoster infection. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of the topical medication of Sabah Snake Grass in treating herpes. The participants were asked to apply the study formulation 5 times a day for a period of 7-14 days. Results published in Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Clinacanthus nutans (BiPhya Yaw) extract confirmed that the number of patients with lesion crusting within 3 days and with lesion healing within 7 days and 10 days were significantly higher in the group treated with sabah snake grass extract.
In addition, pain sores were reduced more rapidly among the Sabah snake grass extract treated group. Moreover, patients experience no side effects. They also found that Creams made with Sabah snake grass can dry out HSV- and VZV-lesions in about 3 days.
- Anti-cancer
One of the main reasons Sabah Snake Grass is getting so popular is its anti-cancer activity. New studies constantly perform to unravel the potential of the plant as an alternative cancer treatment for those who cannot afford to pay for the conventional therapies.
The main focus is on the antiproliferative ability of the extracts. The scientists want enough data to either reject or confirm the ability of the plant to inhibit cancer cell growth and reproduction which in turn will prevent the tumor from spreading and possibly disappear. Three studies have reported that Sabah Snake Grass extract inhibited proliferation of different types of cancer cells, including HeLa cell line.
The leaves of the plant also have antitumorigenic compounds which prevent the development, maturation or spread of cancer cells in the body. One study on the effects of Lindau Ethanol Extract on mice with liver cancer also revealed intake Inhibits Hepatoma, the most common primary cancer of the liver. The authors discovered a significant reduction of tumor growth in the mouse model. Further analysis also reveal that Sabah snake grass induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) due to its mechanism to halt cell proliferation in tumor growth.
A notable study done in 2013 on 8 human cancer cell lines: human neuroblastoma cell line (IMR-32), human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human lung cancer cell line (NHI-H23), human colon cancer adenocarcinoma 
The scientist found Clinacanthus nutans Extracts have Antiproliferative Effect on Cultured Human Cancer Cell Lines. Another amazing thing is that the extracts were selective towards cancer cells; that is, they did not damage reproduction of normal cells.
- Antivenom
Sabah snake grass has been used by traditional Thai and Malaysian medicine practitioners as a remedy against bites of venomous snakes and insects such as scorpions, and bees. A report in Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice affirms that there are components in the venom of venomous snakes and insects that can be neutralized by the plant. But so far there is no real medical research to confirm the claim.
- Anti-bacterial Infection
Some minor studies reported that Clinacanthus nutans contains significant antibacterial effect against many bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli given it is rich in bioactive compounds flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, diterpenes and phytosterols.
Sabah snake grass is commonly used in traditional Asian medicine as an anti-bacterial infection. Although no major studies confirm the claim yet, users confirm its benefits in fighting bacterial infections. New studies are being done possible anti-microbial properties of the plant.
- Anti-Canker Sores
Canker sore is a common ulcer characterized by repeated occurrence of benign and non-contagious mouth ulcers in otherwise healthy people. They can be painful, thus making it difficult to eat and talk. Sabah Snake Grass can help.
A clinical trial was performed on 43 patients with recurrent canker cores. This was done to determine the efficacy of sabah snake grass in treating the ulcers. Results showed the plant was more effective than placebo but less effective than triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid medication used topically to treat various skin conditions.
- Immune Modulatory
In a study published in 2015 titled: Clincanthus nutans Lindau Ethanol Extract Inhibits Hepatoma in Mice through Upregulation of Immune Response, the scientists found sabah snake grass has potential antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. 30% ethanol extract of the leaves of the plant was used. Results showed the extract boost the immune system and causes an indirect antitumor activity.
I also read that Sabah snake grass can also effectively activate the body’s immune response by increasing white blood cells, producing endogenous interferon, and increasing anti-tumor mechanism. It is also said that sabah snake grass helps promote cell growth and revive certain functions of the immune system after damages caused by the conventional cancer treatment. But there is no research to confirm this claim yet.
There are many Ethnomedicinal Uses of Sabah snake grass which are not confirmed by medical research. Some of the common conditions it is used to treat include:
- gout
- uric acid
- sore throat
- shingles
- eczema
- psoriasis
- dysentery
- painful urination
- uterine fibroids
- kidney problems
- prostate inflammation.
In China, Sabah snake grass is used in treating:
- anemia
- jaundice
- fractured bones
- menstrual pain and cramps.
Sabah Snake Grass Tea
Here is a simple tea recommended by practitioners who recommend the plant. Boil up to 21 fresh leaves of sabah snake grass in 2 glasses of water on low or medium fire until it reduces to the level of 1 glass. Drink 1 glass, up to 3 times a day.
If you have our powder, you can add 1 tbsp in 1 glass of water and boil it on moderate or low heat for about 10 minutes.
If you have the capsules, as an herbal supplement, take 3 capsules up to 3 times daily.
Thank you for reading to end. Kindly share it with a loved one you know who Is sick.
