Stillingia lineata subsp. lineata

Stillingia lineata (Lam.) Mull. Arg. subsp. lineata (Euphorbiaceae) is a heterophyllous shrub to tree. The species is widespread in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. This subspecies is endemic to Mauritius and Reunion islands. Plant parts are recommended for the treatment of dermatological conditions and viral infections. Despite the plant's widespread ethnomedicinal application, there is limited evidence of its therapeutic efficacy in animal or human subjects. Reported bioactivities of the S. lineata subsp. lineata mainly emphasize the in vitro activity of the leaf and bark extracts against the chikungunya virus. The antiviral activity of the subspecies has been primarily ascribed to its terpenoid content including tonantzitlolone derivatives. This chapter includes a brief botanical description and distribution of S. lineata subsp. lineata, its ethnobotanical uses, and the reported in vitro antimicrobial and antidiabetic effect of the plant extracts.