Botany
Shrub growing up to 1 meter, low growing with distinctive drooping flower-laden stems. Leaves are small, linear-lanceolate or ovate and almost scalelike on the branches. Flowers are red, tubular, 2-lipped, up to 3 cm long and in loose branching clusters.

Distribution
Native to Mexico.
Recently introduced to the Philippines.

Properties
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial.

Folkloric uses
No known folkloric medicinal use in the Philippines.
STUDIES
• Antimicrobial activities of Methalonic Extract of Russelia quisetiformis: antimmicrobial effect of a methanolic extract was noted on S. aureus, S. albus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa and K. edwardsiella. The effect was attributede to triterpenes in the extract.
• Phytochemical Screening of Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius and Russelia Equisetiformis Used for the Treatment of Diabetes and Leukemia
• Antinociceptive effect of Russelia equisetiformis leave extracts: Identification of its active constituents.
Study confirmed the traditional uses of R. equisetiformis in the treatment of inflammation and pain. (nflammopharmacology. 2004 ;12 (4):399-405 15901417)
• Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the extract of Russelia equisetiformis. Study results suggested that the extract possesses potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Availability
Wild-crafted.