Rehmannia

Rehmannia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The genus is named after the German botanist Johann Friedrich Rehmann, who first described the plants. Rehmannia species are typically small trees or shrubs, with simple, alternate leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The genus is notable for its medicinal properties, with several species used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects. Rehmannia glutinosa, in particular, is known for its high content of iridoid glycosides, which have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. The genus is also of interest to botanists and conservationists due to its diverse range of species and the threats they face from habitat loss and overharvesting.