Balsaminaceae

The Balsaminaceae are a family of dicotyledonous plants, comprising two genera: Impatiens, which consists of over 1000 species, and Hydrocera, consisting of 1 species. Impatiens balsamina L. (Balsaminaceae) is a tropical ornamental and traditional medicinal herb rich in natural compounds, especially 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) which is a bioactive compound with tested anticancer activities. For centuries, preparations from the aerial parts of I. balsamina L. have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic activities, and antitumoral purposes, as well as for the treatment of difficult labor and puerperal pain. Many compounds have been isolated from I. balsamina L., including phenolics, flavonols, anthocyanin pigments, and saponins.