Clerodendrum inerme
What's the taxonomical classification of Clerodendrum inerme?
Clerodendrum inerme belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows a taxonomic lineage that leads to the order Lamiales. It is further categorized under the family Lamiaceae, which places it within the genus Clerodendrum, specifically identifying it as the species inerme.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Clerodendrum |
| Species | inerme |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Clerodendrum inerme has opposite, elliptical leaves that measure approximately 5 to 15 centimeters in length and possess entire margins with acute tips. The stems are woody and quadrangular in cross-section, often developing a slightly hairy texture as they mature. Small, tubular white flowers emerge in terminal panicles, featuring long exserted stamens that extend beyond the corolla. These blossoms eventually give way to small, globose drupes that transition from green to a dark purple or black color upon ripening. The overall growth habit is that of a perennial shrub reaching heights of up to three meters.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a vast tropical range spanning from tropical Africa and Madagascar through Southeast Asia to parts of northern Australia. It thrives primarily in the humid, warm environments found within low-elevation rainforests and coastal regions. Within these habitats, the species is frequently encountered along riverbanks and in moist, shaded forest edges. Its distribution is closely tied to the presence of consistent rainfall and high moisture levels. This widespread presence makes it a common component of diverse tropical ecosystems across multiple continents.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and partial shade to thrive in tropical or subtropical environments.
Growers should maintain a temperature range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal growth. Regular fertilization with a balanced liquid formula during the growing season helps stimulate lush foliage and frequent blooming. Providing adequate airflow and preventing water stagnation on the leaves is essential to avoid fungal diseases.
Pruning the stems regularly encourages a bushier habit and promotes more prolific flowering.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Clerodendrum inerme, provides medicinal value through its leaves, roots, shoots, and various aerial parts. The leaves are frequently prepared as poultices or decoctions to treat skin infections and inflammatory conditions. Extracts from the roots are often utilized in traditional remedies to address digestive issues and fever. The tender shoots can be consumed or processed to support general wellness and metabolic functions. Additionally, the various aerial parts are harvested to create topical applications for wound healing and insect bites.
According to a study published by "Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition", Clerodendrum inerme is identified as one of the 21 medicinal and aromatic plant samples screened for its potential to suppress in vitro methanogenesis. The study investigated the effects of tannins from leaves by incubating 200 mg dry matter (DM) without and with 400 mg DM of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000. For Clerodendrum inerme, there was no increase in the protozoa population with the addition of PEG during the 24-h incubation. This finding strongly suggested that the methane suppression recorded in this sample was not due to a defaunating effect of its tannins. The research further noted that leaves containing tannins, such as C. inerme, appear to have a potential to suppress in vitro methanogenesis.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- root
- shoot
- aerial parts
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Clerodendrum inerme, is utilized in various traditional medicinal systems across tropical regions to treat ailments such as skin infections, wounds, and gastrointestinal issues.
In many Southeast Asian cultures, the leaves are crushed and applied topically to soothe inflammation or promote the healing of minor cuts. Some indigenous practices involve preparing decoctions from the plant to manage fever or stomach pains. Additionally, the plant serves a dual purpose in rural communities where it is used both as a medicinal herb and as a natural hedge for property boundaries.
These historical uses highlight the plant's deep integration into both the healthcare and daily social structures of these regions.
What are the pharmacological activities of Clerodendrum inerme?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities including antimethanogenic, cytotoxic, and insect antifeedant properties. Its antimethanogenic potential suggests it may play a role in reducing methane production in digestive processes. The plant also exhibits cytotoxicity, which indicates its ability to inhibit the growth of certain cell lines. Furthermore, its insect antifeedant activity provides a natural mechanism for deterring pests from consuming vegetation. These diverse biological effects highlight its potential for various medicinal and agricultural applications.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", the methanolic extract of Clerodendrum inerme showed low toxicity against mouse fibroblasts with an IC50 > 2.5 mg mL(-1). This same methanolic extract also exhibited selective cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines with an IC50 of 0.2-2.3 mg mL(-1). These findings demonstrate the specific cytotoxic potential of the plant during the MTT assay screening. The study investigated these effects against three human cancer-cell lines including gastric AGS, colon HT-29, and breast MDA-MB-435S.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antimethogenic
- cytotoxicity
- insect antifeedant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds 3-epicaryoptin, betulinic acid, clerodermic acid, inermes A, and inermes B. These bioactive constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological properties observed in the species. Scientific studies often focus on these specific molecules to understand their potential therapeutic applications. Each compound plays a distinct role in the chemical profile of the plant's extracts. Researchers continue to investigate how these substances interact with biological systems.
According to a study published by "Journal of separation science", the aerial parts of Clerodendrum inerme contain two new recently isolated sterols, 4alpha-methyl-24beta-ethyl-5alpha-cholesta-14,25-dien-3beta-ol (1) and 24beta-ethylcholesta-5,9(11),22E-trien-3beta-ol (2), along with the triterpene betulinic acid (3). The analysis of these compounds used an optimised mobile phase of toluene-acetone (94:06, v/v) which produced Rf values of 0.48, 0.34, and 0.22 for compounds 1, 2, and 3. Densitometric determination was performed in reflection/absorption mode at 620 nm with calibration curves that were linear in the concentration range of 100-2500 ng/spot. For these medicinal compounds, the limits of detection were 5, 6, and 10 microg/mL, while the limits of quantitation were 14, 18, and 29 microg/mL for compounds 1, 2, and 3.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 3-epicaryoptin
- betulinic acid
- clerodermic acid
- inermes A
- inermes B
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer and managing metabolic processes related to methanogenesis. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to determine how they might inhibit tumor growth in various cell lines. The phytochemical profile of the plant shows potential in disrupting the chemical pathways that support malignant cells. Additionally, its influence on microbial processes suggests a role in regulating methanogenesis within the gut microbiome. These medicinal properties make the species a significant subject for pharmacological investigation.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", the methanolic extract of Clerodendrum inerme showed low toxicity against mouse fibroblasts with an IC(50) greater than 2.5 mg mL(-1). This specific extract demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines with an IC(50) ranging from 0.2 to 2.3 mg mL(-1). The study investigated these effects using three human cancer-cell lines, which included gastric AGS, colon HT-29, and breast MDA-MB-435S cells. These cytotoxic results correlate with the traditional use of some plants as anticancer treatments.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- methanogenesis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations such as Clerodendrum inerme extract, decoctions, and topical poultices to treat skin infections and inflammatory conditions. The leaves and roots are often boiled in water to produce a liquid infusion used for internal cleansing or wound washing. Many traditional healers also grind the fresh foliage into a paste to apply directly onto sores or insect bites. Researchers are currently investigating the bioactive compounds within the Clerodendrum inerme extract to better understand its antimicrobial properties. These diverse applications highlight the plant's significant role in ethnobotanical medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of separation science", a high-performance thin-layer chromatography method was developed for the quantitative analysis of compounds in Clerodendrum inerme extract. This method targets two new sterols, 4alpha-methyl-24beta-ethyl-5alpha-cholesta-14,25-dien-3beta-ol (1) and 24beta-ethylcholesta-5,9(11),22E-trien-3beta-ol (2), and the triterpene betulinic acid (3) found in the aerial parts of the plant. An optimized mobile phase of toluene-acetone (94:06, v/v) achieved Rf values of 0.48, 0.34, and 0.22 for compounds 1, 2, and 3. Densitometric determination was performed in reflection/absorption mode at 620 nm with linear calibration curves in the concentration range of 100-2500 ng/spot. The limits of detection were 5, 6, and 10 microg/mL, while the limits of quantitation were 14, 18, and 29 microg/mL for compounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Clerodendrum inerme extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant genotoxicity and developmental issues through the induction of chromosomal aberrations, a decreased mitotic index, an increased frequency of micronuclei, lagging chromosomes, and root growth retardation. These toxicological effects suggest that the plant contains bioactive compounds capable of disrupting cellular division and genetic stability. The presence of lagging chromosomes and micronuclei indicates that the plant interferes with proper chromosomal segregation during mitosis. Furthermore, the reduction in the mitotic index demonstrates that it suppresses the rate of cell proliferation. These systemic cellular disruptions ultimately culminate in physical impairments such as root growth retardation in developing organisms.
According to a study published by "Protoplasma", the diterpenoid 3-epicaryoptin (C26H36O9) found in the leaves of Clerodendrum inerme is cytogenotoxic. When applied at concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 µg mL-1, it caused statistically significant (p < 0.01) concentration-dependent root growth retardation. At 150 µg mL-1 for 4 h of treatment, there was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the metaphasic cell percentage of 66.2 ± 0.58%, leading to a mitotic index of 12.29 ± 0.34%. This compound induces various chromosomal abnormalities, including vagrant chromosomes, sticky chromosomes, anaphase bridges, lagging chromosomes, multipolar anaphase-telophase, and increased frequencies of micronuclei and polyploid cells. Due to these effects, Clerodendrum inerme should be used with caution in traditional medicine.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- chromosomal aberrations
- decreased mitotic index
- increased frequency of micronuclei
- lagging chromosomes
- root growth retardation
What herbs are paired with Clerodendrum inerme?
This plant Clerodendrum inerme is frequently paired with holy basil, ginger, and turmeric in traditional herbal formulations to enhance its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
These combinations are often used in topical pastes to treat skin infections or wound healing. When used in decoctions, adding ginger can help balance the plant's cooling effects and improve digestion. The addition of turmeric provides a synergistic effect that boosts the overall potency of the medicinal blend.
These specific pairings are selected based on their complementary chemical profiles in holistic medicine.