Clerodendrum infortunatum
What's the taxonomical classification of Clerodendrum infortunatum?
Clerodendrum infortunatum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Lamiales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Lamiaceae, falling within the genus Clerodendrum, and is specifically identified as the species Clerodendrum infortunatum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Clerodendrum |
| Species | infortunatum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Clerodendrum infortunatum has opposite, elliptical leaves that measure approximately 5 to 15 centimeters in length and possess finely serrated margins. The foliage is characterized by a deep green color and a slightly textured surface. Its inflorescence consists of terminal panicles that bear small, tubular white flowers. These blossoms are accompanied by prominent, long stamens that extend outward from the corolla. Following pollination, the plant produces fleshy, dark purple or black drupes that serve as fruit.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia. It thrives in moist, low-altitude environments where humidity is consistently high. Its natural habitat typically includes forest edges and secondary growth areas where sunlight can penetrate the canopy. Beyond its primary native range, it may occasionally be found in cultivated gardens within similar climatic zones. The species relies on these specific environmental conditions to support its growth and reproductive cycles.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture while being protected from frost to thrive in subtropical or tropical climates.
It flourishes when planted in full sun to partial shade, which encourages the development of its distinctive white and red flowers. Regular fertilization during the growing season helps maintain its lush, bushy habit and vigorous growth. Because it is sensitive to extreme cold, gardeners often move potted specimens indoors during winter months.
Maintaining adequate humidity is also essential for preventing leaf drop in drier environments.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Clerodendrum infortunatum, is utilized medicinally through its aerial parts, which include the leaves, flowers, and roots. The leaves are frequently employed in traditional remedies to treat skin diseases, inflammation, and various types of fevers. Both the flowers and the aerial portions of the plant are often prepared as decoctions to alleviate respiratory issues and stomach ailments. The roots are also harvested for their specific therapeutic properties, often acting as a remedy for swelling or digestive disturbances. By utilizing these different components, practitioners can address a wide range of physiological conditions.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP", the aerial parts of Clerodendrum infortunatum were extracted using the Soxhleth method to evaluate medicinal potential. Phytochemical assessments validated the presence of Rutin, Quercetiin, and Gallic Acid within specific solvent extracts. Rutin was found to be predominantly present in the water extract, while quercetin was more concentrated in the decoction and gallic acid showed elevated levels in the hydro-alcoholic extract. The decoction extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity, primarily through early apoptosis and arrests in the S-phase and G2M phases. Furthermore, Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited a reduction in Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species and an impact on the BCL-2 gene.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- flower
- leaves
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Clerodendrum infortunatum, is utilized in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to treat skin ailments and digestive issues, while in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is employed to clear heat and resolve toxins. Practitioners of these ancient systems often prepare decoctions from the leaves or roots to address various systemic imbalances. In Ayurvedic practices, the plant is specifically valued for managing conditions like rheumatism and wound healing. Traditional Chinese practitioners may also incorporate its components into formulas designed to reduce swelling and detoxify the body. These diverse historical applications highlight the widespread recognition of the plant's therapeutic potential across different cultures.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", plants belonging to the genus Clerodendrum are consumed as functional foods to treat metabolic liver disease in the North-Eastern sub-Himalayan region of India. The use of Clerodendrum spp. as hepatoprotective is mentioned in Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicinal literature. Out of 12 major Clerodendrum spp. analyzed, Clerodendrum infortunatum was identified as the most bioactive plant species. This plant contains stigmasterol, gallic acid, catechin, syringic acid, vanillic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid and quercetin. The data show that the hepatoprotective effects of C. infortunatum are associated with the enhancement of hepatocellular cytoprotection and a favorable modulation of the gut microbiome.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Clerodendrum infortunatum?
This plant has anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its diverse chemical constituents allow it to neutralize harmful free radicals through potent antioxidant mechanisms. These properties contribute to its ability to reduce inflammation and protect liver cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, the plant shows significant potential in regulating blood glucose levels and inhibiting the growth of malignant cells. These multifaceted biological effects make it a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic treatments.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP", Clerodendrum infortunatum linn. was investigated for its anti-cancer properties against human cervical cancer cells using aerial parts extracted via the Soxhlet method. Phytochemical assessment through HPTLC validated the presence of Rutin, Quercetin, and Gallic Acid, with Rutin predominantly in the water extract and Quercetin more concentrated in the decoction. The decoction extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity by initiating early apoptosis and causing arrests in the S-phase and G2M phases. Furthermore, Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited a reduction in Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species and influenced the BCL-2 gene. These findings underscore the encouraging cytotoxic and antioxidant attributes of the plant for cervical cancer treatment.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-hyperglycaemic
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains clerodin, flavonoids, rutin, saponins, and alkaloids which contribute to its diverse therapeutic potential. The presence of clerodin is particularly significant for its specific biological activities within the species. Various flavonoids and the glycoside rutin provide antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, the saponins and alkaloids present in the leaves and stems support the plant's overall medicinal profile. These combined chemical constituents make Clerodendrum infortunatum a subject of interest in pharmacological research.
According to a study published by "ACS omega", the medicinal plant Clerodendrum infortunatum contains the compound clerodin. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study was used to identify the first crystal structure of this isolated clerodin. The research evaluated its potential as an anticancer agent through docking, network pharmacology analysis, ADMET analysis, in silico pathway analysis, and normal mode analysis (NMA). Cell viability studies demonstrated that clerodin shows toxicity on the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. However, the studies showed no toxicity toward normal human lymphocyte cells (HLCs). The anticancer mechanism involves an enhanced capacity to produce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to lower the reduced glutathione content in MCF-7 cells.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- clerodin
- flavonoids
- rutin
- saponins
- alkaloids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Alzheimer's disease and managing cognitive decline by addressing underlying biological mechanisms. It acts as a powerful agent to reduce inflammation within the central nervous system. The plant also mitigates oxidative stress, which is a primary driver of cellular damage in the brain. Furthermore, its properties help prevent lipid peroxidation, protecting the integrity of neuronal membranes. These combined effects support overall neurological health and function.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. is a medicinal shrub traditionally used to treat inflammation, skin diseases, and bronchitis. The investigation also explored its potential in protecting against cognitive decline in rats with scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease. To evaluate these effects, the methanol extract was orally administered at 3 doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Results indicated that treatment at 200 and 400 mg/kg almost restored neurotransmitter levels to normal. Through the identification of 79 metabolites, the study demonstrated the plant's therapeutic potential in mitigating Alzheimer's disease.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- diabetes mellitus
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
- lipid peroxidation
- cellular injury
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations including decoction, ethanol extracts, and hydro-alcoholic extract to harness its bioactive compounds. A decoction is prepared by boiling the plant material in water to extract water-soluble constituents for therapeutic use. Ethanol extracts are developed using pure alcohol to isolate specific non-polar phytochemicals from the plant tissues. Hydro-alcoholic extracts utilize a mixture of water and alcohol to ensure a broader spectrum of medicinal properties is captured. These different preparation methods allow for the targeted delivery of the plant's unique chemical profile for various health applications.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP", Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. is part of a genus with approximately 500 species in the Lamiaceae family. The aerial parts of the plant were extracted using the Soxhleth method to investigate its medicinal potential against human cervical cancer cells. Phytochemical assessment through High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography validated the presence of Rutin, Quercetin, and Gallic Acid in specific solvent extracts. Rutin was predominantly present in the water extract, quercetin was more concentrated in the decoction, and the hydro-alcoholic extract showed elevated levels of gallic acid. The decoction extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity by initiating early apoptosis and causing arrests in the S-phase and G2M phases. This research underscores the cytotoxic and antioxidant attributes of Clerodendrum infortunatum, including its ability to diminish levels of reactive oxygen species and influence the BCL-2 gene.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- decoction
- ethanol extracts
- hydro-alcoholic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause impaired glucose tolerance, increased food intake, mild sedation, and reduced gastrointestinal motility in some individuals. These physiological changes may disrupt normal metabolic processes and hunger regulation. The sedative effect can lead to feelings of drowsiness or lethargy during daily activities. Furthermore, a slowdown in gastrointestinal motility may result in digestive discomfort or constipation. Careful consideration is necessary when evaluating the potential risks associated with consuming this species.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in bioscience (Scholar edition)", the ethanol extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum were evaluated for anti-hyperglycaemic effects in high-fat fed obese rats. Oral administration of these extracts at 250 mg/kg body weight, along with glucose at 18 mmoL/kg body weight, ameliorated glucose tolerance with a significance of p < 0.05-0.01. Furthermore, the 250 mg/kg dose improved gut motility at a significance level of p < 0.05-0.001. This same 250 mg/kg dose also reduced food intake during the feeding test with a significance of p < 0.05-0.001. Phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and reducing sugars.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- impaired glucose tolerance
- increased food intake
- mild sedation
- reduced gastrointestinal motility
What herbs are paired with Clerodendrum infortunatum?
This plant Clerodendrum infortunatum pairs most effectively with medicinal herbs like Tulsi, ginger, and turmeric to enhance its therapeutic properties in traditional remedies.
When used in topical applications, combining it with aloe vera helps soothe skin irritations through synergistic cooling effects. For internal decoctions, pairing the leaves with holy basil can strengthen the overall antimicrobial potency of the brew. These combinations are often curated to target specific ailments such as skin infections or digestive issues.
Such herb pairings leverage the phytochemical synergies present between the different botanical species.