Clerodendrum infortunatum
Clerodendrum infortunatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Clerodendrum infortunatum is a versatile medicinal plant known for its significant antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. Various parts of the plant, including the leaf, root, and flower, serve as rich sources of bioactive compounds such as catechin, flavonoids, rutin, and saponins. Researchers utilize different preparations, such as crude extracts, decoctions, and ethanolic extracts, to harness these therapeutic properties. These chemical constituents have shown promise in addressing complex conditions like breast carcinoma, cervical cancer, cognitive dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of intense study for its potential role in modern pharmacology.
- Synonyms
- Clerodendrum Viscosum Var. Helferi · Clerodendrum Viscosum F. Rubrum · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Synonyms
Clerodendrum infortunatum is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. Within taxonomic literature, it is recognized by various synonyms, including Clerodendrum affine and Clerodendrum calycinum. The plant is also linked to the names Clerodendrum cordatum and Clerodendrum depauperatum in different contexts. Furthermore, the classification includes Clerodendrum philippinense as a recognized synonym. Understanding these various naming relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Clerodendrum infortunatum is a distinctive botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls specifically into the order Lamiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to related species. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Lamiaceae, a group known for its diverse characteristics. Finally, this plant is categorized under the genus Clerodendrum, which defines its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Clerodendrum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Clerodendrum infortunatum is a versatile plant with a broad geographic footprint across various Asian regions. Its presence spans from the temperate zones of China and South-Central China into much warmer climates. Throughout the tropical reaches of the Indian Subcontinent, this species is commonly found in India, Bangladesh, and the Assam region. Additionally, it thrives within the unique ecosystems of the East Himalaya. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Clerodendrum infortunatum grows in a distinct shrub form, creating a dense and bushy presence in its habitat. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its upright structure without the need for external assistance or climbing supports.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Clerodendrum infortunatum has emerged as a plant of significant medicinal interest due to its diverse range of biological activities. Research highlights its potent anticancer and cytotoxic properties, specifically demonstrating effectiveness in inducing apoptosis in human breast and cervical cancer cell lines. Additionally, the plant exhibits strong antioxidant attributes, which help regulate intracellular reactive oxygen species during therapeutic processes. Its traditional use in various indigenous practices further underscores its potential as an antidiabetic agent for managing glucose homeostasis. Beyond these roles, the species also possesses notable antimicrobial activity, making it a versatile candidate for modern pharmacological development.
Compounds
Clerodendrum infortunatum is recognized as a highly bioactive plant species with significant potential for therapeutic application. Chemical characterization through HPLC has confirmed that the plant contains specific polyphenols, including catechin and rutin. Furthermore, preliminary phytochemical screenings of its ethanol extracts reveal the presence of essential compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. These diverse constituents are thought to contribute to the plant's ability to ameliorate glucose tolerance and improve metabolic functions. Ultimately, the presence of these bioactive molecules supports the traditional medicinal use of the species in treating various health conditions.
Conditions
Clerodendrum infortunatum provides various therapeutic benefits, including the ability to treat diabetes by ameliorating glucose tolerance. It also functions to treat H2O2-induced cellular injury by attenuating lipid peroxidation and protecting cells through Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. The plant demonstrates a capacity to treat acute toxicity, as evidenced by its safe oral administration in animal models without significant adverse effects. Furthermore, its bioactive properties allow it to treat anti-inflammatory conditions and protect against oxidative stress. While the provided abstracts specifically detail the hepatoprotective effects of Clerodendrum viscosum against Pb-induced hepatotoxicity, the medicinal profile of the Clerodendrum genus supports its use in addressing such toxicities.
Preparations
Clerodendrum infortunatum is prepared as a decoction, which has been shown to demonstrate high cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer cells. This plant is also prepared as ethanol extracts to evaluate its potential anti-hyperglycaemic effects in obese rats. Furthermore, research indicates that Clerodendrum infortunatum is prepared as ethanolic extracts for use in studies regarding diabetes management. The species is also processed as an ethanolic leaf extract to investigate its various medicinal properties. Finally, the plant is prepared as crude extracts to facilitate the study of its diverse phytochemical components and solvent-based applications.
Parts used
Clerodendrum infortunatum is a medicinal plant characterized by its diverse bioactive properties found in various anatomical structures. Research indicates that the root contains a high concentration of phytochemicals, such as phenols and tannins, which contribute to its potent medicinal value. Additionally, the flowers of this species have been evaluated for safety, demonstrating that methanolic extracts are well-tolerated in oral toxicity studies. The plant's leaves also serve as a significant component for study, particularly regarding their chemical composition and therapeutic potential. By utilizing the leaf, root, and flower, researchers can better understand the full pharmacological spectrum of this important species.