Clerodendrum colebrookianum (Walp.) – A wonder plant and its ethno medicinal importance and pharmacological activities: A review

Abstract

Introduction

Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., also known as East-India glory bower is indigenous to North-eastern region, West Bengal and Sikkim of India. The plant is used in folk medicine for treating different diseases- hypertension, diabetes, dysentery, diarrhoea, gastric and bowel disorders. In North Eastern part of India, the plant finds a unique place amongst the commonly consumed vegetables with potent health benefits. The present study aims at deciphering the traditional, pharmacological potential of the plant with a view on future line of research. The review article also discusses the probable mechanism of action for the plant’s significance as potent antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antistress, antipyretic and hepatoprotective activity.

Method

Primary data collected from village head, traditional healers, local vendors of different tribes. Scientific literature from year 1979 was reviewed, using electronic databases, like- Pub-Med, Pub-Chem, Sci-hub, NCBI and NIST chemistry web book.

Results

Five novel steroid derivatives (colebrin A-E) were identified for the first time in C. colebrookianum leaf extract, besides clerosterol3β-O- [β-D-glucoside], glyceryl- 1-docosoicate, acteoside, martinoside, osmanthuside B₆, oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, 2-O-methylalluloside, 3β-acetoxyurs-11-cn-28 and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Pharmacological application includes hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, hepatoprotective, antiobesity, anthelmintic, CNS depressant, antimicrobial, antistress and antipyrectic activity; metabolic syndrome lowering and inducing longer sleep time ability.

Conclusion

Clinical investigations supported the conventional wisdom that the leaf extract can treat hypertension and this approach should be used to assess the qualities of other diseases as well. Further, in-depth research is also required to fully understand the mechanism underlying the potential for anti-diabetic effects.