Ethnomedicinal application, phytochemistry and therapeutic effects of genus clerodendrum

The genus Clerodendrum consist of flowering plants, which was once classified as a member of the Verbenaceae family, was recently classified as a member of the Lamiaceae family. Various species of this genus have been generally used for treating several ailments and disorders as well as ornamental plants. Secondary metabolites found in abundance in these species include terpenoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and glucosides as well as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Studies conducted so far have shown that the extracts and compounds of the species in this genus exert diverse physiological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-allergic, analgesic, hepatoprotective, post-coital antifertility, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, membrane stabilizing, antihelmitic, hypolipidemic, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. Medicinal plants in this genus are beneficial, therefore they should be considered as lead in drug discovery and formulation.Keywords: Clerodendrum species, Forkloric uses, Pharmacological application, Phytoconstituents, Therapeutics