Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. A potential folk ... - NERIST

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research
Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp.: A potential folk medicinal plant of North
East India
Janmoni Kalita, S. Sureshkumar Singh and Mohamed LatifKhan
Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University),Nirjuli – 791109
(Itanagar), Arunachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
Review Article
In view of extensive ethno-medicinal importance and utilization in various forms of ethnomedicinal applications of Clerodendrum colebrookianum in
the north eastern region, the present paper is an effort to compile the existing information on folklore medicine uses by different communities of north
eastern India. The paper also encompasses to analyze the potential aspects in scientific identification of principle compounds and formulation of druglike
leads based on basic and applied research activities and for development of sustainable exploitation and conservation strategies in the near future.
The present work is an extensive review and analysis of published literature supplemented by actual field surveys conducted and consultation with local
healers and peoples familiar with ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses of Clerodendrum colebrookianum in different parts of the north eastern
India. C. colebrookianum is known by more than thirty vernacular names among 20 different tribes and communities of north eastern region. The plant
is used for treatment and cure of more than 16 different diseases and ailments. The use of young and tender leaves as decoction for antihypertensive
purpose was the most common form of ethnomedicinal application for the species of C .colebrookianum among all ethnic tribes and communities in the
region. A detailed investigation on the phytochemical, pharmacological properties of C. colebrookianum may lead to discover the potential lead
compounds or molecules against life threatening diseases of human life such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.
Key words: antihypertensive, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, drug, ethnomedicine, nephaphu, north eastern India.
Received :12 Oct 2012 Accepted :22 Nov 2012 Published:30 Dec 2012
INTRODUCTION
he genus Clerodendrum L. (Verbenaceae) consisting
Tof 400 – 500 specific and subspecific taxa which are
widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world
[1]
. Among the total recorded species of the world, India
[2]
contributed 23 species of the genus . Many species of genus
Clerodendrum occurring in Northeastern region have been
reported to be useful in treatment of various ailments and diseases
(anti-microbial, anti-helmintic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial,
antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, indigestion, blood pressure (antihypertension),
fever, ashthma, etc. by the local tribes of the
region. Out of the total reported species of India, Clerodendrum
colebrookianum has been considered as the most important
medicinal species which is used in the treatment of hypertension
[3,4,5].
by different tribes of north east India It has been reported that
the Mizo people used the species as a cardio protective agent
(mainly against high blood pressure) and have the belief that
there are low percentage of hypertensive people in their
community which is mainly because of regular intake of the
[6]
species as vegetables . However, the use of the plant for cure or
treatment of diseases is based on administration of the leaves or
flowers either by boiling or as vegetable. However, it has been
difficult to explain the effect of the plant on these diseases at
scientific level. Moreover, the scientific investigation has been
made so far to reveal the role of active principle compounds in the
treatment of these diseases. Therefore, it is very necessary to
Address for correspondence*
Janmoni Kalita
Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of
Science and Technology (Deemed University),Nirjuli – 791109
(Itanagar), Arunachal Pradesh, India
E-mail: janmoni.kalita@gmail.com
e ISSN: 2231-2218
© 2012 Asian J Pharm Biol Res
256
understand the scientific reasons behind the use of these plants
and to identify biologically active compounds or molecules
capable of treatment and cure of these diseases. The present
review is an attempt to analyse the information on ethno
medicinal use of Clerodendrum colebrookianum as a potential
ethno medicinal plant species in the north eastern states of India.
Morphology, Distribution and Systematics of Clerodendrum
colebrookianum
Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. (Synonymous to
Clerodendrum glandulosum Coleb.), belongs to the family
Verbenaceae. Globally the species is distributed in Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri
Lanka and Vietnam . In India, the species is distributed in the states
of Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim at altitudes between 1 to 4000
[7]
ft . asl . The species occupy every possible habitat such as
roadsides, forest edges, moist, shady places and amidst bushes. It
is a perennial shrub and has been reported to be endemic to north
[8]
eastern region of India . Out of the 23 species of Clerodendrum
reported from India, Arunachal Pradesh has accounted 16 species
[2]
and 1 variety . It has been reported that the species is distributed
from 500 to 800 m asl in Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare and Upper
[2]
Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh .
Clerodendrum colebrookianum is a perennial shrub and
grows up to 4 - 8 ft. height. Stem quadrangular, branches robust
and sparsely pubescent with corky internodes.
Leaves often 9 inch
diameter, opposite, broad-ovate, acute, entire, petiolate, small
lateral veins (6-9) with few glands clustered at the petiole and
scattered beneath. Inflorescence terminal, compact, corymbose
cymes. Flowers white in broad terminal compact, numerous,
bracteates, pedicelate (2-4 cm). Bracts lanceolate or narrowly
ovate, caduceus at the time of flowering. One bract is present for
each flower and glands are present on lower surface. Calyx

Table 1: Systematic position of Clerodendrum
colebrookianum Walp.
Taxonomy Hierarchy
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Name
Magnoliophyta
Magnoliopsida
Lamiales
Verbenaceae
Genus Clerodendrum L.
Species Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp.
Table 2: Vernacular names of Clerodendrum colebrookianum in north eastern states of India.
Asian J Pharm Biol Res |Oct-Dec 2012 | Vol-2 | Issue-4
gamosepalous, persistent, sepaloid, campanulate with several
peltate glands, sepals 5 and glandular. Calyx-teeth short
triangular, reddish purple. Corolla gamopetalous, petals 5, white
in colour, tube nearly glabrous, stamens 4, didynamous, filiform.
Gynoecium has exerted style and shorter than stamen with 4
loculi. Anthers reddish or marron, introse. Fruit is drupe,
subglobose, glossy and bluish green in colour that turns on black
[7]
on drying . Clerodendrum colebrookianum is distinguished by
having broadly ovate or cordate leaf blade with large peltate
glands or glands on the abaxial surface of the leaf base and
corymb thrysoid inflorescence (Figure 1a). The taxonomical
State
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Nagaland
Mizoram
Meghalaya
Manipur
Vernacular Names
Tapen (Adi); Papua-toh (Bangni); Poto (Nishi); Potto ooh (Hill Miri); Doloin/Jylon (Aka); Dringi
(Zeme- Naga); Papa tsitsu (Memba); Nephaphu (Nocte/Singpho/Khampti/Tangsa); Ongin (Adi,
Apatani); Pherkhom (Mikir); Unpui (Kuki); Khangjela-shing (Monpa); Ganmakhei (Kilya-Naga),
Huikam (Marring); Arum (Lotha -Naga, Konyak -Naga); Yananing (Sema-Naga).
Nephaphu (Assmese/ Bodo Kachari/Tiwa/Miri), Naga sag (Tea tribes); Sgainyaopalai, Mismao
(Dimasa Kachari); Anphui (Hmar); Mishimau (Barman); Puihnam (Lushai)
Orematong, Umrem (Naga)
Phuinum (Mizo)
Jarem, Sia-long (Khasi); Dien-ja-rem-kyntheri, Jhr-khtung (Jaintia); Yay-iong (Garo)
Kuthab, Kutab-manbi (Manipuri)
Table 3. Uses of Clerodendrum colebrookianum against hypertension by various tribes of North East India.
State Tribe Plant parts Mode of administration References
Arunachal Tangsa Leaves, twig Boiled in water and mixed with a few Nath and Bodoloi 1993
Pradesh
ground pieces of Allium sativum L. (Lasun /
Tangsa) and salt, are prescribed orally as
soup or decoction for a consecutive period
of three months, twice a day, on alternate
days at 200 g per dose
Bangnis Leaves Decoction or juice given orally Gupta 2000
Nishi Leaves Decoction (3-4 tea spoonful) twice daily Bhuyan 2003
Apatani Leaves Boiled or infusion is taken orally Khongsai et al. 2011,
Kala 2005
Hill Miri Leaves Juice Tag and Das 2004
Memba Leaves Decoction Rethy et al. 2010
Adi Leaves Decoction taken 3-4 tea spoonful twice
daily
Srivastava and
Choudhary 2008,
Srivastava and Adi
community 2009
Monpa Leaves Decoction with sugar Namsa et al. 2011
Assam Hmar Leaves Leaf juice are eaten after heating Nath and Choudhury
2010
Jaintia, Lushai Leaves Taken as raw Sajem and Gosai 2006,
2010
Moran Leaves Decoction Buragohain 2011
Dimasa Kachari Leaves Leaf extract Tamuli and Sharma
2010
Zeme Leaves Soup Tamuli and Saikia 2004
Mishing Young twig Boiled Gogoi et al. 2010
Assamese Leaves Boiled and extract Gogoi et al. 2003
257

Asian J Pharm Biol Res |Oct-Dec 2012 | Vol-2 | Issue-4
Table 4: Uses of Clerodendrum colebrookianum against various ailments by different tribes of North East India.
Disease State Tribe Plant parts Mode of administration References
Abdominal pain Assam Tai-Ahom Leaves Three teaspoonful leaf extract
is mixed with small amount of
Kalita and Phukan
2010
common salt and is taken
thrice daily
Anthelmintic Assam Assamese Leaves - Jain and Saklani
Antidote Nagaland Naga Leaves Infusion of leaves mixed with
bark paste of the “menpan
plant” is drunk
1992
Changkija 1999
Blood purifier Assam Lushai Leaves - Sajem and Gosai
2010
Colics in infants Mizoram Mizo Leaves Juice of 5 ml twice daily Sharma et al. 2001
Cough
Arunachal
Pradesh
Adi, Nishi Leaves - Jain and Saklani
1992
Diabetes Assam Jaintia Leaves Taken raw Sajem and Gosai
2006
Barman
community
Leaves Decoction Das and Sharma
2003
Zeme Leaves Decoction Tamuli and Saikia
2004
Mizoram Mizo Leaves Decoction Sharma et al. 2001
Diarrhoea and
dysentery
Gastric disorders
Arunachal
Pradesh
Arunachal
Pradesh
Adi, Nishi Leaves Juice Jain and Saklani
1992
Dimasa
Kachari
Root Extract Tamuli and
Sharma 2010
Bangni Leaf, tender Decoction or juice Gupta 2006
stem
a
a
b
c
d
e
Figure 1: (a) Clerodendrum colebrookianum in its natural habitat, (b) flowering, (c) terminal panicle inflorescence with white
flowers, (d) matured fruits and (e) seedling
258

Asian J Pharm Biol Res |Oct-Dec 2012 | Vol-2 | Issue-4
25
20
Number of tribes
15
10
5
0
Abdominal pain
Anthelmintic
Antidote
Blood purifier
Colics in infants
Cough
Diabetes
Diarrhoea and dysentery
Fever
Gastric disorders
Headache
Heart trouble
Heart trouble
Hypertension
Malarial fever
Reduce weight
Rheumatism
Stomachache
Ailments
Figure 2: Clerodendrum colebrookianum used in various ailments by different tribes of North East India.
β-sitosterol Colebrin A Colebrin B
Colebrin D
Colebrin E
Figure 3: Structures of isolated compounds from Clerodendrum colebrookianum (Source: Shrivastava and Patel, 2007b).
hierarchy of C. colebrookianum is presented in Table 1.
Ethno Botany And Ethno Medicine Of The Genus
Clerodendrum
Available published literatures on ethno botany and ethno
medicine of the genus Clerodendrum, especially on
Clerodendrum colebrookianum in north eastern region of India
since last twenty years were consulted for the present review. A
review of literatures pertaining to biological activities of the plant
species was also conducted to verify the validity of the folklore
claims. This study covered tribal communities such as Adi,
Apatani, Bodos, Chakmas, Deories, Dimasas, Garos, Khasis,
Kukies, Mishing, Nishi, Nocte, Shyams and Syngphos,
Sonowals, Tai-Ahoms and Tai-Khamtis residing in six north
eastern states in north eastern states of India.
Extensive field surveys were carried out in different areas
of the state during 2010-2011. Different medicinal uses and
utilization patterns of Clerodendrum colebrookianum were
collected with the structured interviewed with the local
inhabitants and cross check was done (Appendix A). Specimen
were collected and identified by consulting the research paper and
[2,7]
available flora references and Herbaria at Botanical Survey of
259

Asian J Pharm Biol Res |Oct-Dec 2012 | Vol-2 | Issue-4
India (BSI) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh were also consulted for
validation of identifications. The specimens are deposited in the
Herbarium of Forestry Department, NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh
for further research work.
It has been found that the species is known by 33 different
vernacular names by the 35 tribal communities of north eastern
region of India (Table 2). The species is widely used by 20
different tribes of six states of North East India for the treatment
of hypertension (Table 3). Of the plant parts, leaf was used in
majority of cases. In addition to hypertension, the species have
also been used against other ailments like diabetes, blood
purification, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dysentery, heart trouble,
cough etc. (Table 4). However, majority of tribal communities of
north eastern states used the species against hypertension (Figure
2). Preparations were found to be used in the form of decoction,
juice, leaf extract, raw, soup, boiled, infusion etc. The present
study also reveals that use of the plant as a home remedy for the
treatment of hypertension is not confined to a particular group of
ethnic tribe or a particular community but it is widely used by a
large number of tribal communities belonging to different states
of north eastern region of India.
The chemical constituent of C. colebrookianum shows
the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols,
[1]
steroids etc. . Furthermore, GC MS analysis of C.
colebrookianum hexane extract shows the presence of 28
[8]
compounds . Five new steroids, colebrin A-E were also isolated
[9]
from the aerial parts of the species . Moreover, presence of β-
sitosterol and sterol compounds in the leaves of C.
[10, 11]
colebrookianum has already been reported (Figure 3). β-
sitosterol, a bioactive phytoconstituent that decrease the serum
cholesterol and also have cardio protective potentiality which is
a valid scientific basis for consuming it for better health in north
[12]
east region of India . Earlier it had been indicated a beta
blocking effect on toads and dogs and a gradual fall of blood
[5]
pressure within humans . Antihypertensive property of C.
colebrookianum has been reported from the leaf extract of the
[13]
species . It has been reported that C. colebrookianum extract
has role in ameliorating experimentally induced insulin
resistance and hypertension and provides the first
pharmacological evidence for protective role of C.
colebrookianum leaf against experimentally induced metabolic
[8]
syndrome .
The pharmacological study of C. colebrookianum
indicates the immense potential for the treatment of diabetes and
hypertension. But still, the full potential of C. colebrookianum
has not been explored. Most of the research has been in vivo and
helped validate the applicability on the human system. In vitro
studies could have facilitated a better understanding the mode of
action of C. colebrookianum.
The current research also shows leaves are used
extensively for medicinal purposes. Moreover, there has not been
any report regarding cultivation of the species by the local
people. This is one of the major concerns for the sustainable
utilization and conservation because of over harvesting from the
wild which may lead to depletion of the population or extinction
of the species particularly from its habitat. In addition,
anthropogenic disturbances may lead the degradation of the
species from natural habitats. Thus, there is an urgent need for
exploration, documentation, identification and prioritization of
important medicinal plant species.
CONCLUSION
The information from the present study needs thorough
phytochemical investigation along with clinical trials. In Silico
screening of the biochemical compounds and metabolites may
lead to finding or predicting potential drug candidates against life
threatening diseases and other bioactive compounds of other uses.
Development of database, proper harvesting and cultivation
techniques and also awareness programs in the state as well as
region level for the conservation and management of potential
species are utmost important.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are grateful Dr. A. A. Mao, Joint Director,
Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh for identification of
Clerodendrum species. The authors thank local guides and
villagers for cooperation and support during the field work.
REFERENCES
1. Shrivastava N, Patel T: Clerodendrum and Healthcare: An
overview. Medicinal Aromatic Plant Sci. Biotech., 2007a,
1(1): 142-150.
2. Srivastava RC, Choudhary RK: Species diversity and
Economic importance of the family Verbenaceae in
Arunachal Pradesh. Bull. Arun. Prad. Res., 2008, 24(1&2):
1-21.
3. Bhuyan LR: Some plants used as medicines by the Nishi
tribe of Arunachal Pradesh: A preliminary study. J. Econ.
Taxon. Bot. 2003, 27(2): 447-450.
4. Buragohain J: Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the ethnic
Communities of Tinsukia District of Assam, India. Recent
Res. Sci. Tech., 2011, 3(9): 31-42.
5. Nath SC, Bordoloi DN: Clerodendrum colebrookianum, a
Folk Remedy for the Treatment of Hypertension in
Northeastern India. Pharmaceu. Biol., 1991, 29(2): 127-
129.
6. Bordoloi B, Borthakur SK: Botanical identity of “Phuinum”
a folk remedy for hypertension. Bull med-ethno. Bot. Res.,
CCRAS, New Delhi, 1997, 18(1/2): 18-29.
7. Hooker JD: Flora of British India. L. Reeve and Co. Ltd,
Kent. 1885, IV: 589-596.
8. Jadeja RN, Thounaojam MC, Ramani UV, Devkar RV,
Ramachandran A: Anti-obesity potential of Clerodendron
glandulosum Coleb. leaf aqueous extract. J.
Ethnopharmacol., 2011, 135(2): 338-343.
9. Yang H, Wang J, Hou AJ, Gou YP, Lin ZW, Sun HD: New
steroids from Clerodendrum colebrookianum. Fitoterapia,
2000, 71(6): 641-648.
10. Jacke G, Rimpler H: Distribution of iridoid glycosides in
Clerodendrum species. Phytochemistry, 1983, 22(8): 1729-
1734.
11. Goswami P, Kotoky J, Chern Z, Lu Y: A sterol glycoside from
leaves of Clerodendron colebrookianum. Phytochemistry,
1995, 41(1): 279-281.
12. Devi R, Sharma DK: Hypolipidemic effect of different
extracts of Clerodendron colebrookianum Walp. in normal
and high-fat diet fed rats. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2004, 90(1):
63-68.
260

Asian J Pharm Biol Res |Oct-Dec 2012 | Vol-2 | Issue-4
13. Purkayastha J, Nath SC. Biological activities of
ethnomedicinal claims of some plant species of Assam.
Indian J. Tradit. Know., 2006, 5(2): 230-236.
14. Nath SC, Bordoloi DN: Diversity of Economic Flora in
Arunachal Pradesh: Plant folk medicines among the
Chakma, Singpho and Tangsa tribals. In Himalayan
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies. Edited by Dhar, U. G.
B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment &
Development, Almora; 1993: 179-189.
15. Gupta V: Traditional medicinal plants of the Bangnis of East
Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot.,
2006, 30(Suppl.): 310-319.
16. Khongsai M, Saikia M, Saikia SP, Kayang H:
Ethnomedicinal plants used by different tribes of Arunachal
Pradesh. Indian J. Tradit. Know., 2011, 10(3): 541-546.
17. Kala CP: Ethnomedicinal botany of the Apatani in the
Eastern Himalayan region of India, J. Ethnobiol.
Ethnomed., 2005, 16: 1-11.
18. Tag H, Das AK: Ethnobotanical notes on Hill Miri tribe of
Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J. Tradit. Know., 2004, 3(1): 80-
85.
19. Rethy P, Singh B, Kagyung R, Gajurel PR: Ethnobotanical
studies of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve of Arunachal
Pradesh with reference to Memba tribe. Indian J. Tradit.
Know., 2010, 9(1): 61-67.
20. Srivastava RC, Adi community: Traditional knowledge of
Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh on plants. Indian J. Tradit.
Know., 2009, 8(2): 146-153.
21. Namsa ND, Mandal M, Tangjang S, Mandal SC.
Ethnobotany of the Monpa ethnic group at Arunachal
Pradesh, India. J. Ethnobio. Ethnomed., 2011, 7: 31.
22. Nath M, Choudhury MD: Ethno-medico-botanical aspects
of Hmar tribe of Cachar district, Assam (Part-I). Indian J.
Tradit. Know., 2010, 9(4): 760-764.
23. Sajem AL, Gosai K: Traditional use of medicinal plants by
the Jaintia tribes in North Cachar Hills district of Assam,
northeast India. J. Ethnobio. Ethnomed., 2006, 2: 33.
24. Sajem AL, Gosai K: Ethnobotanical investigations among
the Lushai tribes of North Cachar Hills district of Assam,
Northeast India. Indian J. Tradit. Know., 2010, 9(1): 108-
113.
25. Tamuli P, Sharma P: Ethno-medico-botany of the Dimasa
Kachari of North Cachar Hills district of Assam. Indian J.
Tradit. Know., 2010, 9(4): 718-720.
26. Tamuli P, Saikia R: Ethno-medico-botany of the Zeme tribe
of North Cachar Hills district of Assam. Indian J. Tradit.
Know., 2004, 3(4): 430-436.
27. Gogoi M, Upadhyaya S, Borkataky M, Kardong D, Saikia
LR, Samanta R: Use of Indigenous plants in traditiona
health care systems by Mishing tribe of Upper Assam.
SIBCOLTEJO 2010, 5: 92-101.
28. Gogoi R, Bokolial D, Hazarika D: Preliminary observation
on the medicinal plants of Chandrapur area of Kamrup
district, Assam. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot., 2003, 27(2): 410-415.
29. Das AK, Sharma GD: Ethnomedicinal uses of plants by
Manipuri and Barman communities of Cachar district,
Assam. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot., 2003, 27(2): 421-429.
30. Das AK, Dutta BK, Sharma GD: Medicinal plants used by
different tribes of Cachar district, Assam. Indian J. Tradit.
Know., 2008, 7(3): 446-454.
31. Changkija S: Folk Medicinal Plants of the Nagas in India.
Asian Folk. Stud., 1999, 58(1): 205-230.
32. Jamir TT, Sharma HK, Dolui AK: Folklore medicinal plants
of Nagaland, India. Fitoterapia, 1999, 70(1): 395-401.
33.
Sharma HK, Chhangte L, Dolui AK: Traditional medicinal
plants in Mizoram, India. Fitoterapia, 2001, 72(2): 146-
161.
34. Hynniewta SR, Kumar Y: Herbal remedies among the Khasi
traditional healers and village folks in Meghalaya. Indian J.
Tradit. Know., 2008, 7(4): 581-586.
35. Chhetri RB: Trends in ethnodomestication of some wild
plants in Meghalaya, Northeast India. Indian J. Tradit.
Know., 2006, 5(3): 342-347.
36. Deb L, Singh Kh R, Singh BK, Thongam B: Some ethnomedicinal
plants used by the native practitioners of Chandel
District, Manipur, India. Int. Res. J. Pharmacy, 2011, 2(12):
199-200.
37. Pfoze NL, Kumar Y, Myrboh B: Survey and assessment of
ethnomedicinal plants used in Senapati District of
Manipur State, Northeast India. Phytopharmacology,
2012, 2(2): 285-311.
38. Kalita D, Phukan B: Some ethnomedicines used by the Tai
Ahom of Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. Indian J. Nat.
Prod. Res., 2010, 1(4): 507-511.
39. Jain SK, Saklani A: Cross-cultural ethnobotanical studies in
northeast India. Ethnobotany, 1992, 4: 25-38.
40. Singh SP, Tripathi S, Shukla RS: Ethnomedicinal heritage
for bioprospecting and drug development in Northeastern
states of India. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot., 2003, 27(2): 384-395.
41. Shrivastava N, Patel T: Clerodendrum and Healthcare: An
overview- Part II. Phytochemistry and Biotechnology.
Medicinal Aromatic Plant Sci. Biotech., 2007b. 1(2): 209-
223.
261