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

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.
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