Clerodendron Serratum

Clerodendron Serratum

Product Name: Клеродендрум зубчатый, Clerodendrum serratum, Zahnlattiges Losstrauch, Clerodendro dentado, Clerodendron denté, كليورودندرون سيرراتوم, เครือออน, Serrat klerodendrum, Тиш жапырактуу клеродендрум, Dırnaqlı klerodendrum, Клеродендруми дандонакдор, Dantytasis klerodendras, Zobainais klerodendrs, Клеродендрум зубчастий, Zoblu klerodendrum, קלירודנדרום סרראטום

Synonyms: клеродендрум серратум, клеродендрум зубчастый, синий пламень, голубой факел, blue glory, blue fountain bush, glory bower, blue-flowered glory tree, Zahn-Losstrauch, árbol de la gloria azul, arbre de la gloire bleue, شجيرة المجد الأزرق, เครือออนฟ้า

Used Parts: root, leaves, stem, flowers, seeds.

Main Indications for the Use of Clerodendrum serratum: Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, sinusitis, spastic cough, acute tracheitis, laryngitis, obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, myalgia, neuralgia, gout, lymph node inflammation, viral hepatitis, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, dermatitis, eczema, skin inflammations.

Use of Clerodendrum serratum in Mixtures and Complexes: Acute and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia of viral and bacterial nature, bronchiectasis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune myositis, chronic synovitis, connective tissue diseases, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory liver diseases, gallbladder dysfunction, hyperestrogenism, premenstrual syndrome, acne, atopic dermatitis.

Pharmacological Properties of Clerodendrum serratum: Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, expectorant, antihistamine, antiseptic, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antiarthritic, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, antibacterial, fungistatic, antioxidant, sedative, vessel-strengthening, hemostatic, reparative, spasmolytic, antitussive, antiallergic, carminative, general tonic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Clerodendrum serratum

Powder — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Powder): Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, acute tracheitis, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia, lymph node inflammation, dermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of powder 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2 grams 2 times a day for bronchial asthma, exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, acute forms of sinusitis, and lymphadenitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Do not exceed 6 grams per day. The maximum dosage is allowed for severe exacerbation of osteoarthritis, pronounced allergic rhinitis, and spastic cough.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 grams once a day, in a course of 30 days, every 3 months. Recommended for chronic sinusitis, a tendency to allergic reactions, lymphedema, and chronic bronchitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 7 years of age and with a body weight of 25 kg or more — 250 milligrams once a day in the morning after meals. Not recommended for children under 7 years of age due to the lack of clinical data.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): With overdose, nausea, headache, increased cough, and irritation of the mucous membranes are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dosage by 20%. For body weight above 90 kg — an increase in the standard dosage by 25% is allowed while maintaining good tolerability.

Preparation method (Powder): To obtain 100 grams of powder, dried roots are used. The raw material is washed, cut into pieces no larger than 5 mm, dried in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C until completely dehydrated. Then ground into powder with a particle size of no more than 0.25 mm. Store in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry place protected from light and EMI, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Dry Extract): Acute bronchitis, spastic cough, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, gout, osteoarthritis, dermatitis, eczema.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water or warm milk.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 milligrams 2 times a day for exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory inflammations accompanied by edema and hypersecretion.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 900 milligrams per day in 3 doses. Used for resistant forms of gout and pronounced inflammatory reaction of the respiratory tract.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 150 milligrams once a day for 21 days. Recommended for patients with chronic rhinitis, osteoarthritis, and a predisposition to frequent viral infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 10 years of age and with a body weight of 30 kg or more — 100 milligrams once a day. Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual intolerance. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Rarely — heartburn, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. With overdose, increased skin inflammation is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): Patients with body weight below 60 kg are recommended to reduce the dose by 25%. For body weight over 90 kg — an increase in dose to 400 mg is possible with good tolerability.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To obtain 100 grams of dry extract, 1 kilogram of ground roots is used. The raw material is poured with water in a ratio of 1:8, boiled in a water bath for 1 hour, filtered, evaporated at a temperature of 50 °C to a paste, then dried in a drying chamber to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight package in a dry place at a temperature of 5 °C to 25 °C, away from sources of light and EMI. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening — no more than 30 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Tincture): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, myalgia, neuralgia, gout, lymph node inflammation, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops (about 0.75 ml) 2 times a day, dissolved in 50 ml of warm water, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops 3 times a day for exacerbation of joint inflammations, pronounced myalgia, lymphadenitis, and menorrhagia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 25 drops 3 times a day (1.25 ml per dose), in a course of up to 7 days for acute inflammations of the musculoskeletal system, after which the dose must be reduced to the standard.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once a day in the morning on an empty stomach, in courses of 21 days with intervals of 2 months. Recommended for chronic osteoarthritis, premenstrual syndrome, and a tendency to lymph stagnation.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Use in children is not recommended due to ethanol content and the lack of safety data.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcohol dependence, chronic hepatitis, pronounced liver function disorders. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): With overdose, irritation of the gastric mucosa, dizziness, and increased menstrual bleeding are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight below 60 kg, start with 10 drops. For weight over 90 kg, correction to 25 drops per dose is possible.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of tincture, take 20 grams of ground dry root, pour 100 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol, infuse in a dark, cool place for 10 days, shaking daily. Then strain through gauze, pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 10 °C to 25 °C, away from direct light and sources of EMI. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Oil Infusion): Dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, myalgia, neuralgia, lymph node inflammation, soft tissue edema, post-traumatic skin inflammations.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: apply a thin layer 2 times a day to affected skin areas or rub into joints and muscles.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 4 times a day for acute skin inflammations, pronounced skin itching, muscle pain, and lymphadenitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Not limited for external use, but it is recommended to use no more than 10 ml per day on an area of up to 0.1 m².

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply once a day before bedtime to areas with chronic dermatitis, with a tendency to lymphedema or joint pain — in 10-day courses once every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): From 3 years — external use is allowed in a dilution of 1:2 with coconut oil, once a day. Body weight — at least 15 kg.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance. Scientifically confirmed contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood with external use have not been registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Rarely — burning, skin irritation with sensitivity to components, allergic rashes.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To obtain 100 ml of infusion: pour 20 grams of dry ground root with 100 ml of unrefined coconut oil. Heat in a water bath at a temperature of 50 °C for 3 hours, stirring constantly. Cool, filter, store in a dark container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 5 °C to 25 °C, away from light sources. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Ointment): Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia, neuralgia, gout, lymph node inflammation, psoriasis, neurodermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Externally: apply the ointment in a thin layer 2 times a day to clean and dry skin in the area of affected joints or inflamed areas.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Up to 3 times a day for pronounced pain syndrome, chronic joint inflammation, and acute manifestations of psoriasis.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): No more than 4 applications per day on limited skin areas of up to 0.2 m². Do not apply under occlusive dressings for more than 6 hours in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Once a day at night on joint areas for chronic arthrosis, gout, and neurodermatitis in remission. Course use — 10 days every 30 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): From 5 years — apply no more than once a day on a small area of skin (up to 2×2 cm); in the absence of irritation, an increase to 2 times a day is possible. Body weight — at least 18 kg.

Contraindications (Ointment): Open wounds, acute pustular skin diseases. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been registered; external use is allowed in the absence of irritation.

Side Effects (Ointment): Rarely — contact dermatitis, itching, increased skin hyperemia. With prolonged use, dry skin is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): Not required for external use, provided the dosage by area of application is observed.

Preparation method (Ointment): For 100 grams of ointment: 15 grams of dry root powder, 85 grams of natural coconut oil. Heat the oil to 40 °C, gradually add the powder, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained, keep in a water bath for 30 minutes. Pour into a sterile jar, cool.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in an airtight dark container at a temperature of 5 °C to 20 °C, without access to direct light. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening — no more than 30 days.

Gel — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Gel): Varicose veins of the lower extremities, chronic venous insufficiency, post-traumatic edema, lymphedema, myalgia, dermatitis, neurodermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Gel): Apply 2 times a day to intact skin, rub in with light movements until completely absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Gel): Up to 3 times a day for pronounced edema, congestive phenomena, night cramps, and chronic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Gel): No more than 4 applications per day. Exceeding may cause skin irritation or a feeling of tightness.

Preventive Dosage (Gel): Once a day, in the evening, for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and a tendency to edema. Course use — 14 days every 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Gel): Use from 7 years — once a day, with a body weight of at least 20 kg, on a limited area of skin. Do not apply if the skin is damaged.

Contraindications (Gel): Open wounds, purulent skin lesions, individual sensitivity. During pregnancy and lactation, external use is possible; contraindications have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Gel): Rarely — burning sensation, redness, skin flaking with individual reaction to components.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Gel): Not required. The volume of application depends on the treatment area, not on body weight.

Preparation method (Gel): For 100 grams of gel: 10 grams of dry extract, 2 grams of xanthan gum, 88 grams of distilled water, 5 grams of aloe vera gel, 2 grams of glycerin, 1 gram of citric acid. Mix water and glycerin, heat to 40 °C, add the extract, then add the gum with stirring until thickening. At the end, add citric acid and aloe gel. Cool, pour into a tube.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Gel): Store in a cool place (from 5 °C to 18 °C), away from sunlight and heat. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening — 30 days.

Cream — Clerodendrum serratum

Indications (Cream): Atopic dermatitis, chronic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, skin inflammation in lymphedema, itching in varicose veins.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply a thin layer 2 times a day to clean and dry skin of the affected areas. Rub in with light movements until absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Up to 3 times a day for exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, inflammations with pronounced itching and flaking, and psoriatic plaques.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): No more than 4 applications per day. Application on an area of more than 0.25 m² is not recommended without specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Once a day on areas prone to chronic dermatitis and neurodermatitis in remission, to prevent relapse. Courses: 10 days with intervals of 20 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): From 4 years — apply once a day on a small area (up to 3×3 cm). Body weight — at least 16 kg. Avoid application to the face and folds.

Contraindications (Cream): Pustular rashes, fungal skin lesions. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are absent; external use is possible under supervision.

Side Effects (Cream): Local allergic reaction in the form of redness, burning, skin flaking is possible. In sensitive patients — development of contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Adjustment is not required. The area of application should be limited for body weight below 50 kg.

Preparation method (Cream): For 100 grams: 10 grams of dry root extract, 15 grams of coconut oil, 5 grams of shea butter, 65 grams of water, 4 grams of beeswax, 1 gram of xanthan gum. Melt the wax and oils in a water bath (up to 50 °C), add the extract, mix thoroughly. Separately prepare the aqueous phase with gum, slowly combine with the oil phase, stir until an emulsion is formed.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store at a temperature of 4 °C to 15 °C, in a dark place, without access to direct light and heat. Shelf life — 4 months. After opening — use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Clerodendrum serratum

Toxicological studies of Clerodendrum serratum have shown low overall toxicity of the plant upon oral and external use. In a number of preclinical studies on rodents, no pronounced acute toxic reactions were recorded even when administered at doses many times higher than therapeutic ones.

The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the aqueous extract of Clerodendrum serratum upon oral administration to mice is more than 5000 mg/kg body weight, which classifies it as a substance with low toxicity according to the OECD scale.

With repeated administration for 28 days, no signs of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or hematological abnormalities were observed. No mutagenic or carcinogenic potential was detected in in vitro and in vivo analyses.

External use of infusions and ointments with Clerodendrum serratum did not cause sensitization or skin irritation in experimental animals.

Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Clerodendrum serratum

Clerodendrum serratum contains a wide range of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, and sterols, which have multisystem effects at the level of key physiological regulators. The pharmacodynamic effect of this plant is based on a combination of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, confirmed by experimental and clinical studies.

At the systemic level, active components exhibit pronounced anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (especially COX-2) and lipoxygenase enzymes, which leads to a decrease in the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes involved in the inflammatory cascade. Suppression of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), through modulation of the transcription factor NF-κB has also been demonstrated. This determines the central role of the taxon in the regulation of the immune response.

The mechanisms of antioxidant action include a direct neutralizing effect on reactive oxygen species and stabilization of cell membranes through inhibition of lipid peroxidation. An increase in the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, has been established, which provides a protective effect on tissues subject to oxidative stress.

At the level of the central and peripheral nervous system, clerodendrum exerts a moderate sedative and analgesic effect. Studies have recorded a decrease in the pain sensitivity threshold, associated with an effect on impulse transmission in spinal structures. The modulating effect on neuroglia and synaptic mediators is also considered part of the pharmacodynamic profile of the plant.

Skin receptors and the vascular wall are local targets with external use. Capillary-protective action, improvement of microcirculation, and inhibition of mast cell degranulation are noted, which determines the antihistamine-like effect in local therapy.

From the immune system, a modulating effect on the lymphocyte population has been demonstrated, in particular, normalization of the Th1/Th2 cell ratio, a decrease in the hyperreactivity of the humoral component, and suppression of the allergic component of inflammation. Thus, the pharmacodynamic profile of Clerodendrum serratum covers a wide range of targets, including inflammation mediators, oxidative stress, neuroimmune interactions, and local cutaneous-vascular reactions. The combination of effects is manifested with systemic and local use, providing clinically significant regulation of physiological processes.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411021000626
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400401/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-016-0992-9
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30157469/
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Pharmacokinetics — Clerodendrum serratum

Data on the complete pharmacokinetics of Clerodendrum serratum are limited; however, the study of its extracts and individual active components allows us to describe the proposed pathways of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion for various forms of administration.

Upon oral administration of powder, dry extract, or alcoholic tincture, the absorption of the main biologically active substances occurs mainly in the small intestine. Flavonoid glycosides present in the plant undergo partial hydrolysis with the participation of intestinal microflora, after which the aglycones are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Terpenoids, including triterpene acids, have a lipophilic nature, which facilitates their transmembrane transport, especially when used together with oils.

The distribution of substances occurs mainly in highly perfused tissues — the liver, lungs, skin, and muscle tissue. Some components have a tendency to accumulate in the lymph nodes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system, which explains the prolonged local action.

Metabolism of flavonoids and phenolic compounds is carried out in the liver by phase I (oxidation and hydroxylation) and phase II (glucuronidation and sulfation), with the formation of water-soluble metabolites. Terpenoid compounds can be metabolized with the participation of microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes. Metabolites are predominantly inactive and are excreted in urine and bile.

With transdermal use (ointment, cream, gel), systemic absorption is limited; however, lipophilic components penetrate the stratum corneum of the epidermis and can reach subcutaneous tissues. Bioavailability depends on the duration of contact, the composition of the base, and the degree of skin inflammation. Intranasal, inhalation, and rectal routes of delivery for clerodendrum are not documented in clinical practice. With local use, oil- and water-soluble forms provide predominantly local action with minimal systemic load.

Excretion is carried out mainly by the kidneys (flavonoids and their metabolites) and through bile (terpenoids). Partial excretion through the skin, lungs, and intestines is possible with prolonged use of high doses.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...
https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Clerodendrum serratum

The mechanisms of action of Clerodendrum serratum are based on the multi-level influence of its biologically active substances on inflammatory, oxidative, immune, and neurovegetative processes. Among the key pharmacological targets, it is necessary to highlight the enzymes of the inflammatory cascade, cytokine mediators, transcription factors, and cellular receptors involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory reactions.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids present in the plant inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX), reducing the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This leads to modulation of the inflammatory response at the systemic level. At the same time, suppression of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) is observed due to inhibition of the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. The mechanism of action at this level reflects the typical properties of polyphenols with anti-inflammatory potential.

In vitro studies indicate the ability of clerodendrum extracts to suppress lipid peroxidation and restore the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). This allows the plant to be classified as a source of endogenous protection against oxidative stress, especially at the level of tissues with increased metabolic activity (liver, mucous membranes, vascular wall).

At the cellular level, it has been established that Clerodendrum serratum affects the activity of macrophages and neutrophils, reducing their ability to produce nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion. Additionally, the plant modulates T-lymphocyte activation and regulates IgE levels, which confirms its participation in immunomodulatory mechanisms. The effects are mediated in part through JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways.

The neuromodulatory action of the taxon is associated with inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which contributes to an increase in acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft and potentially supports parasympathetic dominance. The effect on GABA and serotonin receptors is also considered, which may explain the sedative and central analgesic action noted in behavioral models in laboratory animals.

Anti-allergic effects are realized through stabilization of mast cell membranes, reduction of degranulation and histamine release, which has been confirmed in in vivo models of allergic inflammation. This is associated with a direct effect on ion channels and interleukin regulation at the level of the Th2 lymphocyte population. Thus, Clerodendrum serratum demonstrates polyvalent action through inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, antioxidant protection, neuromodulation, and immunoregulation. The mechanisms of action are biochemically substantiated and consistent with the pharmacological profile of the plant.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7681232/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411021000626
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-016-0992-9
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30157469/
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Synergy — Clerodendrum serratum

Clerodendrum serratum has the ability to exhibit pharmacological synergy with a number of plants and natural substances, especially in the areas of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity. Experimental data confirm that the combination of extracts of this plant with other biologically active agents can lead to potentiation of therapeutic effects due to mutual enhancement of action on common pharmacological targets.

It has been established that the combined use of Clerodendrum serratum with curcumin leads to an additive and potentiating effect with respect to suppression of COX-2 and TNF-α expression. This interaction is manifested at the level of the NF-κB signaling cascade and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a model of systemic inflammation. Such a mechanism can be characterized as cellular and tissue-specific.

Plant extracts in combination with andrographis demonstrate synergy in reducing nitric oxide production and inhibiting iNOS activity, which has been confirmed by in vitro studies on RAW 264.7 cells. The nature of the interaction is additive-protective, with enhanced antioxidant potential. A similar effect is noted in combination with Centella asiatica, where modulation of MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways enhances the action of each component.

Synergy with flavonoid complexes from plants of the genus Scutellaria has also been described, manifested in strengthening the barrier function of the endothelium and suppression of neutrophil migration. This interaction is systemic in nature and modulates vascular and immune responses.

In addition, it was found that the combination of Clerodendrum serratum with oils containing linoleic and oleic acids (for example, sesame oil) increases the transdermal absorption of active components of the plant, providing a more pronounced local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. This interaction is considered as pharmacokinetic synergy. Thus, Clerodendrum serratum can enhance the action of other natural substances through common signaling pathways, enzymatic targets, and receptor interactions. These synergies are confirmed at both the cellular and tissue levels and open up possibilities for the development of combined agents with targeted physiological effects.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Clerodendrum serratum

Clerodendrum serratum has traditionally been used in the folk medicine of South and Southeast Asia, mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand. The earliest references to this plant are found in Ayurvedic treatises, where it is known under the Sanskrit name "Bharangi" and belongs to the group of plants with cleansing, cooling, and balancing effects. The use of this taxon dates back to no later than the 1st millennium AD, as evidenced by inclusions in the texts of the "Charaka Samhita" and "Sushruta Samhita" — fundamental medical sources of classical Ayurveda.

In Ayurvedic practice, the root of the plant is mainly used, less often the leaves and flowers. Decoctions, powders, and oil infusions are prepared from them, which are used externally and internally. The plant is believed to have the ability to "pacify vata dosha" and "remove mucus." Traditional methods also include fumigation with ground wood or roots during ritual cleansing of premises. In village practices in India, hot wraps with root paste are used for joint pain and muscle fatigue.

In Siddha medicine, common in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, Clerodendrum serratum is part of multicomponent remedies used externally in the form of oils, pastes, and tinctures. The local population also uses infusions of leaves as washes and compresses on the skin. In some areas of Southeast Asia, especially in northern Thailand and Laos, the plant is used in medicinal baths and steam inhalations, where it is believed that the steam of the leaves cleanses the body and harmonizes breathing.

Among the peoples living in the foothills of Nepal, the leaves of the plant are used in the form of compresses and juice used for rubbing the body of infants during traditional strengthening rituals. Among the peoples of the mountainous regions of Myanmar, fumigation with clerodendrum is used in rituals of expelling disease spirits and cleansing dwellings. In the Thai tradition, it is considered a plant that brings clarity to breathing and purification of the body, and is included in sacred baths and ablutions.

The ritual significance of the plant is traced in the practice of some village and shamanic traditions, where the root or stem of clerodendrum is hung at the entrance to a house or temple as a symbol of protection from evil spirits. In some cases, the wood of the plant was used as a smoking agent added to other plants in rituals of purification of consciousness. It was also believed that wearing an amulet with a piece of root protects against "bad air" and "spoiled breath." Thus, Clerodendrum serratum is an ethnobotanically significant species with a rich tradition of use in medical and ritual practices of South Asia and Indochina, covering both official traditional medicines (Ayurveda, Siddha) and local ethnocultural systems.