Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze

Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze

Product Name: Клеродендрум индийский, Clerodendrum indicum, Indisches Eisenkraut, Clerodendro indio, Clerodendrum indien, كليرودندروم هندي, กระโดดเดือย, קלרודנדרום הודי

Synonyms: Clerodendrum inerme, Clerodendrum villosum, Clerodendrum serratum, Clerodendrum spirale, Clerodendrum philippinum, Clerodendrum malabaricum, Clerodendron indicum, Argyrophyllum indicum, Clerodendrum tuberosum

Parts used: leaves, flowers, roots, bark, seeds.

Main indications for Clerodendrum indicum: bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, skin inflammations, hypertension, bacterial infections, fever.

Use of Clerodendrum indicum in mixtures and complexes: chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, dermatitis, allergic reactions, hypertensive disease.

Pharmacological properties of Clerodendrum indicum: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, antispasmodic, antiallergic, antifungal.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms – Clerodendrum indicum

Powder – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Powder): bronchitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, skin inflammations, hypertensive disease, bacterial infections.

Standard Dosage (Powder): taken orally, 1–2 grams 2 times a day, dissolving in warm water or adding to food.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): prescribed at 3 grams 2–3 times a day for acute forms of bronchitis, severe skin inflammations, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): up to 5 grams 3 times a day for severe infectious processes and hypertensive crisis, under strict medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 grams once a day for chronic respiratory diseases and tendency to inflammation, course 3 months with a 1-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 7 years of age, 0.1–0.3 grams 2 times a day, body weight from 20 kg, administration to be coordinated with a pediatrician.

Contraindications (Powder): contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been documented.

Side Effects (Powder): may cause nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, the dose is reduced by 30%; for body weight above 60 kg, standard dosage.

Preparation method (Powder): prepared from thoroughly dried leaves and roots, ground to a homogeneous state. For 100 grams of powder, take 60 grams of leaves and 40 grams of roots, dry at a temperature of 40–50 degrees Celsius for 48 hours, then grind in a pharmaceutical mill to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, cool place at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight. Shelf life is 24 months. After opening the package, use within 3 months.

Dry Extract – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Dry Extract): bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, skin inflammations, hypertension, bacterial infections.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): taken orally, 250–500 milligrams 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): prescribed at 750 milligrams 3 times a day for severe inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): up to 1 gram 3 times a day for acute infections and hypertensive crisis under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 100–150 milligrams once a day for chronic respiratory diseases, course 2–3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 7 years of age, 50–100 milligrams 2 times a day, body weight from 20 kg, administration under pediatric supervision.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been documented.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): allergic reactions are possible; in case of overdose — dyspepsia, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for patients with body weight less than 60 kg, the dose is reduced by 30%; for body weight over 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): to prepare 100 grams of dry extract, use 500 grams of ground dry plant mass (leaves and roots). Extraction is carried out with 70% alcohol at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, followed by filtration and evaporation of the extract to a dry state. The obtained extract is dried in a vacuum dryer at a temperature of 40–45 degrees.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight packaging at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius, avoid moisture and light. Shelf life is 36 months. After opening the package, use within 6 months.

Tincture – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Tincture): bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatism, skin inflammations, hypertension, bacterial infections.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): take 20–30 milliliters 2 times a day, diluting with water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 40 milliliters 2–3 times a day for severe inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract and arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): up to 60 milliliters 3 times a day under medical supervision for acute infections and hypertensive crisis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 milliliters once a day for chronic respiratory diseases, course 2–3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): not recommended for children under 14 years of age due to alcohol content.

Contraindications (Tincture): contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency. Prohibited for children under 14 years of age.

Side Effects (Tincture): allergic reactions, dyspepsia, dizziness in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg, the dose is reduced by 30%; for weight over 60 kg, standard dose.

Preparation method (Tincture): to prepare 100 ml of tincture, take 20 grams of crushed leaves and roots of Clerodendrum indicum, pour with 70% ethyl alcohol. Infuse in a dark place at a temperature of 20–25 degrees Celsius for 14 days with daily shaking. After infusion, filter and pour into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius. Shelf life is 24 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Oil Infusion – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Oil Infusion): skin inflammations, dermatitis, wounds, burns, rheumatism, joint pain.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): for external use, applying 2–3 ml to affected skin areas 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): for severe skin inflammations and arthritis, apply 4–5 ml 3 times a day externally.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): maximum dose is not limited for external use, considering the absence of irritating reactions.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply 1–2 ml once a day for the prevention of skin diseases and joint inflammations, course 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): for external use with caution, starting from 1 year of age, avoiding damaged skin areas.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance to components, open purulent wounds.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): allergic skin reactions, irritation in case of sensitive skin.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment is not required, as use is topical.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): for 100 ml of oil infusion, take 30 grams of fresh crushed leaves of Clerodendrum indicum and pour 70 ml of unrefined coconut oil. Infuse in a water bath at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius for 6 hours, then filter through cheesecloth and pour into dark bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius. Shelf life is 12 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Ointment – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Ointment): skin inflammations, dermatitis, eczema, wounds, burns, arthritis.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply externally to affected areas 2 times a day in a thin layer.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): for pronounced skin diseases and arthritis, apply 3–4 times a day.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): maximum dose is not limited in the absence of irritation and allergy.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once a day for the prevention of skin inflammations and joint pain, course 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): for children over 1 year of age, use is limited to topical application with a preliminary allergy test.

Contraindications (Ointment): allergy to ointment components, open purulent wounds.

Side Effects (Ointment): local allergic reactions, skin irritation in case of increased sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as use is topical.

Preparation method (Ointment): to prepare 100 grams of ointment, take 10 grams of dry extract of Clerodendrum indicum, 50 grams of coconut oil, 30 grams of lanolin, and 10 grams of beeswax. First, melt the coconut oil with wax at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius, add lanolin, then gradually introduce the extract, mixing thoroughly until homogeneous. After cooling, pour into sterile tubes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store the ointment in a tightly closed package at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius, protect from light and moisture. Shelf life is 18 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Cream – Clerodendrum indicum

Indications (Cream): skin inflammations, dermatitis, eczema, dry skin, joint pain, rheumatism.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply to the skin 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): for pronounced inflammations and arthritis — 3–4 times a day.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): maximum dose is not limited in the absence of side reactions.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once a day for the prevention of inflammations, course 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): used from 1 year of age with preliminary monitoring of skin reaction.

Contraindications (Cream): increased sensitivity to components, purulent skin lesions.

Side Effects (Cream): allergic reactions, itching, redness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required.

Preparation method (Cream): for 100 grams of cream, take 15 grams of dry extract of Clerodendrum indicum, 60 grams of coconut oil, 20 grams of emulsifier (cetearyl alcohol), 5 grams of glycerin. Melt the coconut oil and emulsifier at 70 degrees, add glycerin, then during cooling introduce the extract, mix thoroughly until homogeneous. Pack the cream into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in airtight packaging at a temperature of 15–25 degrees, away from light and moisture. Shelf life is 12 months. After opening, use within 2 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety – Clerodendrum indicum

In toxicological studies for Clerodendrum indicum, low acute toxicity has been established. The LD₅₀ of leaf extracts upon oral administration in rat models exceeds 5000 mg/kg, which indicates high biosafety in therapeutic use. With external and internal use in recommended doses, no serious side effects have been identified. Minimal allergic reactions and dyspepsia are possible with significant dose exceeding.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics – Clerodendrum indicum

Indian Clerodendrum possesses a complex set of pharmacodynamic properties that ensure its wide application in phytotherapy and pharmacology. The main active components of the taxon are flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins, which determine its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects.

The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through the suppression of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, which is confirmed by a decrease in cyclooxygenase activity and inhibition of interleukin release. The effect on enzyme systems and cellular signaling pathways contributes to the reduction of the inflammatory response at the systemic and local level, including in the skin and mucous membranes.

The antioxidant effect is achieved due to the ability of the taxon's compounds to neutralize free radicals, stabilize cell membranes, and enhance the activity of endogenous detoxification enzymes. This contributes to tissue protection from oxidative stress and reduces damage to cellular structures.

The antimicrobial and antifungal effect is due to the presence of phenolic and terpenoid components, which disrupt the integrity of pathogen cell membranes and suppress their growth and reproduction. These properties are manifested both with topical application and systemic use.

The immunomodulatory effect includes stimulation of cellular and humoral immunity through the activation of macrophages, lymphocytes, and the production of interferons, which contributes to the adaptive immune response and increases the body's resistance to infections.

The pharmacodynamics of Clerodendrum indicum encompasses interaction with the nervous system, manifesting as a mild sedative effect and the ability to reduce nervous tension. The effect on the endocrine system includes modulation of hormonal balance and support of metabolic processes. The effect on the gastrointestinal tract is manifested in improved peristalsis and stimulation of digestive enzymes.

Local pharmacological effects are especially pronounced when using preparations for the skin and mucous membranes, providing regeneration, relief of inflammation, and pain relief.

The structure of the active substances indicates interaction with various receptors (including opioid and histamine receptors), enzymes, and signaling molecules, which ensures a multi-level and complex effect on physiological systems.

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

Pharmacokinetics – Clerodendrum indicum

The active substances of Clerodendrum indicum, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins, possess certain general pharmacokinetic characteristics typical for plant extracts and herbal preparations. With oral administration, the active components are absorbed primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, where they partially undergo metabolic transformation.

The absorption process can be modulated by interaction with digestive system enzymes and the intestinal microflora, which affects bioavailability and the formation of active metabolites. Most flavonoids and terpenoids demonstrate low bioavailability, but their metabolites retain pharmacological activity.

The distribution of substances occurs through the systemic bloodstream, with accumulation in the liver, kidneys, skin, and connective tissues, which is associated with their role in detoxification and tissue regeneration. Metabolism of active compounds is primarily carried out in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Excretion of metabolic products occurs through the kidneys with urine, as well as through bile. Some components may be excreted with sweat and breath, especially with external application.

With transdermal and topical application, the active substances penetrate through the epidermis into the dermis, exerting a local effect without significant systemic absorption, which reduces the risk of side effects.

In the pharmacokinetics of infusions and extracts, variable parameters are possible depending on the method of preparation, concentration, and composition of the plant raw material.

References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale – Clerodendrum indicum

Clerodendrum indicum contains a complex of bioactive substances, among which flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds dominate. These components provide multi-level interaction with biological targets, which determines a wide pharmacological action. Research shows that flavonoids from Clerodendrum indicum are capable of inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which leads to a reduction in the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes — key mediators of inflammation. Suppression of these enzyme systems contributes to the reduction of the inflammatory response and pain.

Furthermore, the plant's components affect the NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, which regulate the expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Inhibition of these pathways reduces cytokine production, which enhances the anti-inflammatory effect. Active substances modulate the activity of macrophages and neutrophils, reducing their migration and the release of pro-inflammatory factors, thereby limiting inflammation at the cellular level.

In the nervous system, flavonoids exert a sedative effect by interacting with GABA and glycine receptors, which contributes to a reduction in nervous excitement. Additionally, an effect on serotonin and dopamine receptors is possible, which explains the anxiolytic effect and mood improvement.

Immunomodulation is realized through the activation of T-lymphocytes and stimulation of interferon production, which enhances adaptive immunity. Terpenoids and saponins affect the cell membranes of pathogens, disrupting their integrity, which manifests as antimicrobial activity. Antioxidant properties are associated with the neutralization of free radicals and the activation of endogenous enzymes involved in detoxification, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Thus, the mechanism of action of Clerodendrum indicum is complex and multifaceted, including modulation of enzyme systems, signaling cascades, receptors, and immune cells, which is confirmed by the structure and activity of the biocomponents contained in the plant.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874118301034
https://link.springer.com/arti...

Synergy – Clerodendrum indicum

Scientific research demonstrates that the components of Clerodendrum indicum are capable of interacting with bioactive substances of other plants, enhancing pharmacological effects through various synergy mechanisms. Potentiation of anti-inflammatory activity is observed when combined with plants containing saponins and flavonoids, which additionally suppress COX and LOX enzymes, and also enhance the inhibitory effect on NF-κB and other signaling pathways.

Pharmacological synergy is manifested in the potentiation of antioxidant action, when combined use contributes to more effective neutralization of free radicals and activation of antioxidant enzymes. In the immunomodulatory direction, synergy is expressed in enhancing the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes, which ensures a balanced and adequate immune response.

The protective effect with combined use is achieved by reducing toxicity and decreasing side reactions, which is associated with modulation of the metabolism and distribution of active substances. In addition, synergistic interactions affect receptor cascades, for example, the combined effect on histamine and serotonin receptors enhances anti-allergic and sedative action.

In vivo and in vitro studies confirm the additive and potentiating effects of Clerodendrum indicum as part of phytocomplexes with other plant extracts, which allows expanding the spectrum of therapeutic action and increasing the effectiveness of herbal preparations.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874118301034

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine – Clerodendrum indicum

Clerodendrum indicum is widely distributed in the regions of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. In the traditional medicine of these regions, the plant has been used since ancient times, which is confirmed by ethnobotanical research and historical herbals. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, Clerodendrum indicum was considered a plant with cleansing and strengthening properties, used in the form of decoctions of leaves and roots for washing wounds, gargling, and inhalations.

In Thai folk medicine, the plant was used to prepare infusions and ointments applied for skin inflammations, bruises, and rheumatic pains. Also known are forms of external use — wraps and massage using oil based on the leaves. In the culture of the peoples of Laos and Cambodia, Clerodendrum indicum was traditionally used in purification and healing rituals, where it was considered a plant of strength and protection. Mentions of its ritual use are found in oral traditions and regional folklore collections.

Historical sources record the use of the plant for medicinal purposes no later than the 14th century, which is confirmed by descriptions in regional manuscripts and herbals found in India and neighboring countries. Ethnographic studies note that the plant was used not only in medicine but also for ceremonial purposes: its leaves were used to make amulets and smoking mixtures aimed at cleansing the space and protecting against evil spirits.

Clerodendrum indicum occupied an important place in the folk traditions of several ethnic groups, including Thais, Laotians, and Malays, where it was perceived as a symbol of health and vital energy. In ritual practice, the plant was used together with other healing herbs, which reflected an understanding of the synergistic effect and the need for a comprehensive approach to healing and maintaining balance in the body and the environment.

Thus, Clerodendrum indicum possesses a rich ethnobotanical history, deeply rooted in the traditions of South and Southeast Asia, where it was widely used for both medical and cultural-religious purposes.