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The Short Answer
Clerodendrum phlomidis is a medicinal plant from Siddha medicine containing bioactive compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through lysosomal membrane stabilization. Research shows preliminary evidence for blood glucose reduction and anticancer activity against oral cancer cells.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupSoutheast Asian
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordClerodendrum phlomidis benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Clerodendrum phlomidis — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Clerodendrum phlomidis is a medicinal plant from the Verbenaceae family, native to India and traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine systems. The primary therapeutic component is extracted from its leaves using alcoholic, aqueous, ethanolic, or methanolic solvent extraction methods.
“Clerodendrum phlomidis has been used for centuries in Indian traditional medicine systems, particularly by tribal communities in southern India's Nilgiris region. Traditional applications include treating inflammation, diabetes, asthma, rheumatism, digestive disorders, and as a bitter tonic during measles recovery in children.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Current research on Clerodendrum phlomidis is limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include an in vitro nanofiber study (PMID: 35855787, later retracted) showing anticancer effects, and an animal antiarthritic study (PMID: 21527330) demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties in rat models.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Based on animal studies only: ethanol leaf extract at 100-200 mg/kg body weight orally for 7 days showed antidiabetic effects in rats. No human dosages have been established through clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Clerodendrum phlomidis (commonly known as 'Agnimantha' or 'Turpeth') has limited systematic nutritional profiling, but phytochemical analyses reveal the following: Bioactive compounds include clerodendrin A and B (diterpenoid glycosides, primary active constituents), phlomidoside (iridoid glycoside), scutellarein and hispidulin (flavonoids identified in leaf extracts), luteolin and apigenin (flavone aglycones present in aerial parts), and alkaloids including clerodin. Phenolic content reported at approximately 15-25 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract in methanol extracts. Flavonoid content estimated at 8-14 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dry extract. The plant contains tannins (condensed and hydrolyzable forms), saponins, and terpenoids including betulinic acid and oleanolic acid in bark and root fractions. Sterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol have been identified. Crude fiber content in leaves is moderate (estimated 8-12% dry weight based on related Clerodendrum species). Protein content in leaves is approximately 10-15% dry weight. Mineral content includes potassium, calcium, and iron, though precise concentrations are not well-documented in peer-reviewed literature. Essential oils from leaves contain alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and germacrene-D. Bioavailability data is largely absent; lipophilic terpenoids and flavonoid aglycones are expected to have moderate oral bioavailability, while glycosidic forms require gut microbial hydrolysis for activation.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Clerodendrum phlomidis exerts anti-inflammatory effects through lysosomal membrane stabilization, preventing cellular damage and reducing inflammatory responses. The plant's bioactive compounds demonstrate glucose-lowering activity in diabetic animal models, likely through enhanced insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism pathways. Anticancer mechanisms involve cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 oral cancer cells, though specific molecular targets require further investigation.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for Clerodendrum phlomidis is limited to preliminary animal studies and in vitro research. Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects were demonstrated in animal models through lysosomal membrane stabilization mechanisms. Blood glucose reduction was observed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at doses of 100-200 mg/kg body weight. Anticancer activity has been shown specifically against HSC-3 oral cancer cell lines in laboratory studies, but human clinical trials are lacking.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for Clerodendrum phlomidis in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. Potential interactions with diabetes medications may occur given its glucose-lowering effects in animal studies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with existing medical conditions or taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly those on blood glucose-lowering drugs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective dosage of Clerodendrum phlomidis for diabetes?
Animal studies used doses of 100-200 mg/kg body weight for blood glucose reduction. However, no established human dosage exists due to lack of clinical trials, making it impossible to recommend safe and effective doses for people.
Can Clerodendrum phlomidis interact with diabetes medications?
Clerodendrum phlomidis may potentially interact with diabetes medications due to its glucose-lowering effects demonstrated in animal studies. This could lead to hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs, requiring medical supervision.
Is Clerodendrum phlomidis safe for cancer patients?
While laboratory studies show anticancer activity against HSC-3 oral cancer cells, safety in cancer patients is unknown. Cancer patients should not use this herb without oncologist approval, as it may interfere with conventional treatments.
How does Clerodendrum phlomidis reduce inflammation?
Clerodendrum phlomidis reduces inflammation through lysosomal membrane stabilization, which prevents cellular damage and inflammatory cascade activation. This mechanism was demonstrated in animal models showing antiarthritic effects, though human studies are needed.
What forms of Clerodendrum phlomidis are available as supplements?
Clerodendrum phlomidis is primarily used in traditional Siddha medicine preparations rather than standardized supplements. Commercial supplement availability is limited, and standardized extracts with verified potency are not widely available in most markets.
What is the current quality of clinical evidence for Clerodendrum phlomidis supplements?
Most evidence for Clerodendrum phlomidis comes from in vitro (cell culture) and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials available. While preliminary research shows promise for blood glucose reduction and anti-inflammatory effects, these findings are not yet confirmed in larger human studies. Consumers should be aware that supplement claims based on animal models may not translate directly to human efficacy, and more rigorous clinical research is needed to establish safety and effectiveness in humans.
Who should avoid taking Clerodendrum phlomidis supplements?
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Clerodendrum phlomidis due to insufficient safety data in these populations. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as the herb's anti-inflammatory properties may potentially affect clotting. People with severe liver or kidney disease should also seek medical guidance, as the safety profile in these conditions has not been adequately studied.
Are there traditional uses of Clerodendrum phlomidis that differ from modern supplement applications?
Clerodendrum phlomidis has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asian herbal practices, for various purposes beyond diabetes and inflammation management. Traditional applications have included use for respiratory conditions and general wellness support, though scientific validation of these traditional uses remains limited. Modern supplement formulations typically focus on standardized extracts targeting metabolic and inflammatory conditions based on contemporary research findings.
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