Phytochemical and pharmacognostical studies of leaves ofClerodendrum inerme

摘要

Clerodendrum inerme belonging to family Verbenacae is an important traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of various ailments like antibacterial, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, uterine and intestine stimulating properties. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. In this paper, we report the pharmacognostic, macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values, extractive values, and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaf were investigated. Each extract was subjected to qualitative tests for identification of various constituents like alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, anthraquinone glycosides, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds and proteins. The present study will be useful for its identification prior to carrying out further research work. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of a herbal monograph for the species.