Pharmacological and Traditional Applications of Medicinal Plant Clerodenderum phlomidis (Agnimantha): A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 80% of the population in developing countries depends on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare. Clerodendrum phlomidis or Agnimantha in Ayurveda belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is a crucial ingredient in the Ayurvedic formulation Dashamoola, a blend of ten roots that enhances vitality and promotes overall health. Traditionally, various parts of this plant—roots, stems, leaves, and flowers—are used in Indian and Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as inflammation (Shotha), diabetes (Prameha), fevers (Jwara), gonorrhoea (Upadamsha), and obesity (Sthaulya). Research has focused on isolating its chemical constituents, leading to the identification of 283 compounds, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, flavonoids, and glycosides, which exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective effects.The roots and leaves are traditionally used as astringents, stimulants, and antibacterial agents, treating conditions such as fever, cold, headaches, asthma, and allergies. Agnimantha includes two main types: Laghu Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia) and Brihat Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), both of which hold significance in modern and traditional medicine.Overall, this review underscores the plant's substantial medicinal value, consolidating its importance in health and wellness based on traditional knowledge and contemporary research findings.