Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of Clerodendrum serratum roots with special reference to asthma

Abstract

Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon. (Verbenaceae) commonly known as bharangi is an important medicinal plant growing in India has traditional value to treat pain, inflammation, rheumatism, respiratory disorders and fever. The crude roots are employed in many Ayurvedic and herbal formulations as one of the ingredient for the treatment of various ailments. The purposes of the present study were to study phytochemical and pharmacological effects of crude (70% methanolic) extract and fractions (ethyl acetate and n-butanolic) of C. serratum roots (CSR) with reference to asthma in various animal models in comparison with reference drugs to claim the traditional uses of plant. newlineCSR was standardized using pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters to assess the quality of collected plant material. The pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters evaluated for the roots were found in compliance with the Pharmacopoeial standards of crude drug. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical studies of methanolic extract of CSR performed using chemical tests, thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy and quantification of phytoconstituents, showed presence of saponins, phenolics, flavonoids and carbohydrates. The results of pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical studies would be helpful for the identification and quality control of CSR. newlineThe mast cell stabilizing, bronchodilating, anti-histaminic activities along with inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the crude extract and fractions of C. serratum roots were performed using various in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological experiments. The significant inhibition of mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80, increase in preconvulsion time and contraction produced by histamine in guinea pig tracheal chain preparation was observed with extract and fractions of CSR. Furthermore, the dose dependent in vitro free radical (DPPH and ABTS) scavenging and anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation, protease inhibition a