Clerodendrum trichotomum (Lamiaceae) Fragrant Glorybower, Bhandira
- Das K
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower, Peanut Butter Shrub)
1. Taxonomic insights
Species: Clerodendrum trichotomum
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Genus: Clerodendrum
The Lamiaceae family is one of the most medicinally important, characterized by aromatic plants with square stems. It provides a vast array of herbs for culinary, therapeutic, and spiritual use worldwide, with a strong presence in Ayurveda.
Related Herbs from the same family:
Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi): The revered "Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda, a potent adaptogen used for stress, respiratory ailments, and as a general health tonic. Native to the Indian subcontinent.
Vitex negundo (Nirgundi, Five-Leaved Chaste Tree): A fundamental Ayurvedic herb for pain, inflammation, and respiratory conditions. Its leaves and seeds are used for arthritis, cough, and skin diseases.
Coleus forskohlii (Pashanabhedi, Gandira): Valued in Ayurvedic and modern herbalism for its root, which contains forskolin—a compound studied for asthma, glaucoma, and cardiovascular health.
Mentha spp. (Mint, Pudina): A ubiquitous culinary and medicinal herb used for digestion, nausea, and as a cooling agent.
2. Common Names:
Scientific Name: Clerodendrum trichotomum | English: Harlequin Glorybower, Peanut Butter Shrub, Fragrant Glorybower | Sanskrit: Bhandira, Bhandi (Note: These names are often shared with other Clerodendrum species like C. serratum) | Hindi: Bhandir, Bhandira | Tamil: Perugilai, Karu nochi | Japanese: Kusagi (クサギ) | Chinese: Chou Wu Tong (臭梧桐) | Korean: Nambuk namu (남북나무) |
3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antirheumatic, Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Mild Sedative.
Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Clerodendrum trichotomum plant in traditional medicine are the leaves, roots, and flowers.
Leaves: The primary part used, often in decoctions for inflammation and hypertension.
Roots: Used for their stronger analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Flowers: Occasionally used in infusions.
Bark: Sometimes included in medicinal preparations.
4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.
Phenylethanoid Glycosides (Verbascoside/Acteoside): A major bioactive compound. Its actions include potent Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antihypertensive, and Hepatoprotective effects. It is a key contributor to the plant's therapeutic reputation.
Flavonoids (Hispidulin, Luteolin, Apigenin): These compounds provide strong free-radical scavenging activity. Their actions include Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antispasmodic, and potential Neuroprotective effects.
Terpenoids (Clerodolone, Clerodone): Diterpenoids and triterpenoids found in the plant contribute to its Anti-inflammatory and Antirheumatic properties. They may also have Antimicrobial effects.
Glycosides (Clerodendrin): Specific glycosides studied for their Antihypertensive action, likely through vasodilation and diuretic activity.
5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.
Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) & Shula (Pain)
Formulation: Leaf or root decoction.
Preparation & Use: In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, a decoction of the leaves or roots is used to treat rheumatic and arthritic pains, joint inflammation, and general musculoskeletal pain.
Reasoning: The combined anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions of verbascoside and flavonoids help reduce joint swelling and pain, validating its Antirheumatic and Analgesic uses.
Raktagata Vata (Hypertension) & Hridroga (Heart Disorders)
Formulation: Leaf tea or decoction.
Preparation & Use: Known as Chou Wu Tong in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is a traditional remedy for hypertension and dizziness. It is believed to calm liver yang and clear heat.
Reasoning: Verbascoside and specific glycosides promote vasodilation and exhibit diuretic properties, leading to a lowering of blood pressure (Antihypertensive). Antioxidants provide Cardioprotective benefits.
Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders) & Visarpa (Erysipelas/Skin Inflammation)
Formulation: External poultice or wash; internal decoction.
Preparation & Use: The leaves are applied externally as a poultice or wash for inflammatory skin conditions, boils, and itching. Internally, a decoction is used for liver complaints and as a detoxifier.
Reasoning: The hepatoprotective action of verbascoside protects liver cells. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of its phytochemicals help soothe and cleanse skin inflammations when applied topically.
Jwara (Fever) & Shwas-Kasa (Respiratory Ailments)
Formulation: Leaf infusion.
Preparation & Use: An infusion of the leaves is used to help reduce fevers and to relieve coughs associated with heat and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Reasoning: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce systemic inflammation during fever, while potential antispasmodic effects on the bronchial tubes may ease coughing.
6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):
Clerodendrum trichotomum is used medicinally but is not a common culinary item. Its use is primarily in decoctions and topical applications.
Anti-inflammatory & Antihypertensive Decoction
Purpose: To support joint health and manage mild hypertension.
Preparation & Use:
Take 5-7 dried leaves (or 1 tsp of dried root chips).
Boil in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.
Strain and drink 1/2 cup, twice daily. This should only be done under professional supervision, especially if on blood pressure medication.
Topical Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain
Purpose: To relieve localized pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.
Preparation & Use:
Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a paste.
Warm the paste slightly and apply directly to the affected joint.
Cover with a cloth and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Repeat once daily.
7. Disclaimer:Clerodendrum trichotomum has documented pharmacological actions, particularly on blood pressure. It is not a substitute for prescribed antihypertensive or anti-inflammatory medication. Its use must be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider, as it can potentiate the effects of blood pressure drugs, leading to hypotension. The safety profile during pregnancy and lactation is not established. Some Clerodendrum species may have toxic properties in certain parts or doses. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky et al. (for Chou Wu Tong)
Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kiritkar & B.D. Basu
Japanese Herbal Medicine: The Healing Art of Kampo by William A. McGarey
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for research articles on verbascoside and related compounds)
9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties
1. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi)
Species: Vitex negundo | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Vitex
Similarities: Both are Lamiaceae plants with profound anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, used traditionally for joint pain, rheumatism, and skin conditions. They are also used in fever and respiratory ailments. Nirgundi has a more established history in Ayurveda, while C. trichotomum is key in East Asian medicine.
2. Callicarpa macrophylla (Priyangu)
Species: Callicarpa macrophylla | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Callicarpa
Similarities: A related genus within the Lamiaceae family, Priyangu (flowers/fruit) is used in Ayurveda as a blood purifier, for skin inflammation, and in gynecological disorders. Both share the family's tendency to produce anti-inflammatory and skin-healing compounds.
3. Clerodendrum serratum (Bharangi)
Species: Clerodendrum serratum | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Clerodendrum
Similarities: A direct relative and a major Ayurvedic herb, Bharangi is specifically used for respiratory disorders (Shwasa-Kasa), fever, and inflammation. Studying both highlights how different species within the same genus can have specialized applications while sharing core anti-inflammatory properties.
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