An integrative review of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Clerodendrum chinense (Osbeck) Mabb

Abstract

Clerodendrum chinense is a member of the Lamiaceae family and it is a widely distributed medicinal shrub known for its extensive use in traditional healthcare systems across Asia. This review comprehensively compiles and analyzes on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of C. chinense. The plant is rich in different classes of bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenylethanoid glycosides (such as verbascoside and isoverbascoside), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, iridoid glycosides, terpenoids, and phytosterols, which eventually contribute to its therapeutic potential. This review also put together the available pharmacological data and gives an insight about antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antibacterial and antihypertensive effects. It was to be noted that anticancer activity was most significant and has been demonstrated against multiple human cancer cell lines through mechanisms involving apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species generation, and inhibition of cell proliferation. So, this review gives an insight into the different bioactives isolated from the plant and the biological activity exhibited by the said bioactives. Current and ongoing research in our laboratory further explore the potential of Clerodendrum chinense in nanoparticle synthesis, pesticidal activity evaluation, and in in-silico analysis of bioactive constituents.