Investigation beyond validation of folklore claim of Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb., an ethnomedicine from North Eastern India.

Investigation beyond validation of folklore claim of Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb., an ethnomedicine from North Eastern India.

Session: 
Ethnomedicine and Healing
Date and Time: 
Thursday, 16 May, 2013 - 20:20 to 20:40
Author(s): 
DEVKAR Ranjitsinh V. - Division of Phytotherapeutics and Metabolic Endocrinolgy, Department of Zoology, The M.S.University of Baroda.Vadodara, INDIA
Ravirajsinh N.JADEJA - Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Menaka C.THOUNAOJAM - National Brain Research Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA.
A. V. RAMACHANDRAN - Division of Phytotherapeutics and Metabolic Endocrinolgy, Department of Zoology, The M.S.University of Baroda, Vadodara, INDIA.

Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb., (CG; Family Verbenaceae) is endemic to the North Eastern states (NES) of India that is used as an ethnomedicine by apatani, nyishi, debru tribes and local populace. In our study, dosing of CG extract accounted for improved blood pressure, vascular reactivity and glucose clearance rate in fructose induced hypertensive rats thus validating the folklore claim of its anti-hypertensive property. Also, potent anti-oxidant, free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective potentials of CG extract prompted further studies. Lipid lowering and anti-obesity properties could be established in C57BL/6J mice model via down regulation of PPAR-γ and related genes. In conclusion, CG has multifaceted therapeutic potentials (many not reported) that probably accounts for the overall wellbeing of the local populace but altered rainfall pattern coupled with pressures of urbanization is a matter of serious concern for loss of floral diversity that is threatening endemic herbs in biodiversity hotspot of NES.