ETHNOMEDICINAL VALUES AND ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF CLERODENDRUM SPP. OCCURRING IN NORTHEASTERN REGION

The present study was undertaken to systematically analyze, document the traditional knowledge of Clerodendrum species use for the treatment of various human ailments from NER. The information was collected by literature survey as well as by consulting questionnaire with the villagers and local communities of NER. A total of twelve Clerodendrum species were collected, and among them, C. colebrookianum, C. indicum, C. viscosum were found to have multi-medicinal values that were widely used for the treatment of various diseases. Further antidiabetic properties of Clerodendrum species were evaluated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase assay. The result showed 4 species, C. indicum, C. japonicum, C. serratum, C. viscosum exhibited significant (>50%) α-amylase inhibition properties while 3 other species, C. colebrookianum, C. inerme, C. viscosum displayed significant α-glucosidase inhibition properties. Lowest IC₅₀ values were observed in C. serratum of α-amylase (45µg/ml) and C. viscosum of α-glucosidase (47 µg/ml). A detailed scientific investigation of the biochemical compounds and metabolites with potential biological activities in Clerodendrum species may lead to the discovery of potential drug candidates against life-threatening diseases and will help in scientific understanding and proper utilization in traditional and modern health care systems of the country in particular and the world in general.