Morphological Study and Medicinal Importance of Clerodendrum infortunatum Gaertn. (Verbenaceae), Found in Tadoba National Park, India

Clerodendron infortunatum Gaertn (Verbenaceae) is an important and widely used medicinal plant, reported to contain active bitter substance like clerodin, has been widely used as tonic and ant-helmintic agent in the countrysides of North India. Though, variously used in Ayurveda, Unani system of medicine and Homeopathy in case of ailments like diarrhea, skin disorders, venereal and scrofulous complaints, wounds, post-natal complications, as vermifuge, laxative and cholagogue, for the removal of ascarids in anus, as external applications on tumours, etc., the plant needs thorough investigation for its specific medicinal activity. Leaves and ischolar_mains are used for external applications on tumours are due to the presence of Clerodolone, Clerodone, Clerodol and a sterol now designated as Clerosterol. Leaves and ischolar_main extract is useful for the treatment of fresh wound. Percentage of haemoglobin increased due to leaf extract. Pile patient treated with leaf extract gives considerable relief. Sugar percentage reduced in diabetic patient. Slightly warm leaves applied with edible oil on the painful part of human body gives considerable relief within twelve hours. Seven sugars namely raffinose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, glactose, glucose and fructose were also identified from ischolar_main extract. Pollen viability was assessed on the basis of hanging drop method. Reproductive success was assessed on the basis of fruit and seed set.