Abstract BACKGROUND: Clerodendrum indicum is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and bronchodilator properties. The root of this plant is beneficial in managing cough and asthma, and often used in formulations aimed at respiratory health. Despite being full of medicinal value, there is no data available in archives for pharmacognostic evaluation of the root of Clerodendrum indicum . METHODS: Transverse section, powder microscopical evaluation, Physicochemical analysis and TLC were conducted according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Powder sample of crude drugs were also subjected to powder analysis, histochemical test, preliminary and phytochemical screening as per standard protocol. RESULTS: Microscopic studies of root showed cork, phellem, pericyclic fiber, sclerenchyma, stone cells, xylem vessel, xylem tracheids, xylem fiber, and medullary rays. Physicochemical studies showed total ash (9.86%), acid-insoluble ash (0.10%), alcohol-soluble extractive values (4.31%), and water-soluble extractive values (10.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Morphoanatomical characters and phytochemical parameter can be used as a quality standard for authentication and detection of adulteration of the root of Clerodendrum indicum .
Prasad et al. (Tue,) studied this question.