COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL ANALYSIS OF ROOT AND LEAF OF BHANDIRA (CLERODENDRUM INFORTUNATUM LINN.)

Introduction: Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (Bhandira; Family: Lamiaceae) is an important medicinal plant used traditionally in the management of bleeding disorders and inflammatory conditions. However, comprehensive Pharmacognostical standards for its root and leaf are limited. The present study was undertaken to establish pharmacognostical, phytochemical and HPTLC profiles of Bhandira for its authentication and standardization. Objective: To evaluate the Pharmacognostical characters, preliminary phytochemical constituents, and HPTLC profile of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. Materials and Methods: Roots and leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. were collected from the natural habitats of Udupi district. Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, preliminary phytochemical and HPTLC analysis according to standard protocols. Results and Discussion: Comparative pharmacognostical evaluation of the root and leaf of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. revealed distinct macroscopic and microscopic characteristics useful for drug authentication. The root was cylindrical, greyish-brown, rough and fibrous, whereas the leaves were opposite-decussate, broadly ovate and pubescent. Microscopically, the root showed well-developed secondary xylem, sclereids and abundant calcium oxalate crystals, while the leaf exhibited a dorsiventral structure with abundant trichomes and a prominent bicollateral vascular bundle. Physicochemical analysis showed loss on drying of 0.21% and 4.74%, total ash of 6.11% and 9.60%, acid-insoluble ash of 4.37% and 0.74%, alcohol-soluble extractive of 0.03% and 5.32%, and water-soluble extractive of 12.61% and 18.52% for the root and leaf, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids and triterpenoids in both parts, with saponins and resins present only in the root and tannins confined to the leaves. HPTLC analysis identified gallic acid and rutin in the root extract, whereas no specific constituents were confirmed in the leaf extract. Conclusion: The present study establishes diagnostic pharmacognostical and phytochemical standards for Bhandira, providing baseline data for its authentication, quality control, and future pharmacological and clinical investigations.