Agnimantha
Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f.
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Agnimantha |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f. |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Clerodendrum phlomidis (Sanskrit: Agnimantha) is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is a large puberulent shrub or small tree native to dry, arid, and tropical regions across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.[1] Morphologically, it possesses ovate or deltoid leaves with entire or coarsely dentate margins and fragrant, white-to-pinkish tubular flowers in axillary cymes. In Ayurvedic medicine, it serves as Brihat Agnimantha—a vital constituent of Dashamula (the ten sacred roots formulation).
Botanical profile and nomenclature
- Taxonomic name: Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f.
- Botanical synonyms: Clerodendrum multiflorum (Burm.f.) O. Kuntze, Volkameria multiflora Burm.f.
- Family: Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
- Sanskrit name: Agnimantha (also Ganikarika, Arani, Tarkari, Vatagni)
- Vernacular names: Arni, Piran (Hindi); Arani, Tekar (Marathi); Aranimula (Gujarati); Vadamadakki, Taludalai (Tamil); Nelli, Tekkali (Telugu); Munja (Malayalam).
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Agnimantha, Jaya, Sriparni, Ganikarika, Jayanti, Tarkari, Nadeyi, Vaijayanti
Ayurvedic energetics and pharmacodynamics
In classical Ayurvedic literature, Agnimantha is classified as an essential Vata-Kapha Shamaka drug, specifically indicated for inflammatory conditions (Shotha), metabolic disorders (Prameha and Sthaulya), and fevers (Jwara).
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties | Clinical relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Bitter (tikta), Pungent (katu), Astringent (kashaya), Sweet (madhura) | Cleanses tissue channels (Srotas), reduces excessive Kapha and Meda (fat). |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) | Stimulates metabolic digestive fire (Agni), relieves Vata pain and swelling. |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) | Enhances bio-elimination and metabolic clearance. |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha) | Pacifies heavy, sticky, congestive toxic accumulation (Ama). |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify kapha and vata | Alleviates pain, edema, neuromuscular stiffness, and fluid retention. |
| 6 | Primary indications | Shotha (Edema), Prameha (Diabetes), Sthaulya (Obesity), Jwara (Fever), Vata-vyadhi | Reduces swelling, joint discomfort, metabolic sluggishness, and pyrexia. |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa. Sutra sthana 2/11 | Used as a Asthapana dravya |
| 2 | Cha.Sa. Sutra sthana 4/9(26) | Anuvasanopaga mahakashaya |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra sthana 4/9(38) | Shwayathuhara mahakashaya |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra sthana 21/24 | Management of obesity |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra sthana 21/24 | Management of obesity |
| 6 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 1/1/43 | In formulation of brahma rasayana |
| 7 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 8 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 5/67 | To increase effect of Trayushanaadi ghrit |
| 9 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 5/149 | Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha |
| 10 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 6/28 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaja prameha |
| 11 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 | Ingredient in Mustadi Churna |
| 12 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/81 | Ingredient in Triphalasava |
| 13 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/52 | Ingredient in Apara Lasunadya Ghrit |
| 14 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/18 | Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrita |
| 15 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 12/50 | Ingredient in Kansaharitaki Avaleh |
| 16 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/65 | In treatment of vatodara for anuvasana basti |
| 17 | Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/113 | As an ingredient of Panchkola ghrita |
| 18 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/117 | As an ingredient of yavadi ghrit |
| 19 | Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/170 | Kshar siddha taila used in udara roga |
| 20 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/45 | Used in Swedana kriya |
| 21 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/144 | As an ingredient of Dantyarista |
| 22 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana15/82 | As an ingredient of Dashmuladya ghrita |
| 23 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/88 | As an ingredient of Panchamuladhya ghrit evum churna |
| 24 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/156 | As an ingredient of Mulasava |
| 25 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/102 | Used in yavagu preparation for hikka svasa |
| 26 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/105 | Dashamula kwath used in condition of trishna in patients of Hikka Shvasa. |
| 27 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/140 | As an ingredient of Dashamuladhya ghrita |
| 28 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 21/125 | As an ingredient of Baladi lepa. |
| 29 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana 24/129 | Used as anupana in vataja madatyaya as an ingredient of panchamula. |
| 30 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 25/78 | Used for parisechana in Daha & shoola. |
| 31 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/138 | Used in Vataja pratishyaya For nasya. |
| 32 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/153 | As an ingredient of Bhargyadi taila. |
| 33 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/237 | Used for aaschotana in Vataja netraroga. |
| 34 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/57 | As an ingredient of Shyonakadi Parisheka and Pralepa |
| 35 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/52 | As an ingredient of Tarkaryadi Parisechana |
| 36 | Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/54 | As an ingredient of Shyonakadi Parisheka and Pralepa |
Current availability
Available
Current researches
Phytochemical profile
Phytochemical analyses of Clerodendrum phlomidis have isolated over 280 secondary metabolites across the root, stem, leaf, and flower tissues.[2][1] These constituents provide the chemical foundation for its systemic bioactivities:
- Flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides: Pectolinaringenin, scutellarein, hispidulin, apigenin, 7-hydroxyflavone, and pectolinaringenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside.[2][3]
- Steroids and sterol glycosides: γ-sitosterol, β-sitosterol, clerosterol, cholestanol, and 24β-ethylcholesta-5,22E,25-trien-3β-ol.[2][3]
- Diterpenes and diterpenoids: Clerodin, clerodendrin, and clerodermic acid.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides and phenolics: Acteoside, verbascoside, and serratagenic acid.[1]
Therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological profile
Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity
The anti-inflammatory efficacy of Clerodendrum phlomidis validates its classical classification as a principal Shothahara (edema-reducing) agent. Research on leaf and root extracts shows significant attenuation of both acute and chronic inflammation.[4][1]
- Mechanisms of action: The aqueous and alcoholic extracts exhibit marked lysosomal membrane stabilization, preventing the release of lysosomal enzymes that trigger tissue injury and inflammatory cascades.[4] In vivo models demonstrate significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and suppression of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis.[4][3]
- Nanoparticle applications: Green-synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles utilizing C. phlomidis extracts show enhanced anti-inflammatory membrane stabilization and radical scavenging activities in vitro.[5]
Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity
In traditional practice, Agnimantha is prescribed for Prameha (metabolic syndrome/diabetes mellitus). Modern pharmacological investigations confirm that alcoholic and aqueous leaf and root extracts possess dose-dependent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.[3][1]
- Mechanisms of action: C. phlomidis extracts promote circulating glucose uptake, restore pancreatic islet tissue integrity, reduce lipid peroxidation, and inhibit key digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), preventing postprandial hyperglycemia.[3]
Antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential
The plant's broad phenolic and flavonoid composition—specifically compounds like pectolinaringenin and acteoside—imparts strong antioxidant activity.[2][3]
- Mechanisms of action: Extracts scavenge free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS while bolstering endogenously produced antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).[5][1] This activity reduces oxidative stress-mediated cellular damage and supports systemic immune responsiveness.[3]
Hepatoprotective and anti-obesity effects
Agnimantha is a component of formulations designed to address Sthaulya (obesity) and hepatic congestion.[3][1]
- Hepatoprotection: Ethyl acetate and alcoholic extracts significantly lower elevated serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin) in models of toxin-induced hepatic injury, restoring structural architecture and parenchymal integrity.[1]
- Anti-obesity activity: Methanolic root extracts demonstrate hypolipidemic effects by reducing circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol, suppressing adipocyte hypertrophy, and inhibiting pre-adipocyte differentiation.[3]
Antimicrobial, antiasthmatic, and neuroprotective effects
- Antimicrobial: Leaf extracts exhibit antimicrobial broad-spectrum activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains.[6][5]
- Respiratory support: Ethnomedicinal claims for asthma and bronchitis treatment are supported by bronchodilatory and antiasthmatic actions that relax smooth muscle tissues and suppress allergic inflammatory responses.[6][1]
- Neuroprotection: Methanolic fractions demonstrate central nervous system calming effects, antiamnestic potential, and protection against neurodegenerative oxidative stress.[3][1]
Dosage, formulations, and safety profile
Classical formulations
- Dashamularishta: Fermented liquid formulation used for post-partum recovery, systemic inflammation, and respiratory disorders.
- Dashamula Kwatha: Decoction prescribed for Vata joint disorders, edema, and fever.
- Agnimanthadi Kwatha: Targeted decoction for obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic slowness.
- Chyawanprash: Polyherbal rasayana tonic incorporating Agnimantha root for immunity and vitality.
Recommended posology (raw drug)
- Root bark powder (Churna): 3–6 grams daily.
- Decoction (Kwatha): 50–100 mL daily in divided doses.
- Fresh leaf juice (Swarasa): 10–20 mL daily.
Toxicology and safety
Acute and sub-acute toxicity evaluations of Clerodendrum phlomidis crude extracts in animal models demonstrate high safety margins with no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) at standard therapeutic dosages.[1] Standardized preparations remain well tolerated without documented target-organ toxicity.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Wang, J.-H., Luan, F., He, X.-D., Wang, Y., & Li, M.-X. (2018). Traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Clerodendrum phytochemicals. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 8(1), 24–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.04.001
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Bharitkar, Y. P., Hazra, A., Shah, S., Saha, S., Matoori, A. K., & Mondal, N. B. (2015). New flavonoid glycosides and other chemical constituents from Clerodendrum phlomidis leaves: isolation and characterisation. Natural Product Research, 29(19), 1850–1856. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2015.1009457
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 Mamuaja, M. N., Herlina, T., Rumampuk, R. J., Maksum, I. P., & Rukayadi, Y. (2024). Flavonoids from Clerodendrum genus and their biological activities. ADMET and DMPK, 12(4), 843–879. https://doi.org/10.5599/admet.2442
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Babu, N. P., Pandikumar, P., & Ignacimuthu, S. (2011). Lysosomal membrane stabilization and anti-inflammatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f., a traditional medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 135(3), 779–785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.028
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Thanaraj, S., Mitthun, A. N. K., Geetha Sravanthy, P., Carmelin, D. S., Surya, M., & Saravanan, M. (2024). Green synthesis of aluminum oxide nanoparticles using Clerodendrum phlomidis and their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Cureus, 16(1), e52279. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52279
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ravichandran, S., Jegathaprathaban, R., Radhakrishnan, J., Usha, R., Vijayan, V., & Teklemariam, A. (2022). An investigation of electrospun Clerodendrum phlomidis leaves extract infused polycaprolactone nanofiber for in vitro biological application. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications, 2022, 2335443. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2335443