Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of the leaves of Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir

Abstract

Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir. is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family that is widely used in traditional Guinean medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ethnopharmacological potential of the leaves of this plant. To achieve this, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in four prefectures of Guinea. The leaves of this plant were then screened for phytochemicals. The results of the ethnobotanical survey showed that this plant is known and widely used in traditional Guinean medicine to treat abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal parasites, snake bites, painful periods, sexual weakness, insect bites, and bad breath. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, catechin tannins, and triterpene saponosides, and the absence of anthraquinones and fatty acids.