Exploring The Antimicrobial Potential of Herbal Formulation of Clerodendrum Infortunatum

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat. This resistance develops due to the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, and environmental factors. AMR leads to prolonged illnesses, increased medical costs, and a higher risk of disease spread. Combating AMR requires proper antibiotic use, improved hygiene, and the development of new antimicrobial agents. Clerodendrum infortunatum extracts can enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, reducing bacterial resistance. When combined with antibiotics like tetracycline and ampicillin, it improves susceptibility in resistant strains. Introduction to Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (Verbenaceae) and Its Antimicrobial Potential in Herbal Formulations-

Overview of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn: -

Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn., commonly known as Hill Glory Bower, is a significant medicinal shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia [1]. The plant is well known in traditional Ayurvedic, Unani, and folk medicine due to its diverse pharmacological properties.

Botanical Description: -

This perennial shrub grows up to 1.5–3 meters in height and is characterized by its large, opposite, ovate leaves with serrated margins. It bears attractive, tubular, white or pinkish flowers with reddish stamens, forming terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a four-lobed, drupe-like structure, initially green and turning black upon ripening. The plant thrives in moist, well- drained soils and is commonly found in forests, roadsides, and wastelands.

Ethnomedicinal Uses: -

Traditionally,  various            parts                of C. infortunatum have been used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, inflammation, liver disorders, and respiratory problems.                         Different communities have used its leaves, roots, and flowers for their medicinal properties:  

Leaves:       Used        as an anthelmintic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Roots: Employed in treating snake bites, jaundice, and digestive disorders.

Flowers & Bark: Used for skin ailments and wound healing.

Phytochemical Constituents: - Phytochemical analysis of C. infortunatum reveals the presence of bioactive compounds such as:

Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin):[10] Known for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Terpenoids and Saponins: Exhibit anti- inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Alkaloids (clerodin, colesterol): Contribute to anthelmintic and antibacterial effects.

Tannins and Phenolics: Act as potent antimicrobial and antioxidant agents [2].

Antimicrobial Potential and Herbal Formulations: -

Recent studies highlight the antimicrobial efficacy of C. infortunatum, making it a promising candidate for herbal formulations [11]. The plant exhibits broad- spectrum  antimicrobial  activity  against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and certain protozoa.

5. Antibacterial Activity

Extracts from leaves and roots have demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis [12]. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins disrupts bacterial cell membranes, inhibits enzyme activity, and prevents biofilm formation.

5. Antifungal Activity

Studies indicate that ethanol and methanol extracts of C. infortunatum inhibit the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton rubrum, making it useful in treating skin infections and fungal disorders.

5. Herbal Formulations and Applications

Several herbal formulations incorporating

C. infortunatum have been developed to enhance its antimicrobial properties:

Herbal Ointments: Used for wound healing, skin infections, and burns.

Antimicrobial            Herbal            Gels:   Effective against bacterial and fungal skin diseases. Mouthwash and Gargles: Useful in treating oral infections and gingivitis [13].

Herbal Teas and Decoctions: Used in gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Hand Sanitizers    and         

Soaps:         Natural disinfectants enriched with C. infortunatum extracts.

Mechanism of Action: -

The antimicrobial activity of C. infortunatum is attributed to its ability to [3]:

• Disrupt  microbial cell      walls   and membranes, leading to cell lysis.

• Enhance immune response, providing additional protection against infections.

Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. is a valuable medicinal plant with immense potential in antimicrobial applications [14]. Its rich phytochemical profile supports its traditional uses and validates its efficacy in modern herbal formulations. Future research should focus on clinical trials, formulation standardization, and sustainable cultivation to harness its full therapeutic potential.

1. Collection         Of       Plant Material & Extract: -

• The plant Clerodendrum infortunatum was selected for study. Its leaves were collected from Jagadishpur in Howrah District, West Bengal. The collected leaves were identified and authenticated from Botanical Garden, Central national herbarium. Specimen No. JIS/AS-01
• Fully dried and crushed for better extraction
• Grind the dry leaves into a coarse powder to increase surface area.
• Soak the leaves in a container with our chosen solvent water. Ratio about 3:10 leaf to solvent.
• Seal the container and let it sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking it daily.
• Filter the mixture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh [4].
• Concentrate the extract on hot water bath for about 1 hour to evaporate some solvent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The liquid plant extract was obtained from Jagadishpur, Howrah, India. Antibiotic assay medium A (Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Kolkata); Stearic acid, acetyl alcohol, KOH, Glycerine, Water, Preservative, Carbopol 940, Propyl paraben, Ethanol, Triethanolamine were also used in the study [5].

Cream Formulation: A simple oil-in-water (O/W) cream formulation with ingredient weights for 100 g and 2ml liquid extract of the plant’s leaves as the active ingredient.

Table 1:

Gel Formulation:

A basic gel formulation with ingredient weights for 100 g and 2ml liquid extract of the plant’s leaves as the active ingredient [15].

Table 2:

3.3.2. Procedure:

After preparing the media, spread the microbial culture on the agar surface using a sterile swab. For this zone of inhibition method, gram negative bacteria E. coli was used. Make wells in the agar (6-8 mm diameter) Fill the wells with the test formulation (cream/gel) Incubate at 37 degree for 24 hours. Measure the zone of inhibition around the wells [3].

Zone of inhibition = (????) = ????????2

[Where r is the radius]

4. Inhibition Zone Analysis of Gram-Negative Bacteria

E. coli:

The antimicrobial activity of Cream, Gel, liquid extract and standard drug was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, and the resulting zones of inhibition were measured in millimetres (mm). The results indicate a significant inhibitory effect against the bacteria, with varying efficacy across different concentration [8].

Table 4: