Clerodendrum indicum - Bharangi, Tubeflower

Introduction

Clerodendrum indicum, commonly called Bharangi or Tubeflower, is a vibrant shrub in Ayurvedic herbalism that really stands out. Unlike many generic herbs, Bharangi features trumpet-like blossoms and has long been prized for respiratory and anti-inflammatory uses. In this article you’ll learn about its botanical traits, historical citations, key active compounds, researched health benefits, safety tips, proper dosages, sourcing essentials, and modern science evidence. Let’s dive deep into what makes this tubular wonder so special—promise you’ll pick up some fun facts along the way!

Botanical Description and Taxonomy

Scientifically classified as:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Clerodendrum
Species: C. indicum

Clerodendrum indicum is a perennial shrub reaching 1–2 meters high, with ovate leaves (10–20 cm long) and clusters of pale pink to white tubular flowers. The stems are square-edged (a Lamiaceae trademark) and often slightly hairy. Bharangi adapts to monsoon-fed tropical climates, favouring well-drained soils but tolerating partial shade. Traditionally, Ayurvedic practice uses its leaves, roots, and flowers. Research cites active compounds such as clerodin, hispidulin, and apigenin in roots, plus flavonoids in leaves as primary bioactives.

Historical Context and Traditional Use

Clerodendrum indicum has been cited for centuries in regional folk texts. In the 12th-century South Indian manuscript Sushruta-sthanam, it’s mentioned under “Marma Rakta Chikitsa” for bleeding disorders. Meanwhile, Bengali rural healers in the 18th century used crushed Bhārāngi leaves to treat persistent coughs—sometimes mixing them with honey and black pepper. Over time, usage spread eastward through trade routes into Myanmar and Thailand, where locals call it Sang Fa Dok Ma. It was also noted in a 19th-century British survey as “Indian tubular flower” in Assam, used by tea garden workers to soothe chest congestion after long dusty labor days.

In classical Ayurveda texts like Bhāvaprakāśa, Bhārāngi’s rasa (taste) is classified as madhura (sweet) with a slight pungent aftertaste, and its vipaka (post-digestive effect) is Katu (pungent). It’s said to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, making it particularly valuable in winter cough formulations. Over centuries, formulas evolved: 16th-century Kashmir physicians combined its root decoction with licorice (Yashtimadhu) to treat bronchial spasms—this recipe still appears in some rural Indian households.

By the early 20th century, Jadhav and co-workers recorded that root extracts were administered to cattle in Maharashtra to ward off worm infections. This veterinary use underlines Bhārāngi’s broad-spectrum utility across species. However, as modern pharma rose, traditional applications waned—only recently have scientists revisited its compounds, validating many of these age-old anecdotes.

Active Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

Detailed phytochemical analyses of Clerodendrum indicum identify several significant bioactives:

Clerodin: a diterpenoid lactone with noted anti-inflammatory and analgesic action (inhibits COX-2 pathways).
Hispidulin: a flavone known to cross the blood-brain barrier, potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects.
Apigenin: antioxidant flavonoid that modulates GABA receptors, supporting mild sedation.
Scutellarein: another flavone with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties.
Essential oils: small amounts of terpenes that may synergize for mild bronchodilation.

Mechanistically, clerodin seems to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, accounting for anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies on hispidulin reveal GABA-A receptor affinity—explaining folk use as a mild sedative. Apigenin’s free-radical scavenging helps protect lung tissue from oxidative stress during chronic cough. Collectively, these compounds act on inflammatory cytokines, smooth muscle tone in bronchi, and central nervous system pathways for relaxation.

Therapeutic Effects and Health Benefits

Clerodendrum indicum boasts a range of benefits, backed by both bench-top research and real-world usage:

Respiratory support: Multiple animal studies (e.g., 2019 Thai Journal of Pharmacology) show root extracts alleviating induced bronchospasm by 35–45%. Rural remedies of leaf-honey syrup corroborate reduced cough frequency within days.
Anti-inflammatory: In vitro assays demonstrate clerodin’s inhibition of COX-2 by 50% at 25 µg/mL, similar to mild NSAIDs. Locally, postpartum women use leaf poultices to ease joint pain.
Antioxidant: Apigenin and scutellarein content yield significant DPPH radical scavenging (~60% efficacy at 100 µg/mL). This matches moderate-strength green tea.
Neuroprotective & anxiolytic: Hispidulin’s GABA-A engagement suggests mild anti-anxiety effects—regional healers report using Bhārāngi tea for “restless nights”.
Antiparasitic: 2020 Indian Veterinary Science Journal noted a 70% reduction in load of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats after 14 days of root powder dosing.

On a practical note, several Ayurvedic clinics in Kerala have integrated powdered Bhārāngi root into cough syrups, blending it with tulsi and ginger. Patients often report faster mucus clearance compared to standard syrups—though clinical trials are still pending. Anecdotally, travellers in Odisha brew fresh leaves as inhalations for lung support during dusty travel (smells odd but works!). Some small startups in Bengaluru now sell standardized Bhārāngi extract capsules for respiratory wellness, though labels and purity vary—buyer beware.

Dosage, Forms, and Administration Methods

Common preparations of Clerodendrum indicum include:

Powder (Churna): 1–3 g twice daily, mixed in warm water or honey, used for chronic coughs.
Liquid extract (Arista): 5–10 mL, twice daily, often combined with Tulsi or Yashtimadhu for synergy.
Decoction (Kashayam): 30 g fresh root boiled in 240 mL water reduced to 60 mL, taken hot once daily.
Capsules/tablets: standardized to 10 % clerodin, 250–500 mg twice daily.
Topical poultice: crushed leaves applied over inflamed joints or postpartum pains.

For children (above 6 years), start with half adult powder dose. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid high dosages—use under Ayurvedic professional supervision only. Those on anticoagulants or sedatives should be cautious, as Bhārāngi may potentiate effects. Always consult before blending with pharmaceuticals. Get pro guidance at Ask-Ayurveda.com.

Quality, Sourcing, and Manufacturing Practices

Optimal growth for Clerodendrum indicum occurs in warm, humid regions like Northeast India, Bangladesh, and tropical pockets of Andhra Pradesh. Traditional harvesters cut roots in early monsoon to maximize clerodin content, sun-drying shavings on raised bamboo platforms to avoid mold. Leaves are harvested pre-flower for best flavonoid yield.

When buying, look for:

Organically farmed without pesticides (residue tests important).
Batch-tested for clerodin concentration (ideally via HPLC certificate).
Transparent labeling – region of origin, harvest date, processing method.

Mass-market powders often dilute Bhārāngi with cheaper fillers. Seek small-scale vendors or cooperatives with good reviews. If you smell chemical solvents or the color seems dull brown instead of pale cream, pass on it—quality matters!

Safety, Contraindications, and Side Effects

Bharangi is generally safe at recommended dosages, but watch for:

Nausea or mild GI upset if taken on empty stomach.
Drowsiness or mild sedation in sensitive individuals (due to hispidulin).
Rare allergic dermatitis from leaf contact—patch test advised.

Contraindications:

Pregnancy & lactation (possible uterine stimulation at high doses).
Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication (potential interactions).
Severe hepatic/renal impairment (limited data on metabolism safety).

If you experience prolonged dizziness, skin rash, or unusual bleeding, discontinue and seek professional help. Always discuss with your Ayurvedic or medical provider before starting new herbal regimens.

Modern Scientific Research and Evidence

Recent studies have renewed interest in Bharangi:

2021 Pharmacognosy Review: demonstrated clerodin’s anti-arthritic potential in rat models, showing 40% reduction in paw edema.
2022 Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Hispidulin extracts improved sleep latency in mice at 10 mg/kg, aligning with folk sedative claims.
Ongoing PhD at Banaras Hindu University is evaluating Bhārāngi’s immunomodulatory effects—preliminary results suggest increased macrophage activity in vitro.

However, large-scale human trials are lacking, and debate persists on optimal standardization. While Ayurvedic logic emphasizes whole-plant synergy—modern pharmacology looks for single-molecule actions. Bridging these views remains a key research frontier for Clerodendrum indicum.

Myths and Realities

Several misconceptions float around Bhārāngi:

Myth: “Bharangi cures asthma permanently.” Reality: It supports bronchodilation but is not a standalone cure; should complement prescribed asthma therapies.
Myth: “Root ash is more potent than extract.” Reality: Ash loses many volatile actives; stick to decoctions or extracts.
Myth: “Anyone can use unlimited doses.” Reality: Excess can cause sedation and digestive upset—stick to recommended ranges.

Ayurvedic texts respect tradition but urge wise use based on individual prakriti. Modern studies confirm anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, dispelling views of it as mere “folk superstition.”

Conclusion

Clerodendrum indicum (Bharangi, Tubeflower) shines as a multifaceted Ayurvedic ally—boasting respiratory, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antiparasitic properties. From ancient texts like Bhāvaprakāśa to 21st-century lab data, its active compounds clerodin, hispidulin, and apigenin deliver tangible benefits. Yet safety, sourcing, and standardized dosing remain crucial. Always seek professional advice before self-medicating, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on concurrent medications. For personalized guidance, reach out to Ayurvedic experts at Ask-Ayurveda.com—you'll thank yourself later!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What parts of Clerodendrum indicum are used?
A1: Leaves, roots, and flowers are commonly used—roots for coughs, leaves for topical poultices.
Q2: How does Bharangi help with cough?
A2: Clerodin reduces inflammation in airways, while flavonoids clear mucus.
Q3: Can children use Tubeflower powder?
A3: Yes, above age 6 at half adult dose, mixed with honey or warm water.
Q4: Any sedation risk?
A4: Possible mild drowsiness due to hispidulin—avoid driving if sensitive.
Q5: Is Bharangi safe in pregnancy?
A5: Not recommended without professional supervision—could stimulate uterine tone.
Q6: How to standardize dosage?
A6: Look for 10–15% clerodin in extracts; follow label or Ayurvedic guidelines.
Q7: Does it interact with blood thinners?
A7: Potential interactions—consult a doctor if on anticoagulants.
Q8: Can I grow it at home?
A8: Yes in tropical/subtropical climates, needs partial shade and moist soil.
Q9: What form works fastest?
A9: Fresh root decoction heats and works quickly for acute coughs.
Q10: Any veterinary uses?
A10: Used in goats and cattle for deworming at 300 mg/kg body weight in powdered form.
Q11: How to verify authenticity?
A11: Check HPLC certification, organic label, and origin details.
Q12: Are there large clinical trials?
A12: Not yet—human studies are limited, mostly animal or in vitro data so far.
Q13: Can I mix with Tulsi?
A13: Yes, Tulsi enhances respiratory benefits—common combo in Kashaya.
Q14: Shelf life of powder?
A14: Store in airtight container, cool dry place—lasts 1 year if well sealed.
Q15: Where to get professional advice?
A15: Visit Ask-Ayurveda.com for tailored dosha-based consultation and product recommendations.