Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antibacterial, anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities of leaf and flower extracts of Clerorodendrum infortunatum L.

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long been used to prevent and treat diseases, containing complex bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological potentials. They form the basis of many traditional medicine systems and continue to inspire modern pharmaceuticals. Clerodendrum infortunatum L., commonly found in tropical South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, has a rich history in traditional medicine, though detailed scientific studies on its bioactive compounds and therapeutic effects remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and assess the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities of distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, and chloroform extracts from the leaves and flowers of Clerodendrum infortunatum L. Fresh leaves and flowers of Clerodendron infortunatum L. were collected from natural habitat, Alappuzha district, Kerala. Cold extraction method was used for the preparation of. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out by using standard procedures. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities were evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and alpha-amylase inhibitory assay, respectively. Phytochemical screening of Clerodendrum infortunatum revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides, in various flower extracts showing a broader and more intense profile, especially in chloroform and isopropyl alcohol. Flower extracts exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, while leaf extracts, particularly chloroform extracts, showed higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential. These findings highlight the plant’s medicinal value as a source of natural antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant agents.