Abstract:
Clerodendrum viscosum is mostly used in traditional system of medicines particularly the
leaves and roots are widely used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, against
leprosy and in skin diseases. Extracts from all parts of the plant is being used intricately in
Ayurveda and Unani for treating various diseases. Numerous phytochemicals were separated
from many parts of the plant. Certain extracts and chemicals derived from the plant has
beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory, cytotoxic, anti-hyperglycemic
etc. The objective of this study was phytochemical screening and evaluation of sedative
activity of methanolic extract of root of Clerodendrum viscosum for the first time. The
preliminary phytochemical screening of methanolic root extract of Clerodendrum viscosum
showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins and
sterols. Further sedative activity was studied where the methanol extract of roots of
Clerodendrum viscosum was determined by using diazepam as the standard drug. The time
of onset of sleep was reduced by 47.67% and 53.48% at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.
respectively in comparison to the control group. On the other hand, the total sleeping time
was increased by 44.87% and 55.83% at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. respectively. The result
suggested that the root of Clerodendrum viscosum is a potential source for sedative agents.
