Pharmacognostical and preliminary investigation of ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum inerme L. cultivated in Iraq.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to look into the pharmacognostical characteristics of Clerodendrum inerme L. leaves extract using an ethanolic solvent of 80% and screening of the main active compounds of this plant. Method: Leaves samples were collected from middle region of Iraq (AL-Musayab), all samples were washed, separated and dried under shade condition. Pharmacognostical study was included macroscopical and microscopical examination; while phytochemical study was included using ethanol 80% solvent to extract the plant leaves by two types of extraction (cold and hot methods).  Results: The results of this study were referred to actinocytic type of stomata at upper and lower surface of plant leaves. Non-glandular and un-branched multi-cellular type of trichomes with fibers were presented at upper surface also by microscopical examining the stone cells were presented. The tests results of the preliminary investigation of the extract were contained saponins, flavonoids, tannins with no detection of alkaloids. Conclusion: The outcome of this research was that this plant had distinct morphological properties than plants grown in other soils, such as actinocytic stomata, trichome shape and different active compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins and the absence of alkaloids that is existed in other soils.