Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Clerodendrum indicum has a traditional use as an antimicrobial agent in various systems of folk medicine, particularly in parts of South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, different parts of the plant—especially the leaves and roots—have been used to treat infections, wounds, and inflammatory conditions, which were often attributed to microbial causes. Decoctions or poultices of the plant have been applied for skin infections, and oral preparations have been used for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, suggesting that traditional healers attributed some “antibiotic-like” effects to the herb.

From a scientific standpoint, preliminary in vitro studies do show that extracts of Clerodendrum indicum possess some antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. However, these studies are limited in scope, typically use crude extracts rather than standardized preparations, and have not yet translated to well-designed clinical trials in humans. No robust evidence currently supports its use as a substitute for conventional antibiotics in clinical settings. The evidence, therefore, remains primarily traditional, with some low-level scientific support. Its use as an “antibiotic alternative” should be approached with caution, as efficacy and safety have not been rigorously established in humans, and it should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based antimicrobial therapy.

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