# Bharangi

> Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; documented in regional WHO SEARO traditional medicine databases.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon
- **Family:** Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; documented in regional WHO SEARO traditional medicine databases

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bharangi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- D-[Mannitol](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mannitolmannitol)
- [Hispidulin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hispidulin)
- [Acteoside](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#acteoside) ([verbascoside](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#verbascoside))
- Serratumin A
- Oleanolic acid
- [Scutellarein](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scutellarein)
- Alpha-[spinasterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#spinasterol)
- Clerodermic acid

## How does it work?

- Anti-asthmatic: [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) inhibit mast cell degranulation, reduce IgE levels, and suppress Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) production
- Anti-inflammatory: Oleanolic acid and hispidulin inhibit 5-LOX and COX-2, reducing leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/): Acteoside and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) scavenge hepatic free radicals and restore glutathione levels in damaged liver tissue

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-asthmatic use (Shwasa-Kasahara) validated through ovalbumin-induced asthma model showing reduction in bronchial inflammation and IgE
- Anti-inflammatory use for joint disorders confirmed by significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema
- Hepatoprotective traditional use supported by normalization of liver [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Arora P, Ansari SH, Nainwal LM 2022. [Clerodendrum serratum extract attenuates production of inflammatory mediators in ovalbumin-induced asthma in rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38143476/). *Turkish journal of chemistry*. PMID [38143476](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38143476/) · [doi:10.3906/kim-2107-22](https://doi.org/10.3906/kim-2107-22)  
  Ethanolic root extract significantly diminished infiltration of inflammatory cells, IgE, cytokines, and nitrites in blood serum and bronchoalveolar fluid in OVA-induced asthma model.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Non-toxic at therapeutic doses; LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in acute oral toxicity studies; seed extracts confirmed safe in recent 2025 evaluation
- No significant drug interactions reported; however, patients on anti-asthmatic medications should use under medical supervision for potential synergistic effects

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Mannitol
- Hispidulin
- Acteoside
- Verbascoside
- Scutellarein
- Spinasterol
- Serratumin A
- Oleanolic acid
- 
- Alpha-

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Vati (traditional pill)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule; traditionally 1-3g with honey for respiratory conditions

**Bioavailability:** Hispidulin and related flavonoids show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Clerodane [diterpenes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diterpenes) have good lipophilicity favoring absorption. Administration with honey (traditional Anupana for Kapha disorders) enhances mucosal absorption and provides additional [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) synergy. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration can enhance diterpene absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with honey for respiratory conditions; with warm water for anti-inflammatory effects; twice daily for chronic conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to hispidulin NLT 0.5%; total diterpenes NLT 2%; aqueous extract 8:1 concentration ratio

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (decoction)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from light. Airtight containers for powder. Tablets in blister packs to protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Hispidulin, Scutellarein-7-glucuronide, Bharangin (clerodane diterpene), Clerosterol, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Aqueous decoction for Kashayam
- Methanol extraction for diterpene-rich fractions
- Ethyl acetate partitioning for flavonoid isolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) for bronchial asthma and respiratory disorders
- With [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda) for productive cough
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for upper respiratory infections
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for enhanced bioavailability and Kapha reduction
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-allergic formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bharangi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.