PlantaeDB Logo
Login Sign-up

Clerodendrum chinense

Table of Contents

Details
Ethnobotanical Use
General Uses
Synonyms
Common Names
Subtypes (subspecies, varieties, subvarieties, forms)
Germination/Propagation
Distribution
Links to other databases
Genome
Scientific Literature
Phytochemical Profile
Gallery
Contributors
Collections

Details Top

Internal ID UUID644031619a550827448381
Scientific name Clerodendrum chinense
Authority (Osbeck) Mabb.
First published in Plant-book , reimpr.: 707 (1989)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

Suggest a correction!
Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Clerodendrum chinense, a shrub native to East and Southeast Asia, appears in several ethnobotanical surveys. In traditional Chinese medicine, the leaves and young stems are collected and boiled in water; a decoction taken in small cups is recorded for the treatment of fevers and acute respiratory complaints (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020). In the Philippines, healers crush fresh leaves and steep them for 5–7 minutes to produce a mild tea that is drunk as a diuretic and to soothe a dry cough (Arriola, 1996). In Bangladesh, healers macerate the dried root in water and apply the resulting poultice directly to infected skin lesions; the same macerated liquid is occasionally used in a warm sit‑z‑bath for dysentery (Hossain, 2014). Additional ethnobotanical notes from Indonesia and Vietnam report the use of leaf infusions to wash wounds, indicating a region‑wide practice of internal and external preparations (PROSEA, 1999).

To prepare a gentle leaf tea, measure 4 g of fresh young leaves (about a handful) and add to 250 ml of just‑boiled water. Cover and steep for 5–6 minutes, then strain. Traditionally, the tea is served warm and sweetened with honey to soften its subtle bitterness. This infusion is taken twice daily, after meals. Because the plant contains mild irritant saponins, pregnant women are advised to avoid the tea and people with known allergic reactions should discontinue use (Arriola, 1996).

Phytochemical analyses have repeatedly identified flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, as well as triterpenoid saponins and the iridoid glycoside catalpol. These compounds are known for anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in related Lamiaceae species, providing a plausible basis for the reported antipyretic and wound‑healing effects.

Recent pharmacological studies confirm that leaf extracts exhibit modest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and inhibit the COX‑2 enzyme, supporting the traditional use for fever and skin infections. While the plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental, standardized preparations are not commercially available, and continued local harvesting maintains the practice in several Southeast Asian communities. Local herbalists continue to harvest the leaves seasonally, and a few small‑scale farms in southern Vietnam sell dried leaves for home preparations, but a commercial market has not yet developed.

General Uses Top

Suggest a correction!

Common products:
No established commercial or industrial products derive from Clerodendrum chinense.

Industrial and craft applications:
No documented industrial or craft uses.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
No confirmed non-medicinal food, beverage, or ingredient uses.

Colorants and tanning:
No documented use for dyes, inks, or tannins.

Wood and fiber:
No documented timber, fiber, or bast use.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
No documented fragrance or cosmetic applications.

Properties relevant to use:
No established physical or chemical properties relevant to non-medicinal uses have been documented.

Standards and regulation:
Not applicable.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Not applicable.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Ovieda fragrans Hitchc. Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 12: 63. 1902
Volkameria fragrans Vent. Jard. Malmaison : 70 (1804)
Volkmannia japonica Jacq. Pl. Hort. Schoenbr. 3: 48 (1798)
Clerodendrum fragrans f. corymbosum Bakh. Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg III, 3: 88 1921
Clerodendrum chinense var. simplex (Moldenke) S.L.Chen Novon 1: 58 (1991)
Clerodendrum fragrans Willd. Enum. Pl. : 659 (1809)
Clerodendrum fragrans var. multiplex Sweet Hort. Brit. 32. 1826
Clerodendrum fragrans var. pleniflorum Schauer Prodr. 11: 666 (1847)
Clerodendrum lasiocephalum C.B.Clarke Fl. Brit. India 4: 594 (1885)
Clerodendrum macradenium Miq. Fl. Ned. Ind. 2: 874 (1858)
Clerodendrum philippinum Schauer Prodr. 11: 667 (1847)
Clerodendrum philippinum f. multiplex (Sweet) Moldenke Phytologia 41: 10 (1978)
Clerodendrum philippinum f. pleniflorum (Schauer) Moldenke Phytologia 40: 260 (1978)
Clerodendrum philippinum var. simplex C.Y.Wu & R.C.Fang Fl. Yunnanica 1: 470 (1977)
Clerodendrum philippinum f. subfertile Moldenke Phytologia 25: 368 (1973)
Clerodendrum roseum Poit. Rev. Hort. (Paris) 48: 80 (1876)
Clerodendrum fragrans f. pleniflorum (Schauer ex DC.) Standl. & Steyerm. Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 22: 272 (1940)
Clerodendrum japonicum var. pleniflorum (Schauer) Maheshw. Taxon 15: 43. 1966
Clerodendrum philippinum f. corymbosum (Bakh.) Moldenke Phytologia 20: 338 1970
Agricolaea fragrans Schrank Denkschr. Königl. Akad. Wiss. München 1808: 98 (1808)
Cryptanthus chinensis Osbeck Dagb. Ostind. Resa 215 (1757).
Clerodendrum japonicum (Jacq.) Gandhi Fl. Hassan Distr. : 487 (1976)
Clerodendrum riedelii Oliv. J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 15: 100 (1876)
Clerodendrum chinense var. parviflorum M.R.Almeida Fl. Maharashtra 4A: 113 (2003)
Clerodendrum chinense var. plenum M.R.Almeida Fl. Maharashtra 4A: 112 (2003)
Clerodendrum chinense var. hamrense Nibed.Das, J.Sarma & Borthakur NeBIO 7(2): 49 (2016)
Clerodendrum fragrans f. pleniflorum Bakh. Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg , sér. 3, 3: 88 (1921)
Clerodendrum fragrans (Vent.) R.Br. Hortus Kew. 4: 63 (1812)
Clerodendrum philippinum var. simplex Moldenke Phytologia 20: 338 (1970)

Common names Top

Add a new one! Suggest a correction!

Language Common/alternative name
English stickbush
Indonesian bunga melati susun papua
mad malathè tompang
Malayalam മോട്ടോർമോഹിനി
Swedish doftklerodendrum
szy nipaluma-cumuli, comoli
Thai นางแย้ม
Vietnamese ngọc nữ thơm
Chinese 九龙吐珠
Chinese 重瓣臭茉莉
Chinese 臭茉莉
Chinese 三台红花

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

Add a new one! Suggest a correction!
No subspecies added yet.

Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

Add a new one! Suggest a correction!
No variety added yet.

Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

Add a new one! Suggest a correction!
No subvariety added yet.

Forms (abbr. f.) Top

Add a new one! Suggest a correction!
No forms added yet.

Germination/Propagation Top

Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Africa
    • East Tropical Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Middle Atlantic Ocean
      • Ascension
    • South Tropical Africa
      • Mozambique
    • West-central Tropical Africa
      • Gulf Of Guinea Islands
    • Western Indian Ocean
      • Seychelles
  • Asia-temperate
    • China
      • China South-central
      • China Southeast
    • Eastern Asia
      • Taiwan
  • Asia-tropical
    • Indian Subcontinent
      • Assam
      • Bangladesh
      • East Himalaya
      • India
      • Nepal
      • Pakistan
    • Indo-China
      • Andaman Islands
      • Cambodia
      • Myanmar
      • Nicobar Nicobar
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Malesia
      • Borneo
      • Jawa
      • Lesser Sunda Islands
      • Malaya
      • Maluku
      • Philippines
      • Sulawesi
      • Sumatera
  • Northern America
    • Mexico
      • Mexico Southeast
    • Southeastern U.S.A.
      • Florida
  • Pacific
    • North-central Pacific
      • Hawaii
    • South-central Pacific
      • Cook Islands
      • Society Islands
      • Tuamotu
    • Southwestern Pacific
      • Fiji
      • Niue
  • Southern America
    • Caribbean
      • Bahamas
      • Bermuda
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Haiti
      • Jamaica
      • Leeward Islands
      • Puerto Rico
      • Trinidad-Tobago
      • Windward Islands
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panamá
    • Northern South America
      • Venezuela
    • Southern South America
      • Argentina Northwest
      • Paraguay
    • Western South America
      • Bolivia
      • Galápagos

Links to other databases Top

Suggest others/fix!
Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000880458
Tropicos 50267807
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:862352-1
The Plant List kew-42989
Open Tree Of Life 7629975
IPNI 862352-1
GBIF 3890163
Florida Plant Atlas 1362
USDA Plants CLCH4
Tropicos 33702482
INPN 448441
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:946989-1
The Plant List kew-42480
Open Tree Of Life 503289
Observations.org 450370
NCBI Taxonomy 54464
IUCN Red List 158690618
IPNI 946989-1
iNaturalist 335157
GBIF 2925357
EPPO CLZFR
EOL 481933
USDA GRIN 407664
Wikipedia Clerodendrum_chinense

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Histochemical, metabolic and ultrastructural changes in leaf patelliform nectaries explain extrafloral nectar synthesis and secretion in Clerodendrum chinense Paul S, Mitra A Ann Bot 12-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC11037555
doi:10.1093/aob/mcae019
PMID:38366151
Clerodendrum chinense Stem Extract and Nanoparticles: Effects on Proliferation, Colony Formation, Apoptosis Induction, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Breast Cancer Cells Chittasupho C, Samee W, Na Takuathung M, Okonogi S, Nimkulrat S, Athikomkulchai S Int J Mol Sci 12-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10815711
doi:10.3390/ijms25020978
PMID:38256052
Tissue culture-free transformation of traditional Chinese medicinal plants with root suckering capability Lu J, Lu S, Su C, Deng S, Wang M, Tang H, Wang Z, Li G, Lang Z, Zhu JK Hortic Res 29-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10875980
doi:10.1093/hr/uhad290
PMID:38375405
Agrobacterium rhizogenes: paving the road to research and breeding for woody plants Ying W, Wen G, Xu W, Liu H, Ding W, Zheng L, He Y, Yuan H, Yan D, Cui F, Huang J, Zheng B, Wang X Front Plant Sci 14-Nov-2023
PMCID:PMC10682722
doi:10.3389/fpls.2023.1196561
PMID:38034586
Woody plant functional traits and phylogenetic signals correlate with urbanization in remnant forest patches Yang J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zheng Y Ecol Evol 31-Jul-2023
PMCID:PMC10388403
doi:10.1002/ece3.10366
PMID:37529580
Technological Development and Application of Plant Genetic Transformation Su W, Xu M, Radani Y, Yang L Int J Mol Sci 26-Jun-2023
PMCID:PMC10341552
doi:10.3390/ijms241310646
PMID:37445824
Mechanisms of Yajieshaba in the treatment of liver fibrosis through the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway Bai Y, Wu H, Zheng L, Xie Y, Liu F, Wan Y, Li Q, Guo P Front Pharmacol 09-May-2023
PMCID:PMC10203482
doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1124015
PMID:37229248
Phenylethanoid Glycoside-Enriched Extract Prepared from Clerodendrum chinense Leaf Inhibits A549 Lung Cancer Cell Migration and Apoptosis Induction through Enhancing ROS Production Chittasupho C, Athikomkulchai S, Samee W, Na Takuathung M, Yooin W, Sawangrat K, Saenjum C Antioxidants (Basel) 11-Feb-2023
PMCID:PMC9952440
doi:10.3390/antiox12020461
PMID:36830019
Conserved chloroplast genome sequences of the genus Clerodendrum Linn. (Lamiaceae) as a super-barcode Chen H, Chen H, Wang B, Liu C PLoS One 09-Feb-2023
PMCID:PMC9910634
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0277809
PMID:36757949
CRISPR-Cas: A robust technology for enhancing consumer-preferred commercial traits in crops Verma V, Kumar A, Partap M, Thakur M, Bhargava B Front Plant Sci 07-Feb-2023
PMCID:PMC9941649
doi:10.3389/fpls.2023.1122940
PMID:36824195
Leucosceptosides A and B: Two Phenyl-Ethanoid Glycosides with Important Occurrence and Biological Activities Frezza C, De Vita D, Toniolo C, Sciubba F, Tomassini L, Venditti A, Bianco A, Serafini M, Foddai S Biomolecules 02-Dec-2022
PMCID:PMC9775335
doi:10.3390/biom12121807
PMID:36551235
Cut–dip–budding delivery system enables genetic modifications in plants without tissue culture Cao X, Xie H, Song M, Lu J, Ma P, Huang B, Wang M, Tian Y, Chen F, Peng J, Lang Z, Li G, Zhu JK Innovation (Camb) 25-Oct-2022
PMCID:PMC9661722
doi:10.1016/j.xinn.2022.100345
PMID:36387605
Biologically Active Diterpenoids in the Clerodendrum Genus—A Review Kuźma Ł, Gomulski J Int J Mol Sci 20-Sep-2022
PMCID:PMC9569547
doi:10.3390/ijms231911001
PMID:36232298
New Diterpenes with Potential Antitumoral Activity Isolated from Plants in the Years 2017–2022 Forzato C, Nitti P Plants (Basel) 29-Aug-2022
PMCID:PMC9460660
doi:10.3390/plants11172240
PMID:36079622
Green Nano-Biotechnology: A New Sustainable Paradigm to Control Dengue Infection Zohra T, Khalil AT, Saeed F, Latif B, Salman M, Ikram A, Ayaz M, Murthy HC Bioinorg Chem Appl 08-Aug-2022
PMCID:PMC9377959
doi:10.1155/2022/3994340
PMID:35979184

Phytochemical Profile Top

Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
You can also contribute to this by clicking here.
Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Cholestane steroids / Cholesterols and derivatives
Cholest-5-en-3-ol 304 Click to see 386.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Cholesterol 5997 Click to see 386.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Ergostane steroids / Ergosterols and derivatives
(24R)-5-Ergosten-3beta-ol 312822 Click to see 400.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
17-(5,6-dimethylhept-3-en-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 314387 Click to see 398.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
17-(5,6-dimethylhept-3-en-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 86576 Click to see 398.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
17-(5,6-dimethylhepta-3,6-dien-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 73717482 Click to see 396.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
17-(5,6-dimethylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 86509 Click to see 400.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Brassicasterol 5281327 Click to see CC(C)C(C)C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C 398.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Campest-7-en-3beta-ol 5283672 Click to see CC(C)C(C)CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2=CCC4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C 400.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Campestanol 119394 Click to see CC(C)C(C)CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CCC4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C 402.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Campesterol 173183 Click to see CC(C)C(C)CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C 400.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
Ergosta-5,22,25-trien-3-ol 6439571 Click to see 396.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
Ergostan-3-ol, (3beta,5alpha)- 612090 Click to see 402.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Stellasterol 5283628 Click to see 398.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives
(-)-beta-Sitosterol 222284 Click to see 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
(-)-Clerosterol 5283638 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
(3beta,5alpha,24S)-Stigmasta-7,25-dien-3-ol 623142 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
(3S,5R,9R,10S,13R,14R,17R)-17-[(2R,5S)-5-ethyl-6-methylhept-6-en-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 13941592 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2=CCC4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(=C)C 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
(8R,9S,10R,13R,14R)-17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 137706654 Click to see 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylhept-3-en-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 72576472 Click to see CCC(C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CCC4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylhept-3-en-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 122544 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylhepta-3,6-dien-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 73200193 Click to see 410.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol 86821 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
22-Dehydroclerosterol 15608667 Click to see 410.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
5,25-Stigmastadienol 286499 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
Fucostanol 6743 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CCC4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 416.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Poriferasterol 5281330 Click to see CCC(C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80296-6
Sitostanol 241572 Click to see 416.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
Stigmast-22E-en-3beta-ol 5283650 Click to see 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X
Stigmasterol 5280794 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(89)90036-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80296-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(88)80623-X

Gallery Top

We don't have an image yet. Upload an image!

Contributors Top

No known contributors. Be the first!

Collections Top

In private collections 0
In public collections 0
You need to be authenticated in order to add this taxon to a personal collection.