Pharmacognostical Studies on the Roots of Clerodendrum serratum

Sirutekku is a plant drug used in Indian medicine. Clerodendrum serratum is deemed to be the source of authentic Sirutekku. Many taxa belonging to the Verbenaceae family are used to adulterate the genuine drug, posing problems in identification. The root of C. serratum is considered for this study with the aim of producing an anatomical description for diagnosis and for distinguishing it from its adulterants. The studies include gross anatomical features, cellular composition, tissue organization and cellular inclusions of the root.