Vitex negundo, commonly known as Nirgundi, is a member of the Verbenaceae family.1 It is also known as five-leaved chaste tree and Monk`s pepper.2 It’s important constituents include vitexin, nishindaside and negundoside. This plant is known for its use in disorders linked with the female reproductive system. The plant has traditionally been used to regulate ovulatory cycles. The oil obtained from the plant leaves has long been used to treat intense pain due to gout, rheumatism and sciatica and general body ache.1

The key chemical constituents of Vitex negundo are the monoterpenes, agnuside, eurostoside and aucubin and the flavonoids casticin, chrysosplenol and vitexin. The plant has chrysosplenol D which is known for its antihistamine and muscle relaxant properties. The chemicals isolated from the plant have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal as well as analgesic properties.2 It also has potent antioxidative activity.3

Vitex negundo Linn. has been shown to potentiate the anti-inflammatory activity of phenylbutazone and ibuprofen, thus suggesting that it may be useful as an adjuvant therapy along with standard anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitex negundo extracts in acute and sub-acute inflammation can be attributed to prostaglandin synthesis inhibition.4 Nirgundi can fight oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation due to the presence of flavones, vitamin C and carotene.4 Vitex negundo has both central and peripheral analgesic activity and may serve as a useful adjuvant therapy along with standard analgesic drugs.4 The anti-inflammatory and pain suppressing activities of Vitex negundo are attributed to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, antihistamine, membrane stabilizing and antioxidant activities.2

Nirgundi is also a potential remedy for premenstrual syndrome and menstrual difficulties and is also used in endometriosis and fibrocystic breast diseases.1

On account of its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties besides its various other potential activities, nirgundi can be considered in the management of an array of diseases.

References

1. Arora V, Lohar V, Singhal S, Bhandari A. Vitex negundo: A Chinese Chaste Tree. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovations 2011;1(5):9-20.
2. Bano U, Jabeen A, Ahmed A, Siddiqui MA. Therapeutic uses of Vitex nigundo. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2015;4(12):589-606.
3. Rani A, Sharma A. The genus Vitex: A review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2013 Jul-Dec; 7(14): 188–198.
4. Ladda PL, Magdum CS. Vitex negundo Linn.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology- A Review. International Journal of Advances in Pharmacy, Biology and Chemistry 2012;1(1):111-20.