Targeting Inflammation with Vitex negundo Essential Oil Nanoemulsion: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Investigation

In recent years, the quest for novel therapeutic agents from natural sources has intensified, driven by the need for safer and more effective treatments for various ailments.The essential oils derived from medicinal plants possess many diverse pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory activity 1 .Among these, Vitex negundo, commonly known as the five-leaf chaste tree, has been recognized for its traditional use in folk medicine to alleviate inflammation and pain.Vitex negundo essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves of plants, has ample bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which are attributed to its pharmacological effects 2 .Several researchers have previously reported on the chemical composition of the essential oil found in the leaves of Vitex negundo and other Vitex species 3-4 .This essential oil has been found to possess beneficial properties for treating wounds and ulcers.Moreover, leaves are commonly utilized in the management of various conditions, including inflammation, toothache, rheumatoid arthritis, eye diseases, fever, leucoderma, gonorrhea, ulcers and bronchitis 5-7 .