A Holistic Review on Vitex Negundo: "Traditional Uses, Active Constituents and Therapeutic Potential

Nirgundi also called the plant known as Vitex negundo is commonly utilized in traditional medicine as well as acknowledged for its many therapeutic benefits. This plant is originally from the Philippines and India, thrives well in damp environments, and is commonly seen in open forests and wastelands. It parts of the Verbenaceae family and is a little tree or tall shrub, with bluish-purple blooms, little black drupes as fruits, and aromatic, composite leaves. Flavonoid, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils are some of the bioactive components of the plant; all the parts, including leaves, seeds, bark, roots, and fruits, possess medicinal properties. Only a few among its many pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antipyretic, analgesic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antifungal, and neuroprotective. Some of the properties of the herb also exhibit an anti-HIV effect, anti-histaminic, enzyme inhibition, and anti-amnesic effect In conventional medical systems, Vitex negundo is used to treat ailments including bronchitis and rheumatism, arthritis, migraines, inflammation, skin ulcers, digestive problems, and respiratory illnesses. Although Unani medicine and Chinese pharmacopoeia emphasize its effectiveness in treating liver ailments, skin diseases, sinusitis, eye difficulties, and arthritic conditions, Ayurveda uses it to balance the kapha and vata doshas.This species, Vitex negundo, is highly relevant in both conventional and alternative medicine because of its high therapeutic potential. Its numerous bioactive compounds warrant further investigation into their pharmacological and therapeutic uses, especially in modern medicine.