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Vitex negundo L.
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= *Nirgundi, Vitex negundo L., Five-leaved chaste, Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description= Nirgundi (Vitex negundo L.) is a prominent medicinal herb in Ayurveda, traditionally indicated for pain, inflammatory conditions (Amavata, Vatavyadhi), respiratory disorders, and skin ailments.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
 
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
|title = Nirgundi
|title = Nirgundi
Line 5: Line 14:
|data1 = Herb database/Nirgundi
|data1 = Herb database/Nirgundi
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Vitex negundo L.
|data2 = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_negundo Vitex negundo L.]
|label3 = Family
|label3 = Family
|data3 = Verbenaceae
|data3 = Verbenaceae
Line 11: Line 20:
|data4 = Available
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Contributors
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 = --
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = Year of publication  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 =  2025
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
Line 20: Line 29:
}}
}}


==English name==
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_negundo Vitex negundo L.]''', popularly known as '''Nirgundi''' (Five-leaved Chaste Tree), is a large aromatic shrub or small tree belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It is widely recognized in [[Ayurveda]] for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxant properties, especially in managing musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (*Vatavyadhi*).
Five-leaved chaste
 
==English name ==  
Five-leaved chaste tree


==Therapeutic uses<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3:64</ref>==
==Therapeutic Uses==
Sula, Sopha, Vatavyadhi, Amavata,Kustha,Kandu, Kasa,Pradara. Adhmana,Pliha roga,Gulma,Aruchi, Krumi, Vrana,Karnasula,Sutika,Jwara.
Sula (pain), Sopha (edema), Vatavyadhi (diseases of nervous system), Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), Kustha (skin diseases), Kandu (itching), Kasa (cough), Pradara (excessive vaginal discharge), Adhmana (flatulence), Pliha roga (splenic disorders), Gulma (abdominal lumps), Aruchi (anorexia), Krumi (worms), Vrana (wounds), Karnasula (earache), Sutika (postnatal care), Jwara (fever)<ref name="ref1">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 64.</ref>


==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
Samhalu, Shefali, Nilapishpi, Suvaha, Sindhuvarika, Harenu (Nirgundi beeja)
Samhalu, Shefali, Nilapishpi, Suvaha, Sindhuvarika, Harenu (Nirgundi beeja)


==Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu<ref>Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;</ref>==
==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
Swetapushpa, sinduka
Swetapushpa, Sinduka<ref name="ref2">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;</ref>


==Varieties==
==Varieties==
==Bhavprakasa nighantu<ref>Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;</ref>==
===Bhavaprakasha Nighantu===
# Swetapuspapuspa nirgundi
Mentioned 2 types<ref name="ref2"/>
# Nilapuspa nirgundi
# Swetapushpa nirgundi
# Nilapushpa nirgundi


==Raja nighantu<ref>Dr. Indradev Tripathi , Raja Nighantu of pandit Narhari, ed.2016, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi , shatavhadi varga 152,154,156</ref>==
===Raja Nighantu===
Mentioned 3 types<ref name="ref3">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2016, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga, verse no. 152, 154, 156.</ref>
# Sinduvara  
# Sinduvara  
# Nila nirgundi  
# Nila nirgundi  
# sephali
# Sephali
 
[[File:Vitex_negundo.jpg|thumb|Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)]]
 
== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
In traditional Ayurveda, Nirgundi is classified primarily as *Vatashamaka* (pacifying Vata dosha) and *Vedanahara* (analgesic). Its leaves, roots, and seeds are utilized extensively in decoctions, oils, and pastes to treat chronic joint pain, swelling, and inflammatory conditions.
 
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Properties'''
|+ Properties  
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|-
|1
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|Taste  (rasa)
|Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
|-
|-
|2
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]]) || Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
|Potency (veerya)
|Hot (ushna)
|-
|-
|3
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Hot (ushna)
|Post  digestion effect (vipaka)
|Pungent (katu)
|-
|-
|4
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Pungent (katu)
|Qualities (guna)
|-
|Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify Vata and Kapha
|-
|-
|5
|Actions  (karma)
|Pacify Vata and Kapha
|}
|}


==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Herbs and their activities'''
|+ Herbs and their activities
|'''Sr.no.'''
|-
|'''Reference in Charak Samhita'''
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity
|'''Activity'''
|-
| 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/5 || Siddhatama churna pradeha (external application)
|-
|-
|1
| 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(15) || Krimighna mahakashaya (anti-helminthics)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 3/5
|Siddhatama  churna pradeha(external application)
|-
|-
|2
| 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/20 || Dhuma varti dravya
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(15)
|Krimighna mahakashaya (anti-helmintics)
|-
|-
|3
| 4 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/21 || Abhyantara krimi chikitsa
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/20
|Dhuma varti  dravya
|-
|-
|4
| 5 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/28 || Shamidhanya Varga (The class of pulses)
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/21
|Abhyantar Krimi  Chikitsa
|-
|-
|5
| 6 || Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/135 || Vamana dravyani (medicines used in therapeutic emesis)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/28
|Shamidhanya  Varga(The class of pulses)
|-
|-
|6
| 7 || Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/56 || Kshira vishodhana dravya
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/135
|Vaman dravyani( medicines used in therapeutic emesis
)
 
|-
|-
|7
| 8 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/47 || In Yavagu prayoga (medicated gruels)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/56
|Kshira vishodhan  dravya
|-
|-
|8
| 9 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/84 || Ingredient in Lepa
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/47
|In Yavagu prayoga.(Medicated gruels)
|-
|-
|9
| 10 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/165 || As an ingredient of Madhavarishta
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/84
|Ingredient in Lepa
|-
|-
|10
| 11 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/56 || As an ingredient of Mrita sanjivani agada
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/165
|As an ingredient of Madhavarista
|-
|-
|11
| 12 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/79 || As an ingredient of Maha-Gandha hasti agada
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/56
|As an ingredient of Mrita sanjivani agada.
|-
|-
|12
| 13 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/195 || Used in the treatment of Darvikara sarpa damsha (snake bite)
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/79
|As an ingredient of Maha – Gandha hasti agada.
|-
|-
|13
| 14 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/200 || Used in the treatment of Luta visha (spider poison)
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/195
|Used in the treatment of Darvikara sarpa damsha.(snake bite)
|-
|-
|14
| 15 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/134 || As an ingredient of Nirgundi taila
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 23/200
|Used in the treatment of Luta visha.(spider poison)
|-
|-
|15
| 16 || Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/271 || Used in treatment of vaivarnya stanya dosha (vitiated breast milk), as an ingredient of Jivakadya lepa
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/134
|As an ingredient of Nirgundi taila.
|-
|-
|16
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/271
|Used in the treatment of Vaivarnya stanya dosha(vitiated breast milk), As  an ingredient of Jivakadya lepa.
|}
|}


==Dose<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3:64</ref>==
==Dose==
* 10-20 ml swarasa.
* Fresh Juice (Swarasa): 10–20 ml<ref name="ref1"/>
==Useful part<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3:64</ref>==
 
* Leaf
==Useful Part==
==Important formulation<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3:64</ref>==
* Leaf<ref name="ref1"/>
 
==Important Formulations==
As per A.P.I.<ref name="ref1"/>
* Vatagajankusa rasa
* Vatagajankusa rasa
* Mahavata vidhvansana rasa
* Mahavata vidhvansana rasa
Line 158: Line 137:
* Visatinduka taila
* Visatinduka taila


== Current availability==
Available
* '''In India –''' Widely distributed throughout the country, found near water courses, waste lands, and mixed deciduous forests.
== Phytochemical Composition ==
The therapeutic efficacy of ''Vitex negundo'' leaves and extracts is attributed to a rich array of bioactive secondary metabolites:
* '''Flavonoids & Glycosides:''' Casticin, agnuside, negative, and quercetin.
* '''Volatile Essential Oils:''' Pinene, cineole, sesquiterpenes, and viridiflorol.
* '''Iridoid Glycosides:''' Aucubin, agnuside, and negundoside possessing anti-inflammatory activity.


==Current availability ==
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
Available
=== Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects ===
==Current researches ==
Nirgundi is globally celebrated for its robust capacity to reduce joint pain and swelling, mirroring its traditional use in *Amavata* and *Vatavyadhi*.
* '''Mechanism:''' Active constituents like casticin and iridoid glycosides inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and suppress key inflammatory enzymes (such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase).
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Preclinical and clinical studies confirm that topical and oral administration of leaf extracts significantly reduces acute and chronic inflammation, providing notable relief in arthritic models.<ref name="Tandon2005">{{cite journal |last1=Tandon |first1=V. R. |year=2005 |title=Therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of Vitex negundo L. against inflammatory disorders |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmacology |volume=37 |issue=5 |pages=293–298}}</ref>
 
=== Muscle Relaxant and Neuroprotective Properties ===
Modern research supports its historical applications in central nervous and neuromuscular disorders.
* '''Mechanism:''' Central nervous system modulation and peripheral neuromuscular blockade help alleviate spasticity and muscular pain.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Experimental studies demonstrate significant anticonvulsant, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties of leaf essential oils and flavonoid fractions.<ref name="Gupta2005">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=M. |last2=Mazumder |first2=U. K. |last3=Bhaduri |first3=S. |year=2005 |title=CNS activities of Vitex negundo L. in mice |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=143–146}}</ref>
 
=== Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Actions ===
Traditional indications for wounds (*vrana*) and skin conditions (*kustha*) are backed by modern microbiological tests.
* '''Mechanism:''' Extracts disrupt bacterial and fungal cell walls, while stimulating collagen cross-linking and cellular proliferation at wound sites.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' In vitro evaluations verify strong inhibitory action against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains, alongside accelerated wound closure in animal testing models.<ref name="Telang1999">{{cite journal |last1=Telang |first1=R. S. |last2=Chaturvedi |first2=C. |last3=Sharma |first3=P. V. |year=1999 |title=Evaluation of Vitex negundo leaf extract for wound healing activity in albino rats |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=163–165}}</ref>
 
== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
* '''Acute Toxicity:''' Nirgundi exhibits a high safety margin at standard therapeutic dosages.
* '''Precautions:''' Use under professional guidance during pregnancy or lactation.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''
** ''Fresh Leaf Juice (Swarasa):'' 10–20 ml daily<ref name="ref1"/>.
** ''External Application (Taila/Lepa):'' As directed by an Ayurveda practitioner.
 
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Vitex negundo''
! Indication
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
| '''Rheumatoid Arthritis / Amavata'''
| Casticin, Iridoid glycosides
| Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic
|-
| '''Pain & Edema / Sula & Sopha'''
| Volatile essential oils, Flavonoids
| Muscle relaxant, Anti-oedematogenic
|-
| '''Wounds & Skin Ailments / Vrana'''
| Tannins, Essential oil fractions
| Antimicrobial, Pro-healing stimulant
|}


https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Vitex%20negundo
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="ref1">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 64.</ref>
<ref name="ref2">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;</ref>
<ref name="ref3">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2016, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga, verse no. 152, 154, 156.</ref>
<ref name="Tandon2005">{{cite journal |last1=Tandon |first1=V. R. |year=2005 |title=Therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of Vitex negundo L. against inflammatory disorders |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmacology |volume=37 |issue=5 |pages=293–298}}</ref>
<ref name="Gupta2005">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=M. |last2=Mazumder |first2=U. K. |last3=Bhaduri |first3=S. |year=2005 |title=CNS activities of Vitex negundo L. in mice |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=143–146}}</ref>
<ref name="Telang1999">{{cite journal |last1=Telang |first1=R. S. |last2=Chaturvedi |first2=C. |last3=Sharma |first3=P. V. |year=1999 |title=Evaluation of Vitex negundo leaf extract for wound healing activity in albino rats |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=163–165}}</ref>
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Index.php?title=Category:Database of herbs and minerals| Herbs]]
  This article is under development .

Latest revision as of 18:00, 16 September 2026


Nirgundi
Section/Chapter Herb database/Nirgundi
Botanical name(s) Vitex negundo L.
Family Verbenaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Vitex negundo L., popularly known as Nirgundi (Five-leaved Chaste Tree), is a large aromatic shrub or small tree belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It is widely recognized in Ayurveda for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxant properties, especially in managing musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (*Vatavyadhi*).

English name

Five-leaved chaste tree

Therapeutic Uses

Sula (pain), Sopha (edema), Vatavyadhi (diseases of nervous system), Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), Kustha (skin diseases), Kandu (itching), Kasa (cough), Pradara (excessive vaginal discharge), Adhmana (flatulence), Pliha roga (splenic disorders), Gulma (abdominal lumps), Aruchi (anorexia), Krumi (worms), Vrana (wounds), Karnasula (earache), Sutika (postnatal care), Jwara (fever)[1]

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Samhalu, Shefali, Nilapishpi, Suvaha, Sindhuvarika, Harenu (Nirgundi beeja)

Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Swetapushpa, Sinduka[2]

Varieties

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Mentioned 2 types[2]

  1. Swetapushpa nirgundi
  2. Nilapushpa nirgundi

Raja Nighantu

Mentioned 3 types[3]

  1. Sinduvara
  2. Nila nirgundi
  3. Sephali
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)

Botanical Profile & Traditional Context

In traditional Ayurveda, Nirgundi is classified primarily as *Vatashamaka* (pacifying Vata dosha) and *Vedanahara* (analgesic). Its leaves, roots, and seeds are utilized extensively in decoctions, oils, and pastes to treat chronic joint pain, swelling, and inflammatory conditions.

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
2 Potency (veerya) Hot (ushna)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Vata and Kapha

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/5 Siddhatama churna pradeha (external application)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(15) Krimighna mahakashaya (anti-helminthics)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/20 Dhuma varti dravya
4 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/21 Abhyantara krimi chikitsa
5 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/28 Shamidhanya Varga (The class of pulses)
6 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 Vamana dravyani (medicines used in therapeutic emesis)
7 Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/56 Kshira vishodhana dravya
8 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/47 In Yavagu prayoga (medicated gruels)
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/84 Ingredient in Lepa
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/165 As an ingredient of Madhavarishta
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/56 As an ingredient of Mrita sanjivani agada
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 As an ingredient of Maha-Gandha hasti agada
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/195 Used in the treatment of Darvikara sarpa damsha (snake bite)
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/200 Used in the treatment of Luta visha (spider poison)
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/134 As an ingredient of Nirgundi taila
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/271 Used in treatment of vaivarnya stanya dosha (vitiated breast milk), as an ingredient of Jivakadya lepa

Dose

  • Fresh Juice (Swarasa): 10–20 ml[1]

Useful Part

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[1]

  • Vatagajankusa rasa
  • Mahavata vidhvansana rasa
  • Yakrutapliha loha
  • Dasamula taila
  • Trivikrama rasa
  • Nirgundi taila
  • Tribhuvankirti rasa
  • Visatinduka taila

Current availability

Available

  • In India – Widely distributed throughout the country, found near water courses, waste lands, and mixed deciduous forests.

Phytochemical Composition

The therapeutic efficacy of Vitex negundo leaves and extracts is attributed to a rich array of bioactive secondary metabolites:

  • Flavonoids & Glycosides: Casticin, agnuside, negative, and quercetin.
  • Volatile Essential Oils: Pinene, cineole, sesquiterpenes, and viridiflorol.
  • Iridoid Glycosides: Aucubin, agnuside, and negundoside possessing anti-inflammatory activity.

Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Nirgundi is globally celebrated for its robust capacity to reduce joint pain and swelling, mirroring its traditional use in *Amavata* and *Vatavyadhi*.

  • Mechanism: Active constituents like casticin and iridoid glycosides inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and suppress key inflammatory enzymes (such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase).
  • Scientific Evidence: Preclinical and clinical studies confirm that topical and oral administration of leaf extracts significantly reduces acute and chronic inflammation, providing notable relief in arthritic models.[4]

Muscle Relaxant and Neuroprotective Properties

Modern research supports its historical applications in central nervous and neuromuscular disorders.

  • Mechanism: Central nervous system modulation and peripheral neuromuscular blockade help alleviate spasticity and muscular pain.
  • Scientific Evidence: Experimental studies demonstrate significant anticonvulsant, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties of leaf essential oils and flavonoid fractions.[5]

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Actions

Traditional indications for wounds (*vrana*) and skin conditions (*kustha*) are backed by modern microbiological tests.

  • Mechanism: Extracts disrupt bacterial and fungal cell walls, while stimulating collagen cross-linking and cellular proliferation at wound sites.
  • Scientific Evidence: In vitro evaluations verify strong inhibitory action against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains, alongside accelerated wound closure in animal testing models.[6]

Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage

  • Acute Toxicity: Nirgundi exhibits a high safety margin at standard therapeutic dosages.
  • Precautions: Use under professional guidance during pregnancy or lactation.
  • Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
    • Fresh Leaf Juice (Swarasa): 10–20 ml daily[1].
    • External Application (Taila/Lepa): As directed by an Ayurveda practitioner.

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Vitex negundo
Indication Active Biomolecules Primary Pharmacological Action
Rheumatoid Arthritis / Amavata Casticin, Iridoid glycosides Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic
Pain & Edema / Sula & Sopha Volatile essential oils, Flavonoids Muscle relaxant, Anti-oedematogenic
Wounds & Skin Ailments / Vrana Tannins, Essential oil fractions Antimicrobial, Pro-healing stimulant

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 64.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;
  3. ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2016, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga, verse no. 152, 154, 156.
  4. ↑ Tandon, V. R. (2005). "Therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of Vitex negundo L. against inflammatory disorders". Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 37 (5): 293–298. 
  5. ↑ Gupta, M.; Mazumder, U. K.; Bhaduri, S. (2005). "CNS activities of Vitex negundo L. in mice". Phytotherapy Research. 19 (2): 143–146. 
  6. ↑ Telang, R. S.; Chaturvedi, C.; Sharma, P. V. (1999). "Evaluation of Vitex negundo leaf extract for wound healing activity in albino rats". Phytotherapy Research. 13 (2): 163–165. 

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