Talk: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]
- Swetapushpa nirgundi
- Nilapushpa nirgundi
Raja Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[3]
- Sinduvara
- Nila nirgundi
- Sephali
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
| 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
| 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
- Leaf[1]
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
| 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
- ↑ 1.0 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.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Verse no. 113, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020;
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2016, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga, verse no. 152, 154, 156.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Gupta, M.; Mazumder, U. K.; Bhaduri, S. (2005). "CNS activities of Vitex negundo L. in mice". Phytotherapy Research. 19 (2): 143–146.
- ↑ 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.