Nirgundi - Vitex negundo

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is a fast-growing, aromatic shrub or small tree, reaching a height of up to 5 meters. It has compound leaves with five leaflets, purplish-blue flowers, and small blackish fruits. Traditionally, the plant is used for pain relief, respiratory disorders, and wound healing in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Vitex
Species: Vitex negundo

Common Names

English: Chinese Chaste Tree, Five-Leaved Chaste Tree
Sanskrit: Nirgundi
Hindi: Nirgundi
Tamil: Notchi
Telugu: Vavili
Bengali: Nishinda
Marathi: Nirgundi

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Pain and Inflammation Relief - Used in arthritis, joint pain, and muscle stiffness due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Respiratory Health - Helps in asthma, bronchitis, and sinus congestion by reducing inflammation and clearing mucus.

Skin Disorders - Used for treating wounds, boils, and ulcers with its antimicrobial and healing properties.

Gynecological Benefits - Traditionally used for menstrual irregularities and uterine disorders.

Antimicrobial & Antifungal - Possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it effective against infections.

Phytochemical Constituents

Nirgundi contains several bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. The key phytochemicals include:

Flavonoids: Luteolin, Casticin
Terpenoids: Negundoside, Viridiflorol
Alkaloids: Vitricine
Glycosides: Iridoid glycosides
Essential Oils: Camphene, Sabinene, Caryophyllene

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.

Bhavprakash Nighantu, Chapter on Herbal Remedies.

Sharma, P., & Chauhan, N.S. (2017). "Medicinal Properties of Vitex negundo: A Review." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 210, 1-10.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Mishra, A., Kumar, S., Bhatt, G., & Srivastava, S. (2017). "Pongamia pinnata: Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Applications." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 204, 1-15.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Nirgundi – Vitex negundo

Scientific Classification

Common Names

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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