Nagod (Vitex negundo L.) is a large aromatic shrub traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicine systems. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is known for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-asthmatic properties. The plant is extensively utilized for treating joint pain, respiratory ailments, skin disorders, and fever, making it a cornerstone in herbal medicine for musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions.
Nagod Scientific Names
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Vitex
- Species: Vitex negundo L.
Nirgundi Common Name
- English: Chinese Chaste Tree, Five-Leaved Chaste Tree
- Sanskrit: Nirgundi
- Hindi: Nagod / Nirgundi
- Tamil: Nochi
- Telugu: Nocchi
- Malayalam: Indrani
- Kannada: Nirgundi
- Bengali: Nishinda
- Marathi: Nagod
Nirgundi Uses
- Joint and Muscular Pain Relief – Used in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for conditions like arthritis, sciatica, and muscular injuries.
- Respiratory Health – Acts as an expectorant and is used in cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
- Skin Disorders – Antibacterial and antifungal properties help in treating eczema, wounds, and boils.
- Fever and Infections – Traditionally used to treat intermittent fever, malaria, and general infections.
- Gynecological Uses – Helps in managing menstrual disorders and is used as a uterine tonic in folk medicine.
- Flavonoids: Vitexin, Casticin, Orientin
- Iridoid Glycosides: Negundoside
- Terpenoids: β-sitosterol, Lupeol
- Phenolic Compounds: p-Hydroxybenzoic acid
- Essential Oils: Sabinene, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, Linalool
- Alkaloids: Vitenegundine
Phytochemical Constituents
Vitex negundo contains several pharmacologically active constituents that contribute to its wide range of therapeutic applications:
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. 1, Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CSIR, New Delhi.
Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3, Lalit Mohan Basu, Allahabad.
Dahanukar, S.A., Kulkarni, R.A., & Rege, N.N. (2000). “Pharmacology of medicinal plants and natural products.” Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 32, S81–S118.
Sharma, R. (2003). Medicinal Plants of India: An Encyclopaedia, Daya Publishing House.
Singh, G., et al. (2005). “Essential oil composition of Vitex negundo Linn. and its antimicrobial activity.” Natural Product Research, 19(5), 403–409.
European Medicines Agency. Assessment Report on Vitex negundo L., Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), 2011.