vitex negundo

Vitex negundo, commonly known as "chaste tree" or "nirgundi", is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional systems of medicine across Asia[1][3][4][5][6]. It is rich in bioactive compounds including volatile oils, flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, terpenes, steroids, and phenolics[1][2][3][5]. Its leaves, seeds, and roots are utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective activities[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Mechanistically, Vitex negundo and its extracts modulate several cellular and molecular pathways: inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-2 > COX-1)[3], suppression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-17, interferon gamma), inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling, induction of apoptosis (both mitochondrial and extrinsic TRAIL-mediated pathways), and antioxidant activity via radical scavenging[1][2][3]. Traditionally, the plant is used both topically (e.g., for arthritis, wounds, skin ailments) and orally (for fevers, asthma, rheumatism, digestive issues, liver ailments, and gynecologic disorders)[2][3][4][6]. In the Philippines, it is formally approved as a cough and respiratory remedy (e.g., Ascof), and similar uses are present in Malaysia for women’s health[5]. Most available commercial products are topical or oral herbal preparations[3].

Brand names

AscofPlemex

Other names

chaste treefive-leaved chaste treenirgundiposotiaVitex negundo Linn