# Nirgundi

> Nirgundi (Vitex negundo L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Philippines FDA-approved as traditional herbal medicine; referenced in multiple WHO regional traditional medicine documents.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Vitex negundo L.
- **Family:** Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Philippines FDA-approved as traditional herbal medicine; referenced in multiple WHO regional traditional medicine documents

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Nirgundi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Vitex negundo L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin) (flavone glycoside)
- [Isovitexin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isovitexin)
- [Agnuside](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#agnuside) (iridoid glycoside)
- Negundoside
- [Casticin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#casticin) (flavonoid)
- [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin)-7-glucoside
- [Aucubin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#aucubin)
- Nishindine (alkaloid)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Casticin and vitexin inhibit COX-2, 5-LOX, and PGE2 synthesis; agnuside suppresses NF-kB-mediated inflammatory gene transcription
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/): [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and iridoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) inhibit peripheral nociceptive signaling and centrally modulate opioidergic pathways
- Anti-arthritic: Leaf extracts suppress synovial inflammation, reduce MMP expression, and inhibit osteoclastogenesis through RANKL suppression

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory use (Amavata treatment) extensively validated through carrageenan, formaldehyde, and adjuvant arthritis models
- Analgesic use (Vedana-sthapana) confirmed through central and peripheral pain models (hot plate, acetic acid writhing, formalin test)
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) use validated by reduction of AST, ALT, and restoration of liver architecture in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Phate PV, Patil AS 2026. [Vitex negundo Linn.: A decade of advances in phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and biotechnological interventions (2015-2025) - A comprehensive review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41650524/). *Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology*. PMID [41650524](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41650524/) · [doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157895](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157895)  
  Comprehensive 10-year review covering phytochemistry, pharmacology, analytical standardization, and biotechnological advancements; confirmed multi-target therapeutic potential.
- Sharma D, Radha, Kumar M and others 2023. [Chemical Diversity and Medicinal Potential of Vitex negundo L.: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Clinical Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37851484/). *Chemistry & biodiversity*. PMID [37851484](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37851484/) · [doi:10.1002/cbdv.202301086](https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202301086)  
  Identified pharmacologically significant flavonoids (vitexin, casticin), iridoid glycosides (agnuside), [lignans](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lignans), and essential oils with validated analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Kamal N, Mio Asni NS, Rozlan INA and others 2022. [Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Properties, and Health Applications of Vitex sp](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893648/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [35893648](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893648/) · [doi:10.3390/plants11151944](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151944)  
  Broad review of Vitex genus confirming anti-inflammatory, [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/), anti-arthritic, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), antibacterial, [antitumor](/glossary/pharmacology/#antitumor), [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/), nephroprotective, and anti-HIV activities.

## Recent safety updates

- Generally safe for adults and children at recommended doses; no serious adverse reactions reported; mild side effects include stomach upset and skin rashes
- Contraindicated during pregnancy (potential uterine stimulant effects) and breastfeeding (limited safety data); avoid if allergic to Lamiaceae family plants

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Tablet, Capsule, Kwatha (decoction), Taila (oil), Churna, Swarasa (juice), Poultice, Ointment/balm, Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g leaf powder twice daily; 500-750 mg standardized extract twice daily; 10-20 mL decoction twice daily; [Nirgundi Taila](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#nirgundi-taila) for external massage

**Bioavailability:** Casticin and agnuside show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Flavonoids benefit from lipid-based formulations. Volatile [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) ([sabinene](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sabinene), beta-caryophyllene) are well absorbed but rapidly metabolized. Topical application of Nirgundi oil provides effective local delivery of anti-inflammatory actives with minimal systemic absorption. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration increases casticin bioavailability by ~30%.

**Optimal Timing:** Oral: after meals for systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Topical oil: warm oil massage before bath or at bedtime for joint/muscle pain. Poultice: apply warm to affected area for 20-30 minutes.

**Standardized Extract:** Nirgundi leaf extract (8:1) standardized to casticin >1.5% and agnuside >0.8%. Essential oil with sabinene >15%, beta-caryophyllene >10%. Nirgundi Taila prepared per API standards with validated organoleptic and physicochemical parameters.

**Shelf Life:** Dried leaf powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Essential oil: 18-24 months; Nirgundi Taila: 24-36 months; Tablets: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Dried material: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <60%. Essential oil: amber glass, 15-25 deg C, tightly sealed. Taila: amber glass or HDPE, room temperature, protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Casticin, Agnuside, Vitexin, Isovitexin, Sabinene, Beta-caryophyllene, Alpha-pinene, 1,8-[Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), Luteolin

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Steam distillation for essential oil
- Traditional oil preparation (Taila Paka Vidhi)
- Aqueous decoction
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for volatile-rich fractions
- Cold maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Shallaki](/herb/shallaki/)/Boswellia (joint pain and inflammation)
- [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) (rheumatic conditions and musculoskeletal pain)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/)/Castor oil (Vata disorders and joint stiffness)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (musculoskeletal strength and recovery)
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) (anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic combination)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/nirgundi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.