Nirgundi
Vitex negundo L.
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.
| Botanical name | Vitex negundo L. |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Philippines FDA-approved as traditional herbal medicine; referenced in multiple WHO regional traditional medicine documents |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2925564 · Wikidata Q14807863 · NCBI Taxonomy 361442 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Nirgundi |
| Latin/Botanical | Vitex negundo L. |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Vitexin (flavone glycoside)
- Isovitexin
- Agnuside (iridoid glycoside)
- Negundoside
- Casticin (flavonoid)
- Luteolin-7-glucoside
- 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: Flavonoids and iridoid 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 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. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 41650524 · doi: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. Chemistry & biodiversity. PMID 37851484 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202301086
Identified pharmacologically significant flavonoids (vitexin, casticin), iridoid glycosides (agnuside), 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. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35893648 · doi:10.3390/plants11151944
Broad review of Vitex genus confirming anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, 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 for external massage
Bioavailability: Casticin and agnuside show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Flavonoids benefit from lipid-based formulations. Volatile terpenoids (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 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, 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 base
Synergistic Combinations
- Shallaki/Boswellia (joint pain and inflammation)
- Rasna (rheumatic conditions and musculoskeletal pain)
- Eranda/Castor oil (Vata disorders and joint stiffness)
- Ashwagandha (musculoskeletal strength and recovery)
- Guggulu (anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic combination)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2026. Vitex negundo Linn.: A decade of advances in phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and biotechnological interventions (2015-2025) - A comprehensive reviewPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 41650524 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157895
Other clinical studies and reviews8
- 2024. Vitex Genus as a Source of Antimicrobial AgentsPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38337934 · doi:10.3390/plants13030401
- 2023. Chemical Diversity and Medicinal Potential of Vitex negundo L.: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Clinical TrialsChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 37851484 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202301086
- 2023. Cardioprotective Effects of Vitex negundo: A Review of Bioactive Extracts and CompoundsJournal of evidence-based integrative medicine. PMID 37279951 · doi:10.1177/2515690X231176622
- 2022. Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Properties, and Health Applications of Vitex spPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35893648 · doi:10.3390/plants11151944
- 2022. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of genus Vitex (Lamiaceae)Phytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 35172042 · doi:10.1002/ptr.7330
- 2020. Recent advances in natural therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancerJournal of chemotherapy (Florence, Italy). PMID 31928332 · doi:10.1080/1120009X.2019.1707417
- 2018. Vitex negundo and its medicinal valueMolecular biology reports. PMID 30311123 · doi:10.1007/s11033-018-4421-3
- 2015. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Vitex negundoPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 25641408 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5303
Laboratory and animal studies3
- 2025. Antiviral Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts Vitex negundo and Macaranga tanarius Against SARS-CoV-2Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40872330 · doi:10.3390/pathogens14080820
- 2024. Triterpenoids and triterpenoid saponins from Vitex negundo and their anti-inflammatory activitiesPhytochemistry. PMID 38554895 · doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114068
- 2024. Phytochemical characterization and phospholipase A(2) inhibitory effect of Vitex negundo L. root extractsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 38163555 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.117671
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.