Nirgundi
Vitex negundo L.
Nirgundi (Vitex negundo L.) is a plant drug, also called Nila, Samphalika and Sindhuvarah, 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 |
| Sanskrit | Nila, Samphalika, सिन्धुवारः (sindhuvāraḥ), Sinduvara |
|---|---|
| Hindi | निर्गुण्डी (nirguṇḍī), Sambhalu, Sinduar |
| English | Five leaved chaste, Five Leaved Chaste tree, Indian Privet |
| Tamil | Karuno chchil, Karunochchi, Nocchi, நொச்சி, வெண்ணொச்சி |
| Malayalam | Indranee, Nirgundi |
| Telugu | Nallavavilli, Vavili |
| Kannada | Lakkigida, Lakkimara, Nekkigida |
| Marathi | Lingad, Nigad, Nirgundi |
| Bengali | Nirgundi, Nishinda |
| Gujarati | Nagod |
| Urdu | Panjangusht, Sambhalu |
| Punjabi | Banna, Sambhalu |
| Assamese | Aslak |
Sources: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (column alignment reconstructed); efloraofindia, Vitex negundo Hindi list: निर्गुण्ठी nirgunthi; Sanskrit list: निर्गुण्डि nirgundi, निर्गुण्टी nirgunti; efloraofindia, Vitex negundo Sanskrit list: सिन्धुवार sindhuvara, सिन्धुक sindhuka, निर्गुण्डि nirgundi, श्वेतसुरसा-group names; efloraofindia, Vitex negundo Tamil list: நொச்சி nocchi, கருநொச்சி karu-nocchi; efloraofindia, Vitex negundo: Tamil "கருநொச்சி karu-nocchi, நொச்சி nocchi, வெண்ணொச்சி vennocchi". How we source.
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2015 to 2026, every one with a DOI.
- 1Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- 7Other clinical studies and reviews
- 4Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
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?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Amavata: traditionally used in classical practice for this condition. Animal studies using carrageenan, formaldehyde, and adjuvant arthritis models have reported anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Vedana-sthapana: traditionally used for pain. Animal studies using central and peripheral pain models (hot plate, acetic acid writhing, formalin test) have reported analgesic activity.
- Hepatoprotective use: animal studies of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity have reported lower AST and ALT levels and restored liver architecture.
What do recent studies 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 reported analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. - 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
- 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
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.
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
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 reviews7
- 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
- 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 studies4
- 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. Repellent activity of Vitex negundo and Curcuma longa herbal extract against Simulium species in IndiaJournal of vector borne diseases. PMID 38634372 · doi:10.4103/JVBD.JVBD_181_23
- 2018. Bioactive chromone constituents from Vitex negundo alleviate pain and inflammationJournal of pain research. PMID 29343985 · doi:10.2147/JPR.S145551
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.
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