Herb's Introduction
Vitex negundo L., commonly known as the Five-leaved Chaste Tree, is a significant aromatic shrub or small deciduous tree belonging to the family Lamiaceae (previously Verbenaceae). This plant is widely recognized in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for its diverse therapeutic properties. It is a vital part of the flora in the lower to middle Himalayan region, including Nepal, where it is locally known as Simali (सिमाली). It thrives in tropical to temperate regions, often found in wastelands and along riverbanks, and is frequently utilized as a hedge plant. The plant is rich in various secondary metabolites, including polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids (such as Casticin and Vitexin), glycosidic iridoids (like Agnuside), and alkaloids. These phytochemicals are responsible for its wide spectrum of pharmacological actions, which have been validated through modern research, confirming its traditional uses for controlling pain, inflammation, and other related diseases.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by a multitude of common and local names across different regions, reflecting its widespread use and cultural importance: Region/Language Name(s) English Five-leaved Chaste Tree, Chinese Chaste Tree, Horseshoe Vitex, Negundo Chaste Tree Sanskrit Nirgundi (निर्गुण्डि), Sinduvara (सिन्धुवार), Indrani, Nila nirgundi Hindi Nirgundi (निर्गुंडी), Sindvar (सिंदवार), Sambhalu Nepali Simali (सिमाली) Bengali Nishinda (নিশিন্দা) Tamil Nocchi (நொச்சி) Telugu Vavili (వావిలి) Malayalam Karinochi (കരിനൊച്ചി), Vennocchi Kannada Lakki Gidda (ಲಕ್ಕಿ ಗಿಡ), Nochi Marathi Nirgundi (निर्गुंडी) Gujarati Nagod Manipuri Urik shibi Assami Aslak Burmese Kiyubantin Chinese Huang Jing (黄荆), Mu Ching Filipino/Tagalog Lagundi French Muguet bleu Arabic Uslaq Persian Panchaguskt, Sisban Urdu Sambhalu, Tukhm sambhalu Export to Sheets
Terminology
The scientific classification and synonyms for Vitex negundo are key to its botanical terminology: Botanical Name: Vitex negundo L. Family: Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae). Synonyms: A list of previously used or alternate scientific names includes: Agnus-castus negundo (L.) Carrière Vitex agnus-castus var. negundo (L.) Kuntze Vitex nogondo Linnaeus ap. Bojer Vitex trifolia var. foliolis obtuse crenatis Lam. Agnus-castus incisa (Lam.) Carrière Etymology: The genus name Vitex is derived from the Latin name used by Pliny for the chaste-tree (Vitex agnus-castus), possibly linked to vieo (to plait or tie up). The species name negundo is derived from the Sanskrit name nirgundi.
Availability
Vitex negundo is widely available across its native range, which spans tropical Eastern and Southern Africa and a large part of Asia, including the Indian Subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), China, and the Philippines. Habitat: It grows gregariously in disturbed areas, wastelands, along riverbanks, in damp areas, and in deciduous forests, typically up to an altitude of about 2200 meters. Commercial Forms: Due to its medicinal value, the plant is commercially available not only as a live plant for cultivation (often used as an ornamental or hedge plant) but also in various processed forms: Herbal Extracts: Liquid or powdered extracts are widely manufactured. Powder: Dried leaves, roots, and sometimes bark are ground into powder. Finished Products: It is a key ingredient in several traditional and modern herbal formulations, including oils, balms, decoctions, and cough remedies (e.g., Lagundi preparations in the Philippines).
External Look
Vitex negundo is an easily identifiable woody, aromatic shrub or small tree: Size and Habit: It is an erect, slender, deciduous shrub, typically growing to a height of 2 to 5 meters, though it can reach up to 8 meters. It has a loose, open vase-shaped branching pattern. Stem and Bark: The branchlets are quadrangular and densely covered with whitish, wooly hairs (tomentose). The bark is reddish-brown or thin and grey. Leaves: This is a distinctive feature. The leaves are digitate (finger-like), with a palmately arrangement of usually five lanceolate leaflets, though sometimes only three. The central leaflet is the largest. Each leaflet is 4–10 cm long, sharp, smooth (glabrous) above, and densely hairy or wooly (tomentose) beneath, giving the underside a grayish-green color. They have an aromatic scent. Flowers: Numerous small, fragrant flowers are borne in long, often compound, pyramidal terminal clusters called panicles (10–20 cm long). The flowers are typically white to bluish-purple, lilac, or lavender. Fruit: The fruit is a small, succulent, rounded drupe (fleshy fruit with a central stone), typically 1–3 mm in diameter. It turns black or purple when ripe and is surrounded by a persistent, dull grey, cup-like calyx.
Healing Properties
The plant's rich phytochemical composition gives it a wide range of documented medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: It is renowned for its powerful pain-relieving (analgesic) and inflammation-reducing (anti-inflammatory) effects, making it effective for musculoskeletal and joint conditions. Anti-arthritic: Specifically used in the management of arthritis and rheumatism. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial: Extracts have shown significant activity against various bacteria (like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli) and fungi. Antioxidant: Contains compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antipyretic (Febrifuge): Helps in reducing fever. Hepatoprotective: Offers protection to the liver. Insecticidal and Repellent: Acts as a natural insecticide and mosquito repellent. Anti-androgenic: Has a modulatory effect on hormones, particularly linked to the female reproductive system. Expectorant and Bronchodilator: Aids in clearing mucus and opening airways.
Advantages
Broad Therapeutic Spectrum: Effective across multiple body systems, including musculoskeletal, respiratory, and reproductive health. Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Provides a natural alternative for managing chronic pain and inflammation without the side effects often associated with conventional drugs. Accessibility: Widely available in many tropical and subtropical regions, making it an accessible traditional remedy. Low Toxicity: Generally considered safe for traditional external and internal use, as demonstrated by its long history in folk medicine. Repellent Use: The aromatic leaves offer a practical benefit as a natural insect and mosquito repellent, useful in agricultural and domestic settings.
Uses
Almost every part of Vitex negundo—leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and flowers—is utilized in traditional and folk medicine: Part Used Traditional/Validated Uses Leaves (Most potent) Anti-inflammatory applications (rheumatism, sprains, joint pain), treatment of fevers (including malarial), cough, cold, asthma, diarrhea, dyspepsia, wounds, ulcers, and toothache. Used as a mosquito repellent. Roots Used for treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Also used as an antidote for snake venom. Fruits/Seeds Used for managing indigestion, improving vision, and as an anti-inflammatory/analgesic. Bark Used for skin diseases, ophthalmic inflammations, and as a remedy for snake bite. Flowers Used to induce lactation (galactagogue) and for treating arthritis. General Used as an anti-tumor agent, for women's reproductive health (regulating cycles, reducing premenstrual syndrome discomfort), and as a tonic and vermifuge (expels intestinal worms). Export to Sheets
Using Way
The methods of preparation and administration vary depending on the ailment and the traditional system: Decoction/Tea: The leaves are commonly boiled in water to prepare a decoction (concentrated liquid extract). This liquid is taken orally to treat fever, cold, cough, asthma, and internal inflammation. Poultice/External Application: For Joint Pain/Rheumatism: Fresh leaves are bruised or crushed, often warmed with oil (like mustard oil), and applied directly as a poultice or plaster to aching joints, sprains, or areas of muscular pain and swelling. For Wounds/Skin Diseases: A paste of the leaves or bark extract may be applied to ulcers, wounds, and skin infections due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Oil Infusion: Leaves are boiled in carrier oils (sesame, mustard) until the moisture evaporates to create medicated oil. This oil is then massaged onto affected areas for pain relief. Juice: A few drops of the warm leaf juice are traditionally used as an eardrop for ear pain or oozing from the ear. Fresh leaf juice is also consumed for obesity and internal ailments. Fumigation: Dried leaves are burned with grass or placed in storage areas to act as an insect and mosquito repellent. Herbal Formulations: Processed powders or extracts are consumed orally, often mixed with honey or other agents, as part of standardized Ayurvedic or herbal products.
Conclusion
Vitex negundo L. (Nirgundi/Simali) stands as a revered and multi-faceted medicinal plant with deep roots in Asian traditional medicine, particularly in Nepal and the Indian Subcontinent. Its status as the "Five-leaved Chaste Tree" is well-deserved, given the extensive uses of its aromatic leaves, roots, and other parts. Modern science continues to validate its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, which are attributed to its rich content of phytochemicals like flavonoids and terpenoids. From being a local remedy for joint pain and fever to its commercial application as a cough and insect repellent, Vitex negundo remains a highly significant and valuable resource in the realm of herbal healing, providing a natural, accessible, and traditionally proven solution for a wide range of human ailments.
