Nirgundi: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Table of Contents
Nirgundi is an Ayurvedic medicine made from the dried leaves of Vitex negundo (Family Verbenaceae), a large aromatic shrub or small tree up to 4.5 m in height, common throughout the country to an altitude of 1500 m in the outer Himalayas.1 It is commonly known as Five-leaved chaste trees, which is a large family of herbs, shrubs, and trees, comprising about 75 genera and nearly 2500 species.2
Common names of Vitex Negundo include Nirgundi and Sindhuvara in Sanskrit. Nirgundi is already in clinical use in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for the management of pain, headache, inflammation, leukoderma, enlargement of spleen, rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhoea, bronchitis, fever, cold and cough.2 The leaves of V.negundo have been reported to possess pesticidal and antifungal properties.2
Nirgundi contains at least 0.25 percent of negundoside and 1.0 percent of agnuside when assayed.1 The following table contains the chemical components present in the Nirgundi plant:
The leaves of nirgundi have antibacterial, laxative, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory properties.2 The roots, barks, and fruits too have medicinal properties. Roots of nirgundi are one of the ingredients of the herbal formulation called ‘Dashamularishta’, used in the management of colitis, dysentery, diarrhoea, flatulence, fever, vomiting, and colic.2 The leaves contain alkaloid nisindine, flavonoids like flavones, luteolin-7-glycoside an essential oil, and constituents like vitamin C, and carotene that account for different biological actions .2
The Sanskrit word for Vitex negundo, a plant commonly known as nirgundi, carries a meaningful translation. ‘Nirgundi’ literally translates to ‘that which protects the body from diseases.’ This herb holds significance in Ayurvedic medicine, as it is mentioned in all of the Ayurvedic Samhitas, which are ancient texts that form the foundation of Ayurveda.
Dr. Siddharth GuptaB.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)
Did you know?
Also Read: Chandraprabha Vati – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions
Nirgundi root decoction can be used for managing bronchitis and asthma.2-3
The leaf extracts of Vitex Negundo were reported for their anti-hyperglycemic activity in animals.2,3
Washing the wounds with nirgundi leaves extract can aid in cleaning infected ulcers.3
Also Read: Shilajit – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Nirgundi, a versatile plant, has an amazing mosquito-repellent quality! During the rainy season, the leaves of nirgundi are burned in a fire, that may create a smoky shield that keeps mosquitoes and insects away from both animals and humans.
Dr. Rajeev SinghBAMS
The following parts of the Nirgundi plant can be used:
Nirgundi leaves can be boiled with water and the vapors can be inhaled.3 Nirgundi leaves can be ground to a paste and applied to the forehead to relieve headaches.3
Flower extracts of Nirgundi may be used in the management of fever, diarrhoea, and liver complaints.3
The seeds can be used with sugarcane or vinegar for the management of swellings. Powdered seeds can be used in the management of spermatorrhea and serve as an aphrodisiac when used along with dry ginger and milk.4 The seeds can be made into a paste and used with salt and pepper for applying on fractures.3
Root powder, the tincture can be used for managing dysentery.3 The powdered root is used for anthelmintic properties. Root extract can be dissolved in tender coconut water for a week to suppress kidney problems.3
The dried fruit powder can be taken orally with roasted common salt and warm water for dealing with menstrual disorders, urinary disorders, and indigestion.3
Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dose as per your needs.
Also Read: Shatavari – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Dry nirgundi leaves have a traditional use of being placed with stored woollen garments. This is because the leaves have properties that repel insects and worms, which may help protect the woollen items from damage.
Dr. Smita BarodeB.A.M.S, M.S.
Keep the following points in mind:
Also Read: Kaunch Beej – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Also Read: Tejpatta – Uses, Benefits & Precautions
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Is it useful Nirgundi for COPD ASTHAMA