Organic Vitex Negundo
Also known as: Vitex negundo L., Five-leaved chaste tree, Nirgundi, Lagundi, Vitex negundo
Overview
Vitex negundo, commonly known as the Five-leaved chaste tree, Nirgundi, or Lagundi, is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized in Asian medicine. It is classified as an herbal supplement and phytotherapeutic agent, with preparations typically derived from its leaves, stems, and extracts. The supplement is primarily recognized for its applications in respiratory health, particularly for acute cough and associated symptoms, and as a cardioprotective agent. Research on Vitex negundo is moderately developed, encompassing several clinical trials and systematic reviews. While some studies suggest beneficial effects, particularly in respiratory and cardiovascular contexts, the quality of evidence varies, with systematic reviews often noting heterogeneity and limited statistical significance in clinical outcomes. It contains active compounds like betulinic acid, ursolic acid, corosolic acid, and protocatechuic acid.
Benefits
Vitex negundo offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in respiratory health, antiviral activity, and cardioprotection. For respiratory health, a systematic review of seven studies (n=146) in children with acute cough indicated a non-statistically significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and a reduction in cough frequency and duration, suggesting a bronchodilating effect. No serious adverse effects were reported, indicating its safety profile in this population. Regarding antiviral activity, in vitro studies have shown significant efficacy of Vitex negundo extracts, particularly dichloromethane and hexane extracts, against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. These extracts reduced viral replication by up to 5 logs in cell culture assays and demonstrated synergy with remdesivir, suggesting potential as an adjunct antiviral agent. In terms of cardioprotective effects, review studies in animal models indicate that Vitex negundo and its bioactive compounds can reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, while improving HDL-cholesterol levels. It also exhibits anti-obesity effects by inhibiting pancreatic lipase and enhancing lipolysis. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on endothelial cells have been reported, contributing to its vascular protective properties.
How it works
Vitex negundo exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its respiratory benefits are likely mediated by bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory actions, potentially involving the modulation of airway smooth muscle and reduction of proinflammatory cytokines. The antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is attributed to the inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and direct virucidal effects, thereby reducing viral replication post-infection. Cardioprotective effects stem from its ability to inhibit lipid absorption via pancreatic lipase, enhance fat mobilization, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within the vascular endothelium. It also modulates lipid metabolism pathways, including AMPK signaling. The active compounds, such as betulinic acid, ursolic acid, corosolic acid, and protocatechuic acid, contribute to these actions, though their specific human pharmacokinetic profiles require further investigation.
Side effects
Vitex negundo is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials for respiratory indications reporting no serious adverse effects. The reviewed studies have not documented any significant side effects. Comprehensive human safety data, however, remain limited. No major drug interactions or contraindications have been reported to date. Studies involving special populations, such as children, have also indicated a lack of serious adverse events. While the current evidence suggests a favorable safety profile, particularly at doses used in traditional medicine and pediatric cough studies, the absence of extensive human safety data for all potential applications (e.g., antiviral, cardioprotective) means that caution is warranted. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use, especially given the lack of established maximum safe doses and potential for interactions not yet identified.
Dosage
Specific optimal dosing for Vitex negundo varies depending on the intended use and formulation, and comprehensive guidelines are not fully established for all applications. In clinical studies for acute cough, particularly in pediatric populations, syrup formulations were used, with specific dosages standardized within those trials. However, precise dosing for antiviral or cardioprotective effects in humans is not yet established due to a lack of human randomized controlled trials. There is no clearly defined maximum safe dose, though traditional use and animal studies suggest that moderate doses are generally safe. The timing of administration and the type of extract solvent can significantly influence efficacy, especially for antiviral activity. Users should adhere to dosages recommended in specific product formulations or consult with a healthcare professional, particularly given the variability in active compound concentrations across different preparations.
FAQs
Is Vitex negundo safe for children?
Yes, pediatric studies on acute cough have shown Vitex negundo to be safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials.
Can it be used for COVID-19?
In vitro studies demonstrate promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy for COVID-19 treatment.
How soon do benefits appear?
For respiratory symptoms, relief has been observed within days in clinical studies. Cardiovascular effects, however, typically require longer-term use in animal models.
Is it effective alone or only with other drugs?
In vitro studies show synergy with remdesivir for antiviral effects, but its standalone efficacy in humans for various conditions is not yet fully clear.
Research Sources
- https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/download/1096/970/ – This systematic review, which included 7 RCTs (n=146) in pediatric patients, found a non-significant increase in PEFR and reduction in cough frequency with Vitex negundo syrup versus placebo. It reported low heterogeneity and no serious adverse events, but noted limitations due to small sample size and varied outcome measures.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12388886/ – This in vitro study tested Vitex negundo extracts against SARS-CoV-2, showing that Vitex-DCM extract caused a 5-log reduction in viral plaques and inhibited RdRp activity. It also observed a synergistic effect with remdesivir, indicating potential as an antiviral agent, though clinical relevance is pending.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2515690X231176622 – This review summarized animal studies on Vitex negundo's cardioprotective effects, highlighting its lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, and endothelial protective properties. It detailed mechanisms such as pancreatic lipase inhibition and AMPK pathway activation, noting the current lack of human clinical trials.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Systematic-Review-on-Vitex-negundo-(NIRPROMP-for-Alegado-Bagaoisan-Castro/1a1d37914c60091fb6497c6fa329c4c8b8724601 – This systematic review focused on Vitex negundo (NIRPROMP) for acute cough, analyzing 7 RCTs (n=146) in children. It concluded that while there was a non-significant increase in PEFR and reduced cough frequency, the evidence was limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity, though no serious adverse events were reported.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10259128/ – This article discusses the cardioprotective effects of Vitex negundo, summarizing preclinical data that show its ability to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while increasing HDL. It also highlights its anti-obesity and endothelial protective actions through mechanisms like pancreatic lipase inhibition and AMPK signaling.
- https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/ctm/10.2174/2215083808666220827115915 – This source likely contributes to the understanding of Vitex negundo's mechanisms or applications, potentially detailing its bioactive compounds or specific therapeutic uses. Without direct access to the content, a precise summary is difficult, but it is cited in the context of cardioprotective effects.
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