Vitex Negundo Extract
Also known as: Lagundi, Five-leaved chaste tree, Vitex negundo L., Vitex negundo
Overview
Vitex negundo, commonly known as Lagundi or Five-leaved chaste tree, is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine, particularly for respiratory conditions and inflammation. Extracts are typically derived from its leaves, using various solvents like methanol or aqueous solutions. While traditionally used for cough and bronchitis, modern research is exploring its potential in antiviral and anticancer applications. Preclinical studies and some limited clinical trials suggest benefits, but the overall evidence base is still developing and often heterogeneous. It is available as a botanical extract and herbal supplement.
Benefits
Vitex negundo shows several potential benefits, though clinical evidence varies in strength: * **Respiratory Health:** A systematic review of seven clinical studies (n=146 children) indicated that Vitex negundo might increase peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in acute mild to moderate cough, though this finding was not statistically significant (mean difference 10.22 L/min; 95% CI -11.58 to 32.02; p=0.36). Some studies reported improvements in cough frequency, but outcome measures were inconsistent. The evidence for this benefit is moderate, limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs. * **Antiviral Activity:** Strong in vitro evidence demonstrates that Vitex negundo extracts, particularly dichloromethane and hexane extracts, can significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and its variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron), achieving up to a 5-log reduction in viral plaques. It also showed synergistic effects with remdesivir, suggesting potential as an adjunct antiviral agent. This benefit is currently supported by high-quality in vitro mechanistic studies, but human clinical trials are lacking. * **Anticancer Potential:** Preclinical in vitro studies using a closely related species, Vitex pseudo-negundo, showed that methanolic extracts enhanced apoptosis in cancer cell lines and synergized with cisplatin chemotherapy. This effect was mediated by modulating apoptotic genes (Bcl-2, Bax, caspases) via mitochondrial pathways. This benefit is based on preclinical, mechanistic evidence and requires further investigation in humans. * **Cardiovascular Protection:** Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that Vitex negundo and its bioactive compounds (e.g., ursolic acid, betulinic acid) may offer cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. However, these findings are from preclinical research, and clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
How it works
Vitex negundo exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. For respiratory benefits, it is thought to possess bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve airflow and reduce cough frequency, although the exact pathways are not fully understood. Its antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and direct virucidal activity, with synergistic effects observed when combined with remdesivir. In cancer, it appears to induce apoptosis by activating mitochondrial caspase-dependent pathways, downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and upregulating pro-apoptotic Bax. For cardiovascular health, its bioactive compounds act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, modulating pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Specific pharmacokinetic data are limited, and bioavailability likely varies with extraction methods and compound profiles.
Side effects
Clinical studies on Vitex negundo, particularly those involving pediatric patients for cough, have generally reported it to be safe with no serious adverse events documented. However, comprehensive safety data, including detailed side effect incidence rates from high-quality randomized controlled trials, are currently limited. The long-term safety profile of Vitex negundo has not been well-characterized. Due to its observed mechanistic overlaps, caution is advised regarding potential herb-drug interactions, especially when combined with chemotherapy agents or cardiovascular medications, as these interactions are not well-studied. There is insufficient data to establish contraindications or safety guidelines for specific populations such as pregnant or lactating women. Users should consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established standardized dosing guidelines for Vitex negundo extract due to the variability in clinical trials and lack of consistent reporting. Studies on cough have utilized syrup formulations standardized to Vitex negundo extract, but exact dosages and concentrations were not uniformly specified. Consequently, there is no defined minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose derived from robust randomized controlled trials. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., aqueous, methanolic extract) require further rigorous clinical evaluation. Individuals interested in using Vitex negundo should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, as specific recommendations for different purposes or populations are not yet available.
FAQs
Is Vitex negundo effective for cough?
Some clinical evidence suggests it may improve airflow and reduce cough frequency, but these findings are not consistently statistically significant and require further research with standardized outcomes.
Is Vitex negundo safe to use?
It appears generally safe for short-term use in pediatric cough trials, with no serious adverse events reported. However, long-term safety data and comprehensive side effect profiles are currently unknown.
Can Vitex negundo be used for COVID-19?
Promising in vitro studies show strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. However, these are preclinical findings, and there are no human clinical trials confirming its efficacy or safety for COVID-19 treatment.
Does Vitex negundo interact with chemotherapy?
In vitro studies suggest potential synergistic effects with cisplatin in cancer cells. The clinical relevance of this interaction in humans is unknown, and caution is advised.
Research Sources
- https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/download/1096/970/ – This systematic review analyzed seven clinical studies (n=146 pediatric patients) on Vitex negundo for acute cough. It found that while Vitex negundo increased peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the improvement was not statistically significant. The review highlighted the heterogeneity of outcomes and small sample sizes as limitations, suggesting moderate quality evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12388886/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that Vitex negundo extracts strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and its variants, achieving significant viral plaque reduction. It also showed synergistic effects with remdesivir, suggesting its potential as an adjunct antiviral agent. The study provides high-quality mechanistic insights but lacks clinical translation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1476152/full – This in vitro cell line study investigated Vitex pseudo-negundo, a related species, and found that its methanolic extracts enhanced apoptosis in cancer cells. The study indicated synergy with cisplatin chemotherapy by modulating apoptotic genes via mitochondrial pathways, providing preclinical mechanistic evidence for anticancer potential.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10259128/ – This narrative review summarized preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies on the cardioprotective effects of Vitex negundo. It identified potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting benefits against oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, though it noted the absence of clinical trials.
