7
NIRGUNDI HERB USED IN ANCIENT INDIAN MEDICINE - PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW
Authors: Rasale Prashant*
Number of views: 621
ABSTRACT:
Vitex nigundo is a succulent plant of family Verbenaceace commonly found in
tropical and subtropical xeric wood. It is a A large, aromatic shurb with
quadrangular densely whitish tomentose branch lets, up to 4-5m in height or
sometimes a small slender tree, found throughout the greater part of India widely
used as a analgesic medicine . The plant is prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic
literature as a general tonic and analgesic, with specific vatahara properties. The
plant is believed to be useful in Krim (worm infestation), kushta (skin Diseases),
Aruchi (Anorexia), Kaphajvrana, pliha (Splin Diseases), gulma (Abdominal
Lumps), shopha(Oedema), pradar(Lucoria), Adhman(Abdominal distension),
Nadivrna (Sinus Track) Dushtavrama (Infected Ulcer). Pama, Apachi, Sphota
(Dermal Pathologies). All types of ulcers. Katigatavata (Lumbar Spondilysis), kasa
(Cough), Apasmar (Epilepsy), Snayuk Grudhrasi, sandivata, Vataroga (Orthopedic
Deformities) apply as externally or orally as required. Efforts have been made by
researchers to verify the efficacy of the plant through scientific biological
screening. The scrutiny of literature revealed some notable pharmacological
activities of the plant such as Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic agent
Increases granulation tissue formation, Vrana Shodhan, Vrana Ropana. Presented
in this review such that the potential use of the plant either in pharmaceutics or
as agriculture resource can be evaluated. The present review is an attempt to
highlight phytochemicals, various traditional uses as well as pharmacological
reports on Vitex negundo. Linn
Key Words: Samhalu, three chest leaves, Nirgundi, Ayurved, Vitex negundo.