Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Vitex negundo Linn.-A Review

Vitex negundo Linn. belongs to family Verbenaceae and is widely distributed in India and is found mostly in warmer zones and ascending to an altitude of 1500 metres in outer western Himalayas. The plant is distributed in various other countries like, Ceylon, Afghanistan, Tropical Africa, Madagascar, China, Philippines, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, etc. Several chemical constituents like, pinene, limonene, linalool, camphene, farnesene, betulic acid, urosolic acid, vitexin, isovitexin, negundoside, etc., have been identified and isolated. Vitex negundo extracts shows anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic activities. This plant also finds its use as a biopesticidal and for its anti-feedant activity. Studies have also been reported to demonstrate its ability as a mosquito repellent and an analgesic. The extracts of the plant shows the potential as an antidote for snake poisoning. The plant also exhibits CNS depressant, anti-convulsant, enzyme inhibiting, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial activities. The present review explores its description, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activity and commercial importance so that its potential as a multipurpose medicinal agent can be understood and appreciated.