There has been accumulating awareness in the application of herbal medication that they may serve as a safe, effective and alternate treatment approach in the management of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation. Vitex negundo is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine. Vitex negundo is found in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China and East Africa. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of Vitex negundo possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against various disease and related conditions – We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of Vitex negundo and some of its bioactive components in protecting against various pathologies. Previous studies in various preclinical models, although limited in number and vary in design; seem to support the use of Vitex negundo and some of its active components in abdominal pain, asthma, cold, diarrhoea, indigestion, eye disorders, rheumatism, dysmenorrhea, headache, etc. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of Vitex negundo and its active constituents in prevention and treatment of various diseases. Additionally, since only a few Vitex negundo compounds have been evaluated, specific effects or mechanisms of action and possible side effects of other Vitex negundo compounds need to be extensively evaluated. Also, this review delves into present commercial preparations of Vitex negundo which are mostly topical application preparations. However, further research, including large sampled randomised clinical trials, is essential to establish its safety and efficacy in human populations and to unlock its full therapeutic potential.

There has been accumulating awareness in the application of herbal medication that they may serve as a safe, effective and alternate treatment approach in the management of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation. Vitex negundo is one of such medicinal plants that has been of interest to many researchers and has been of use in traditional medicine. Vitex negundo is found in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, China and East Africa. Different parts, preparations and bioactive components of Vitex negundo possess potential protective and therapeutic effects against various disease and related conditions – We review the present state of scientific knowledge on the potential use of Vitex negundo and some of its bioactive components in protecting against various pathologies. Previous studies in various preclinical models, although limited in number and vary in design; seem to support the use of Vitex negundo and some of its active components in abdominal pain, asthma, cold, diarrhoea, indigestion, eye disorders, rheumatism, dysmenorrhea, headache, etc. However, there is need for further preclinical and clinical studies to validate the use of Vitex negundo and its active constituents in prevention and treatment of various diseases. Additionally, since only a few Vitex negundo compounds have been evaluated, specific effects or mechanisms of action and possible side effects of other Vitex negundo compounds need to be extensively evaluated. Also, this review delves into present commercial preparations of Vitex negundo which are mostly topical application preparations. However, further research, including large sampled randomised clinical trials, is essential to establish its safety and efficacy in human populations and to unlock its full therapeutic potential.