Review on the role of traditionally used medicinal plant vitex negundo and its current pharmacological aspect.
The medicinal shrub Vitex negundo Linn. (Nirgundi) is widely utilized in conventional medical systems to treat a variety of ailments such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Chinese medicine. The phytochemical profile, historical relevance, and particularly the neuronal pharmacological activities of Vitex negundo are critically examined in this paper. Flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and essential oils are highlighted as its bioactive components, which support its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antipyretic, anxiolytic, and analgesic activities. Significant neuronal benefits are highlighted in the literature study, along with preclinical research showing anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects as well as possible uses in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. More thorough Clinical trials are essential for validating the efficacy, safety, and consistent dosing while clarifying molecular pathways, despite encouraging experimental results. Vitex negundo is positioned as a promising candidate for future neurological drug development through the merger of traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological research, but it also emphasizes the necessity of thorough review prior to clinical translation