Organic Nirgundi Powder | Vitex negundo | Sambhalu | Clinical Series™

Clinical Series™ Organic Nirgundi Powder — Vitex negundo (Sambhalu / Chaste Tree)

Derived from the leaves, roots, and seeds of Vitex negundo Linn. — known in Ayurveda as Nirgundi or Sambhalu and closely related to Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree Berry) — our Nirgundi Powder is one of Ayurveda’s most revered ‘Shodhana’ (purifying) herbs. Classified as a Tridoshahara herb that balances all three doshas, Nirgundi has been used for over 3,000 years for pain relief, inflammation, respiratory health, and neurological support. Modern phytochemical research has identified its key bioactive compounds including vitexin, casticin, luteolin, iridoid glycosides (agnuside, aucubin), and essential oils (β-caryophyllene, sabinene), now validated by clinical and preclinical studies.

Key Benefits & Clinical Evidence

• Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief
  One of Nirgundi’s most well-documented properties — widely used for arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, muscle pain, and headaches.
  Clinical evidence: A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed that Vitex negundo leaf extract significantly inhibited COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzyme pathways, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. A clinical trial in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that Nirgundi oil application significantly reduced pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, comparable in efficacy to diclofenac gel.
• Antimicrobial & Antifungal Activity
  Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, supporting wound healing and infection prevention.
  Clinical evidence: Research in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine demonstrated significant minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Vitex negundo extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, attributed to the synergistic action of casticin, luteolin, and volatile oil constituents including β-caryophyllene.
• Respiratory Support
  Traditionally used for asthma, bronchitis, and cough; acts as a bronchodilator and reduces airway inflammation and mucus buildup.
  Clinical evidence: Preclinical studies in Phytomedicine demonstrated that Vitex negundo leaf extracts significantly reduced histamine-induced bronchospasm in animal models, with bronchodilatory activity attributed to luteolin and vitexin. Ethnobotanical clinical surveys in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirm its widespread validated use across South Asian traditional medicine systems for chronic respiratory conditions.
• Skin Health — Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing
  Used topically for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-regenerative properties.
  Clinical evidence: A study in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences confirmed that Vitex negundo leaf extract significantly accelerated wound contraction and epithelialisation in excision wound models, with histological analysis showing enhanced collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The mechanism is linked to the antioxidant and COX-inhibitory activity of casticin and luteolin.
• Menstrual & Hormonal Support
  Used in Ayurveda to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve dysmenorrhoea, and support hormonal balance — sharing the dopaminergic and prolactin-modulating mechanisms of its close relative Vitex agnus-castus.
  Clinical evidence: Phytochemical analysis published in Planta Medica identified agnuside and aucubin — iridoid glycosides shared with Vitex agnus-castus — as the primary compounds responsible for dopamine D2 receptor agonism and prolactin suppression, providing a mechanistic basis for its traditional use in menstrual disorders and PMS.
• Antipyretic — Fever Reduction
  Traditionally used to reduce fever across South Asian and African traditional medicine systems.
  Clinical evidence: A study in the Journal of Natural Medicines confirmed significant antipyretic activity of Vitex negundo aqueous leaf extract in yeast-induced pyrexia models, with activity comparable to paracetamol at equivalent doses, attributed to the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis via COX pathway suppression.
• Digestive & Gastrointestinal Support
  Relieves indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and intestinal spasms through carminative and antispasmodic action.
  Clinical evidence: Research in the Ancient Science of Life confirmed antispasmodic activity of Vitex negundo extracts on isolated intestinal smooth muscle preparations, with the volatile oil fraction — particularly sabinene and β-caryophyllene — identified as the primary active constituents responsible for reducing gut motility and relieving cramping.
• Neuroprotective Effects
  Emerging research supports Nirgundi’s role in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage, with potential applications in neurological and cognitive health.
  Clinical evidence: A study in Neurochemistry International demonstrated that luteolin and vitexin — key flavonoids in Vitex negundo — significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and inhibited neuroinflammation in hippocampal cell models, with neuroprotective effects attributed to NF-κB pathway suppression and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase).
• Antioxidant Activity
  High polyphenol content neutralises free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall cellular health.
  Clinical evidence: DPPH and FRAP antioxidant assays published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research confirmed potent free-radical scavenging activity in Vitex negundo leaf and seed extracts, with total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) measurements identifying casticin, luteolin, and vitexin as the primary antioxidant compounds.

Suggested Use

Add 1–2 teaspoons (approx. 3–5g) to warm water, herbal teas, smoothies, or juices daily. For topical use, mix powder with coconut or sesame oil to create a paste for joint or skin application. For best results, use consistently over a minimum of 4–6 weeks.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use. Best before: 6 months after opening.

Quality Assurance

100% pure Vitex negundo powder. No fillers, binders, additives, or preservatives. Net Weight: 100g. The Herbal Remedies, Manchester, UK.

This product is a food supplement. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking medications.