Lagundi (Vitex negundo): Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Clinical Evidence
Lagundi (Vitex negundo), the five-leaved chaste tree, is a cornerstone of Philippine traditional medicine and used across Southeast Asia. It is one of the **10 DOH-endorsed herbal medicines** in the Philippines.
Key Phytochemicals & Pharmacology
| Compound Class | Examples | Demonstrated Activities (Preclinical) |
|---|
| Flavonoids | Vitexin, Orientin, Isovitexin, Casticin | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antihistamine, CYP450 modulation |
| Iridoid Glycosides | Aucubin, Agnuside, Negundoside | Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective |
| Diterpenes | Vitexilactone, Vitexinic acid | Antimicrobial, cytotoxic (cancer cell lines) |
| Essential Oil | Sabinene, β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole | Antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, bronchodilatory |
Traditional Indications (Philippine DOH)
- Asthma, cough, bronchitis (bronchodilator, antitussive)
- Fever, headache, toothache (antipyretic, analgesic)
- Rheumatism, sprains, contusions (anti-inflammatory, topical)
- Skin diseases (boils, ulcers, wounds) – leaf decoction wash
- Dysentery, diarrhea (antimicrobial, antispasmodic)
- Postpartum bath (perineal healing)
Clinical Evidence (Human Studies)
- Asthma/Cough: Several small RCTs show lagundi syrup/tablet comparable to salbutamol/theophylline for mild-moderate asthma; reduces cough frequency. **Not a replacement for controller inhalers.**
- Pain/Inflammation: Topical gel effective for knee osteoarthritis pain (vs. diclofenac gel in one trial).
- Antimicrobial: In vitro vs. Staph, E. coli, Candida; no clinical infection trials.
Formulations & Dosing (Philippine Standards)
- Syrup: 300 mg/5 mL lagundi leaf equivalent. Adult: 10 mL (2 tsp) 3x daily; Child 7–12y: 5 mL 3x; 2–6y: 2.5 mL 3x.
- Tablet: 300 mg or 600 mg. Adult: 1–2 tabs 3x daily.
- Tea/Decoction: Boil 2 handfuls fresh leaves in 2 glasses water 15 min; strain; 1/2 glass 3x daily.
- Topical: Pounded fresh leaves as poultice; commercial gel/ointment.
Safety & Interactions
- Generally well-tolerated; mild GI upset, drowsiness reported.
- Pregnancy/Lactation: Avoid (insufficient data; traditional use for postpartum only).
- Drug Interactions: Theoretical CYP450 modulation (vitexin); caution with narrow therapeutic index drugs. May potentiate bronchodilators.
- Quality: Use DOH-registered products (BFAD/FDA Philippines) or reputable GMP brands.
Regulatory Status
- Philippines: Registered herbal medicine (PHTC, Ascof, Plemex brands).
- US/EU: Dietary supplement (not approved as drug); no standardized extract.
Lagundi has credible preclinical and modest clinical support for respiratory and inflammatory uses. Integrate under professional guidance; do not substitute for emergency asthma care.
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