Phyto-pharmacological and Biological Aspects of Vitex negundo Medicinal Plant - A Review

Vitex negundo Linn is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family. Every part of the plant is enriched with therapeutic value; hence the plant plays a pivotal role in traditional medicine systems. The presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds in the various plant parts are responsible for the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties which are being exploited in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and so on. The major phytochemical components are Vitexin (8-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)-4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), Isovitexin (5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) 6[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl) oxan-2-yl]chromen-4-one), Vitedoin and Negundin((7R,8S)-8-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6, 7-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3-methoxy-7,8-dihydronaphthalen-2-ol). The scope of Vitex negundo as an adjuvant in modern medicine is huge. Therefore, this review focuses on research conducted till date to evaluate the phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities of Vitex negundo medicinal plant.