ABSTRACT
Nirgundi is a large aromatic shrub or small tree grows upto 4.5m height common throughout the country. Nirgundi is clinically used in many diseases by all most all traditional system of medicine because of its diverse medicinal properties. The drug was mentioned during Vedic period and was used in various diseases in Ayurveda since Samhita kala. Nirgundi is having Katu Tikta Kashaya Rasa, Laghu Ruksha Guna, Ushna Veerya and Vata Kaphahara property. Nirgundi is having Deepani, Kusghtaghna, Krimighna, Medhya, Shothahara, Shulahara Karma, and mainly used in Vatavyadhi, Karna Roga, Krimi Kushta, Rajayakshma, Gulma Chikitsa. For the fulfillment of treatment in Ayurveda the knowledge of Dravya including its Rasapanchaka, synonym are very important, without the knowledge of which the treatment is impossible. Nirgundi is one such drug having diversified properties and the opinion of different authors regarding the use of the drug is very necessary in treating diseases starting from common fever to anxiety. Thus the synonyms and their interpretation, Vernacular names, Rasapanchaka, Rogaghnata and Karma, Yoga of Nirgundi in Brihatrayi and various Nighantus Dhanwantri Nighantu, Shodhala Nighantu, Madanpala Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Raja Nighantu and Bhavprakasha Nighantu, has been described and this paper presented a classical review of Vitex negundo Linn. mentioned in Ayurveda.
ABSTRACT
Owing to wide range of medicinal properties, Nirgundi is very useful herb. It is used for its medicinal values for thousands of years by the people all over the globe. The folklore healers use the plant for various ailments. As per Ayurvedic system of medicine, its Rasa is Katu, Tikta and Kashaya and it pacifies Vata and Shleshma. Its property is Laghu and Veerya is Sheetoshna and is used in the treatment of various disorders like Pleeha rog, Gulma, Krimi, Kushtha, Vrana, Visha and Aruchi. Available ancient and modern contemporary literature has been studied thoroughly while preparing this article so as to put all the available knowledge about the herb at one place. Various properties possessed by the plant have been evaluated in different studies, and results or observations of few of such prominent studies have been presented here to enrich the knowledge. Review of the available literature showed that it possesses various pharmacological activities cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-histaminic, anti-cancerous, anxiolytic, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective etc. All these properties have been authenticated by various experimental and clinical studies. So keeping in view the huge potential of the plant, further research is suggested to extract maximum benefits for the benefit of the society.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Age-related cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness and avoidable visual impairment in the world. There is no time-tested, FDA-approved, or clinically proven medical treatment exists till date to delay, prevent, or reverse the progression of senile cataract. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is a Chakshushya single drug mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Various animal experimental study and invitro studies in recent years using flavonoids extracted from leaves of Vitex negundo on selenite induced cataract models proved to be beneficial in arresting the progression of cataract. Hence a clinical study with Vitex negundo eye drops in the form of Arka was planned with primary objective to assess the effect of Nirgundi patra arka as Aschotana (eye drops) in pre senile cataract. Methods: The study design was interventional pre and post evaluation without control. Patients were advised to instill Nirgundi patra arka two drops thrice daily i.e. 6 am, 12 pm and 6pm for a period of 6months. Log mar visual acuity score and contrast sensitivity score were recorded before treatment, 3rd month of treatment, after treatment, 9th month (1st follow up) and 12th month (2nd follow up). Slit lamp photographs were recorded before treatment and 12th month. Study and follow up were done in 31 eyes. Result: The intervention is statistically significant while considering visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. All the 27 cases of nuclear cataract responded to the intervention, while only 83.3% of posterior sub capsular cataract and 60% of cortical cataract showed response. But the change was not significant statistically. Conclusion: The intervention was effective in improving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in all types of pre senile cataract. Clinical assessment revealed the study was effective in preventing the progression of pathogenesis in early stage of nuclear cataract.