Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

 commonly known as Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree

 multi-branched shrub (a plant with a wooden stem and many small branches that usually
does not grow very tall) up to 5 meters
 flowers are bluish-purple
 fruit is black when ripe and contains four seeds
 planted between June and September and it takes two years to grow.
 Tastes bitter
 Used as medicine and pesticide
(https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/lagundi/)

The Philippine Department of Health has included this herb in its list of 10 medicinal plants
with clinically proven medicinal values.
 In the Philippines, the best way to use this herb is to have it in the form of an herbal tea or
concoction. (Ang lagundi leaves ay maaaring gawing tsaa pagkatapos dikdikin at isalang sa
kumukulong tubig.)
https://viralityfacts.com/facts/philippine-herbs-remarkable-health-benefits-of-lagundi/

Traditional knowledge

Lagundi has been used for centuries by local populations in the Philippines for its medicinal
properties, but these were not described in detail until a book by Spanish Jesuit Father Colin that
was published in 1900.

In his book, Father Colin wrote that lagundi was used regularly by Filipinos to treat wounds and
as a pain medication.

 Leaves - used to ease headaches and cleanse ulcers (Apart from taking it as a decoction,
you can also apply crushed lagundi leaves on the forehead or stuff the leaves in a pillow
and then sleep on it to relieve headache and catarrah.)
o Lagundi leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-histamine
(medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies) that is great for respiratory
problems such as cough and sore throat.
o lagundi leaves treat digestive problems because it contains some active compound
such as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
o Leaves treat headaches due to the analgesic properties (painkiller) found in it
o Leaves can treat skin diseases like chicken pox rashes [the decoction (process of
boiling in water) of leaves and roots can be applied directly to skin.]
 Flowers - used to treat diarrhea and cholera (Boil the flowers and drink it three times a
days)
 Black fruit - dried and eaten to reduce and regulate intestinal discomfort.
 Roots - used to treat rheumatism (Boil the roots with a cup of coconut oil. Apply the
mixture on the affected part)
This traditional medicinal knowledge surrounding lagundi is commonly disseminated through
herbolaryos – traditional healers who use their traditional knowledge to prepare and administer
herbal medicine. Herbolaryos have served as authority figures on medicine in many local Filipino
communities for generations.

Science Based Health Benefits from Lagundi

Lagundi Essential Oils has Anti-bacterial Properties

The Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2008 Jul-Aug) published a research

that studied the anti-bacterial properties of Vitex negundo extracts. In this study it was found that
the root and leaf extract is active against some bacteria such as B. subtilis and E. coli.

Lagundi Anti-inflammatory Activity

The Indian Journal of Medical Research. (2006 Oct) published a study on Vitex negundo
leaf extract health benefit as an adjuvant therapy to standard anti-inflammatory drugs. This was
done in lab mice by inducing inflammation and subjecting to anti-inflammatory drugs together
with orally administered Vitex negundo extracts. The results suggests that VN has a positve effect
as adjutant for anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and phenlbutazone.