Lagundi is a common medicine shrub in the Philippines, and grows wild in many places like Mt. Banahaw. The use of Lagundi for medicinal purposes has a long history in the Philippines. The Philippine Department of Health has certified Lagundi as a medicinal plant for treatment in cases of colds, flu, pharyngitis, and asthma. Today, pharmaceutical companies sell it in tablet form at drug stores. A new cough syrup for children made from Lagundi is also on the market now. These products are approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

The Department of Science and Technology has performed numerous studies on Lagundi. Phytochemical studies have revealed that Lagundi contains chrysoplenol D, a smooth muscle relaxant with anti-histamine properties. It also contains isoorientin, casticin, luteolin-7-0-glucoside, among other things which exhibit an anti-histamine effect. Lagundi also shows leukotriene release inhibition, an important mechanism in controlling asthma.

Today doctors in the Philippine routinely prescribe Lagundi as a remedy for coughs or for asthma relief.

 

Links to other information on Vitex Negundo

Picture of Lagundi Tree

Herbal products developed by Filipino scientists

Vitex Negundo

Holistic Online

Dr. Eliseo T. Banaynal
Deputy Director General
Philippine Institute for Traditional and Alternative Health Care
(Agency: Department of Health, Philippines)
Statement on Lagundi

The healing powers
of herbal medicine

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Abstracts:

Hepatoprotective effect of Vitex negundo against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage

Chemical investigation and anti-inflammatory activity of Vitex negundo seeds.

 

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