St.

Therese Academy and IMDII

Tominobo, Iligan City

ABSTRACT
Lagundi or Vitex negundo has been
traditionally used as herbal medicine
by Philippine and Indian folks. Its main
health benefit is to ease respiratory
complaints. Lagundi is generally used
for the treatment of coughs, asthma
symptoms, and other respiratory
problems.
Researcher: SINAL, Warda A.
Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

VITEX NEGUNDO
(LAGUNDI)
HERBAL MEDICINE
 St. Therese Academy and IMDII
Tominobo, Iligan City

Background of the Study

The focus of this paper is to determine the importance of Lagundi Herbal

Medicine. This paper is also inclined with the difference between natural and

laboratory prepared lagundi medicine against cough. Before the researchers

identify the difference on how it is prepared the knowledge about Lagundi is

essential. Lagundi is a large shrub that grows in the Philippines and has been

traditionally used as an herbal medicine. Lagundi is generally used for the

treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms and other respiratory ailments. It is also

known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Lagundi

(Vitex negundo) is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5

m high. Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen

in swamps of the Philippines and India. Lagundi leaves appear palmately, in the

form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi

leaves are 5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long,

slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long

bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe.

Lagundi can be prepared naturally by, gathering and mixing its leaves, roots,

flowers and its seeds then boiling them into a container for 10 to 15 minutes and

then strain and gather the juice for drinking. Lagundi can also be purchased in

forms of capsule and syrup to make it easier to handle. It can also be used with

other cough remedies and cough medicines. It is one of the ten herbal medicines

endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine

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 St. Therese Academy and IMDII
Tominobo, Iligan City

with proven therapeutic value. Lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective

in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and

pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body production

of leukotrienes which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains

Chrysoplenol D.

Lagundi use is widely acceptable as safe for use for children and adults and no

adverse reaction has been reported. However, moderate use is recommended

for pregnant women, and treatment should not exceed one week. If symptoms

persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

The importance of plant-derived medicines is seriously underestimated in

modern medicine. Only approximately 15% of the Angiosperms (flowering

plants) have been chemically investigated for their medical potential

(Farnsworth, 1966; Farnsworth and Soejarto, 1991). Of the 300-plant species

tested by Noristan Pty, Ltd. (Pretoria, RSA), 31% displayed high activity (activity

being: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal,

antiulcer, antagonism of acetylsalicylic acid induced gastric damage, narcotic

analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-arrhythmic, diuretic and general

toxicological and central nervous system effects), 48% were moderately active

and 21% had no activity (Fourie et al., 1992).

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 St. Therese Academy and IMDII
Tominobo, Iligan City

Conceptual Framework

Cough

Vitex negundo L. Fever

(Lagundi)

Sore Throat

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

The figure shows the conceptual framework of the study. The input

contains two variables involved in the study. It includes the main variable which

is the Vitex negundo L. (Lagundi). The supporting variable will be assessed in

this study to know the effect on the main variable.

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 St. Therese Academy and IMDII
Tominobo, Iligan City

Hypothesis

In this study, the researchers aim to test this hypothesis.

• Laboratory prepared lagundi is handy and easy to consume

however naturally prepared lagundi needs to be boiled first

before ingestion.

• Lagundi is Proven to decrease the frequency of coughs.

• Naturally and Laboratory prepared lagundi has no difference in

curing cough.

• The significant difference between the frequency of cough before

and after taking Vitex negundo L.

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