Therapeutic Potential of Vitex negundo for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD): A Review

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), synonymous in most literature with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a frequent endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. It is marked by chronic anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and characteristic polycystic ovarian morphology. Standard treatments such as combined oral contraceptives, insulin sensitizers, and ovulation-inducing agents largely offer symptomatic relief and may be limited by adverse effects, contraindications, or poor compliance. In parallel, there is growing interest in herbal agents that can target multiple aspects of PCOD pathophysiology with a favorable safety profile. Vitex negundo L. (family Lamiaceae), known as Nirgundi, is widely used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for gynecological disorders, pain, inflammation, and menstrual irregularities. This review summarizes current information on PCOD pathophysiology and examines pharmacognostic details, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions, and available preclinical and clinical evidence regarding Vitex negundo, with specific focus on mechanisms relevant to PCOD, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, metabolic and potential endocrine-modulating effects. Experimental studies in animal models of PCOD indicate beneficial effects on ovarian morphology, estrous cyclicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters. Human data remain preliminary and often confounded by polyherbal formulations. There is a strong mechanistic rationale for Vitex negundo as an adjunct in PCOD management; however, well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized extracts are required before routine clinical use can be recommended.