Philippine Lagundi Herbal Medicinal Shrub

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo 1) Shrub or Five-leaf Chaste Tree one of the most popular (from generation to generation) Philippine traditional medicine or alternative remedy to treat various health concerns (Fever, body pains, asthma, and cough 3). 2 Lagundi Shrub found in the Mt. Banahaw (National Park of the Philippines 10). 11 The leaves of the Five-leaf Tree appear like fingers of the hand and shrub extends approximately five meter in height. 3 The Vitex negundo belongs to the Vertbenaceae family (Small tough attractive plants: About 75 genera and 3000 species worldwide 8) of botanical plants. Lagundi is the eighth registered and licensed herb (1996) by the Department of Health in the Philippines. Philippine Government received from German Government and the Geneva Consul in Switzerland a silver certificate awards for research and development of Lagundi. 6

In the United States more than 20 million people have asthma.4 "Asthma is now the leading cause of disease and disability in children and teens from two to 17 years old. It is increasing in older people (40) years or older) as well. Estimated medical costs are $6.2 billion per year, including $1.1 billion for medicines, $295 million in emergency room visits, and $345 million in lost work time." During an asthmatic allergic reaction: Leukotrienes (Immune cells in the body release inflammatory molecules.7), and histamine (released in the body 5), constrict the bronchial tubes and inflame the mucus membrane causing wheezing. Scientific analysis proves Lagundi functions as anti - histamine (contains Chrysoplenol D. A (12), a smooth muscle relaxant 15) and anti - inflammatory herb, treats asthma and related symptoms including coughing. Lagundi compared to prescribed medicines Bromohexine (for cough) and Theophylline (a bronchodilato), results were virtually identical, during double blind studies. Langundi is available in spray (treat mild mucus, breathing difficulties and coughing), and capsule treat asthma. 6 The Food and Drug Administration (USA) approved the usage of Lagundi. The herbal product is available in herbal tea products. And other packaged usage (Syrup, tables, and capsules). 13 Astral Natural supplier of supplements (800 - 653 - 6047), first U.S. company to sell Lagundi ("120 vegicaps, 450 mg; 2 oz liquid with sprayer since 1994" 14). In the Philippines the Bureau of Food and Drugs recognize Lagundi as herbal registered medicine. 9 In 1988, former President Corazon C. Aquino inaugurated the first Herbal Processing Plant in the Philippines, process herbal medicines including Lagundi. 16 Frequently Langundi prescribed by physicians in the Philippine for coughs or asthma relief. 15

The dry or fresh leaves of the Lagundi treat asthma, cough, fever, body pains and other health problems.: Depending upon the age (From two years old to adults) of the individual, various teaspoon amounts of leaves are chop and then mixed into boiling water (two glassfuls). Afterwards the mixture is strained and drank. 3 Bruised leave may be applied to forehead to treat a fever. Use infusion of leaves as wash to treat wounds and ulcers. 9

The Flowers, seeds, and root of the Lagundi shrub reported to treat various illnesses. The root treats rheumatism, worms, boils, leprosy and dyspepsia. The flowers are used to treat diarrhea, fever, cholera, diseases of the liver and recommended as a cardiac tonic. "The seeds make a cooling medicine for skin diseases and leprosy and for inflammation of the mouth". 11

Cultivating Lagundi Shrub begins with seeds and cuttings. Seeds of the herb are grown in nursery beds. Germination of the seeds commences within 2 - 3 weeks. After four to six months, seedlings are transplanted to a field. 12 When replanting Lagundi recommend the cutting be at least twenty centimeters long with three (new) leaf nodes. The herbal plant requires frequent watering. Leaves destroyed by pests, should be removed, ensure health of the plant. Compost or organic fertilizer recommended but no pesticides usage, because residue of the chemicals may remain in the plant. When the leaves are harvested from the plant, suggest drying them and then storing the leaves in a sealed lightly covered brown container or sealed plastic bag. 3

References:

1.) Lagundi - http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/lagundi.htm

2.) Philippine Herbal Medicine - http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/

3.) Five-leaf Chaste Tree (Lagundi) - http://traditionalmed.blogspot.com/2007/01/five-leaf-chaste-tree-lagundi.html

4.) Asthma Basics - http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/asthma_basics/what/asthma_basics.html

5.) Histamine - http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/word/h/histamine.html

6.) Lagundi by Lita Lee, Ph.D. - http://www.litalee.com/shopexd.asp?id=375&bc=no

7.) ABOUT LEUKOTRIENES - http://www.efficas.com/Content/Product/LeukotrienesAsthma.aspx

8.) Verbenacease - Vervain Family - http://montana.plant-life.org/families/Verbenaceae.htm

9.) LAGUNDI (FIVE - LEAVED CHASTE TREE) - http://daigdigpinoy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=52

10.) Mount Banahaw National Park - http://www.iapad.org/applications/protected_areas/mbnp.htm

11.) Lagundi - http://www.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com/herbs_pics/lagundi.php

12.) Nishinda (Vitex Negundo) -

http://findmeacure.com/2007/08/04/nishinda-vitex-negundo/

13.) Herbal Products - http://www.pyroenergen.com/herbal-products.htm

14.) ASPTRAL NATURAL - http://www.astral-natural.com/lagundi.htm

15.) Lagundi - http://philippineherbs.com/lagundi/

16.) Tourist Attractions COTABATO CITY - http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru12/Tour/TOURCOT1.HTM