Indian three-leaf vitex
StarVitex trifolia
Synonyms: Vitex agnus-castus var. trifolia, Vitex variifolia, Vitex trifolia var. trifoliolata, Vitex indica, Vitex integerrima
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Hawaiian traditional medicine, Vitex trifolia leaves and wood were thoroughly pounded and used to prepare a therapeutic bath (Akana, 1922). The leaves were also eaten with dried coconut as food (Akana, 1922).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Vitex trifolia, commonly called Indian three-leaf vitex or simpleleaf chastetree, is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree in the Lamiaceae family typically reaching 3-8 m in height with trunks to 20 cm in diameter. Leaves are oppositely arranged and usually palmately compound with three (occasionally five) elliptic to obovate leaflets—the central leaflet up to 12 cm long, the lateral ones about 5 cm—densely whitish-tomentose beneath and grey-green above, releasing a sage-like fragrance when crushed. From late summer to autumn the plant produces large terminal panicles up to 25 cm long of small two-lipped tubular flowers with mauve to purple corollas, followed by globose drupes about 6 mm in diameter that ripen black. Native to coastal tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, and Pacific islands, the species occurs in beach forests, mangrove margins, and rocky shores below 150 m elevation and is widely planted as an ornamental and medicinal hedge.
Active Constituents
Casticin (vitexicarpin)
Polymethoxylated flavoneConcentration: Characteristic flavone of leaf/fruit
Signature flavonoid of Vitex trifolia with marked anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity; inhibits monocyte chemotaxis and T-lymphocyte proliferation at levels comparable to prednisolone and is cytotoxic to several cancer lines (e.g., IC50 ~0.44 µM against HT-1080).
Agnuside
Iridoid glycosideConcentration: Major iridoid of the fruit
p-Hydroxybenzoyl aucubin ester with anti-inflammatory activity; shown to promote nuclear condensation and apoptosis in some cancer cells in vitro.
Aucubin
Iridoid glycosideConcentration: Present in aerial parts/fruit
Iridoid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity, common to the genus.
Vitexilactone and vitetrifolins (labdane diterpenes)
Labdane diterpenoidsConcentration: Characteristic diterpene series of the fruit
Labdane-type diterpenoids (vitexilactone, vitetrifolins A–G) reported for anti-inflammatory and, for related compounds, hormone-modulating activity.
Rotundifuran
Labdane diterpenoidConcentration: Minor diterpene
Diterpenoid shown to suppress cervical cancer cell proliferation in vitro.
Artemetin and luteolin
Flavonoids (methoxyflavone / flavone)Concentration: Accessory flavonoids
Additional flavonoids contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
β-Caryophyllene
SesquiterpeneConcentration: Recurrent major essential-oil component
Sesquiterpene reported across multiple essential-oil studies; contributes anti-inflammatory activity and aroma.
Sabinene, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, terpinyl acetate
Mono- and sesquiterpene volatilesConcentration: Major leaf essential-oil constituents
Leaf essential oil is dominated by terpenes such as sabinene, 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, underlying antimicrobial and larvicidal activity (e.g., 100% mortality against Aedes aegypti larvae at ~125 ppm).
⚠ Drug Interactions
Hormonal therapies (oral contraceptives, HRT, fertility drugs)
Like other Vitex species, V. trifolia constituents show hormone-modulating activity; a theoretical interaction with estrogen/progestin therapies and fertility treatment exists.
Clinical note: Theoretical; avoid combining with hormonal therapy or during fertility treatment without medical advice.
Dopamine agonists / antagonists (e.g., antipsychotics)
Vitex species can exhibit dopaminergic activity affecting prolactin; concurrent dopaminergic or antidopaminergic drugs could theoretically be antagonised or potentiated.
Clinical note: Theoretical, extrapolated from the genus; caution with dopaminergic medication.
Preparation Methods
Fruit decoction / powder (traditional)
Parts: fruit
In Chinese practice the dried fruit ('Manjingzi') is decocted for wind-heat headache, migraine and eye pain; the fruit is also powdered. Typical traditional decoction uses a few grams of crushed fruit simmered in water.
Leaf decoction / poultice
Parts: leaf
In Ayurvedic and Southeast-Asian practice the aromatic leaves are decocted or applied as a warmed poultice for joint pain, inflammation, rheumatism and fever. Human clinical safety data are limited; avoid in pregnancy and during hormonal or fertility treatment given the genus's endocrine activity.
Clinical Studies
A comprehensive review of ethnomedicinal approaches, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological potential of Vitex trifolia L.
Comprehensive review documenting the terpenoid and flavonoid chemistry (casticin, agnuside, aucubin, vitexilactone, rotundifuran) and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antimalarial and larvicidal activities of V. trifolia, while noting the near-absence of human clinical trials and the need for toxicological study.
Historical Texts
Chinese materia medica (Man Jing Zi / 蔓荆子)
TraditionalAyurveda / Unani (Jalanirgundi, Nirgundi group)
Classical Indian traditionReferences
- Mottaghipisheh J, Kamali M, Doustimotlagh AH, Nowroozzadeh MH, Rasekh F, Hashempur MH, Iraji A. A comprehensive review of ethnomedicinal approaches, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological potential of Vitex trifolia L. . Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024) [DOI]
- Li WX, Cui CB, Cai B, Wang HY, Yao XS. Flavonoids from Vitex trifolia L. inhibit cell cycle and induce apoptosis (vitexicarpin/casticin) . Journal of Asian Natural Products Research (2005) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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