Lagundi Vitex negundo

About Lagundi

Lagundi, scientifically known as Vitex negundo, is a large aromatic shrub to small tree belonging to the family Lamiaceae (formerly classified under Verbenaceae). Known internationally as the five-leaved chaste tree or Chinese chaste tree, it is one of the most important medicinal plants in the Philippines and holds the distinction of being the first herbal medicine to receive official pharmaceutical approval from the Philippine Department of Health for the treatment of cough and asthma.

The plant typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub reaching 2 to 5 meters in height, though it can occasionally develop into a small tree up to 8 meters when left unpruned in favorable conditions. Its most distinctive feature is the palmately compound leaf composed of 3 to 5 leaflets arranged like fingers on a hand — the central leaflet being the largest at 5 to 10 cm long. The leaflets are lance-shaped with finely serrated edges and emit a strong, characteristic aromatic scent when crushed, which is attributed to the essential oils containing the active medicinal compounds.

What makes Lagundi exceptional among Philippine medicinal plants is the depth of scientific validation supporting its traditional uses. Clinical studies conducted by the Philippine National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) confirmed its bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive properties, leading to the development of Ascof — the first Filipino-developed and clinically validated herbal medicine product. Today, Lagundi-based preparations are available in every Philippine pharmacy, bridging the gap between traditional herbal medicine and modern pharmaceutical science.

History and Discovery

Vitex negundo was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1753 work Species Plantarum. The genus name Vitex is derived from the Latin word vieo, meaning "to weave" or "to bind," referring to the flexible stems of related species that were historically used for basket-making. The species name negundo is thought to derive from a Sanskrit or Tamil word for the plant, reflecting its deep roots in traditional Indian medicine.

The plant is native to a wide range spanning South and Southeast Asia, from Afghanistan and India through China, extending southward to the Philippines and Indonesia. In Ayurvedic medicine, Vitex negundo has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory conditions, joint pain, and headaches. Ancient Sanskrit texts describe it as Nirgundi, and it appears in traditional Chinese medicine as Huang Jing. The plant likely arrived in the Philippines through natural dispersal and early trade routes long before European colonization.

In the Philippines, Lagundi became a cornerstone of traditional folk medicine (locally called hilot or albularyo practice) for treating cough, cold, fever, and asthma. The landmark moment in its modern history came in 1992 when the DOST-NIRPROMP, led by Dr. Nelia Maramba, completed clinical trials proving the efficacy of Lagundi leaf extract for bronchial conditions. This led to the commercialization of the Ascof brand and Lagundi's inclusion in the DOH's official list of 10 recommended medicinal plants under Republic Act 8423 (the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997).

How to Plant Lagundi

Propagation methods: Stem Cutting (preferred), Seed

Rooting time: 2 to 4 weeks from cuttings

Best planting season in the Philippines: June to July, at the onset of the rainy season

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Select your planting material. Choose semi-hardwood stem cuttings 20 to 30 cm long from a healthy, mature Lagundi shrub. Cuttings should be at least 1 cm in diameter with 3 to 4 visible nodes. Cuttings are strongly preferred over seeds because they root easily, establish faster, and produce a plant identical to the parent. Seeds have lower and slower germination rates.
2. Prepare cuttings. Remove leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting, keeping only 2 to 3 leaves at the top. Let the cut end dry in shade for half a day to form a callus that reduces rot risk. Optionally, dip the base in rooting hormone powder to accelerate root development, though Lagundi roots readily even without it.
3. Choose your planting site. Select a location in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Lagundi is extremely adaptable to soil types but prefers well-drained garden soil. Allow at least 2 to 3 meters of space from structures and other large plants, as Lagundi grows into a substantial shrub.
4. Plant in the ground. Dig a hole 20 cm deep and insert the cutting so that two-thirds of its length is buried below the soil surface. Pack soil firmly around the base. If planting multiple specimens for a medicinal hedge, space them 2 meters apart. For seed propagation, plant fresh seeds 1 cm deep in a seedling tray and transplant seedlings when they reach 15 cm in height.
5. Water consistently during establishment. Water every two to three days for the first month, maintaining moist but not waterlogged soil. Lagundi is drought-tolerant once established, so reduce watering frequency after new leaf growth confirms root development — typically within 3 to 4 weeks.
6. Prune for productivity. Once the plant reaches 1.5 meters, begin pruning the tips of branches to encourage bushy lateral growth. This increases the total number of leaves available for medicinal harvest. Shape the plant into a manageable form that allows easy access to leaves from all sides.

Care Guide

Sunlight

Requirement: Full Sun

Lagundi thrives in full sun with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate light partial shade but will grow more slowly and produce fewer leaves with reduced concentration of active medicinal compounds. In the Philippine context, Lagundi performs best when planted in open areas of the garden, along fences or property boundaries, or as a standalone specimen shrub in an unshaded spot.

Water

Frequency: 1 to 2 times per week (established plants)

Lagundi is remarkably drought-tolerant once its root system is established. During the dry season (March to May), water once or twice per week. During the rainy season from June to October, natural rainfall is almost always sufficient. The plant has deep roots that access moisture from lower soil layers, making it one of the least water-demanding medicinal plants you can grow. Overwatering is rarely an issue as Lagundi tolerates brief wet periods, but consistently waterlogged soil should be avoided.

Soil

Type: Any — loam, sandy, clay, rocky

pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5

Lagundi is famously adaptable and grows in virtually any soil type found across the Philippines. It thrives in nutrient-poor, rocky, and disturbed soils where other plants struggle. You will find it growing wild along roadsides, riverbanks, vacant lots, and degraded land throughout the archipelago. While it performs best in well-drained loam, it tolerates clay soils, sandy coastal soils, and even slightly alkaline limestone-derived soils without complaint.

Humidity and Temperature

Humidity: 50 to 90%

Temperature: 20°C to 40°C

The Philippine tropical climate is excellent for Lagundi. The plant handles the full range of conditions from the cooler highland areas of Benguet and Bukidnon (where temperatures can drop to 15°C) to the hot lowland provinces of Central Luzon and Western Visayas (where temperatures regularly exceed 35°C). It is tolerant of both the high humidity of monsoon season and the dry heat of summer months.

Fertilizer

Lagundi requires minimal fertilization. A single application of balanced organic fertilizer or compost at the base of the plant at the start of the rainy season is sufficient for healthy growth and leaf production. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as this can promote soft, leggy growth at the expense of the essential oil concentration in the leaves that provides medicinal value.

Pruning

Prune Lagundi once or twice per year to maintain a manageable size of 2 to 3 meters and to encourage dense, bushy growth that maximizes leaf production for medicinal harvest. Cut back leggy branches to half their length in January or February (before the main growing season). Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at any time. Lagundi responds vigorously to pruning and can even be cut back to near ground level — it will regenerate from the base within weeks.

Growing Medium Options

Lagundi is exclusively a soil-grown plant in practical cultivation. Its natural growth habit as a large shrub to small tree (2 to 5 meters) makes it unsuitable for hydroponic or container water-culture systems. The plant develops a deep, extensive root system that anchors it firmly in the ground and accesses subsoil moisture during dry periods. For Philippine growers, simply plant Lagundi directly in the ground in any available garden space. It thrives in the natural soil conditions found throughout the archipelago, from the sandy coastal soils of the Visayas to the heavy clay lowlands of Central Luzon. If ground space is truly limited, a very large container (at least 60 cm diameter and depth) can work, but the plant will never reach its full medicinal-producing potential in a pot.

Medicinal Uses and Preparation

Medicinal parts: Leaves (primary), Roots, Flowers, Seeds

DOH-approved indications: Cough, asthma, fever, colds, bronchopulmonary conditions

Leaf Decoction (Traditional Preparation)

The primary traditional preparation of Lagundi is a leaf decoction used for cough, cold, asthma, and fever. Wash 6 to 8 fresh mature leaves (or one handful of dried leaves) thoroughly under running water. Boil the leaves in 2 glasses (approximately 400 mL) of clean water for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 1 glass (200 mL). Strain through a fine cloth or strainer, allow to cool to a comfortable temperature, and drink as directed below.

Dosage Guidelines (DOH-recommended)

Other Medicinal Applications

Beyond the primary use as a cough and asthma remedy, Lagundi has several other traditional medicinal applications in the Philippines. A poultice of crushed fresh leaves is applied externally to relieve headaches, rheumatic pain, and joint inflammation. The leaves can be used as an aromatic steam inhalation (placed in hot water and the vapor inhaled) to relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis. Some traditional healers use root decoctions for digestive complaints, though this application lacks the same level of clinical validation as the respiratory uses.

Commercial Products

The most well-known commercial Lagundi product in the Philippines is Ascof (manufactured by Pascual Laboratories), available as tablets, syrup, and drops. Other brands include Lagundi 600 and various generic Lagundi leaf preparations. These products contain standardized Lagundi leaf extract with known concentrations of active compounds including chrysoplenol D, luteolin, and other flavonoids responsible for the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

Important disclaimer: While Lagundi is DOH-approved and generally safe at recommended doses, it is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent cough lasting more than 7 days, high fever, or difficulty breathing. Lagundi is used medicinally, not as a food or culinary ingredient.

Air Quality and Oxygen Production

Lagundi contributes positively to air quality in Philippine urban and suburban environments. As a fast-growing, densely-leafed shrub, it maintains year-round photosynthetic activity in the tropical climate, continuously absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. A mature Lagundi shrub with its full canopy of compound leaves presents substantial total leaf surface area for gas exchange.

CO₂ absorption: Moderate to High

An additional air quality benefit of Lagundi is the natural insect-repellent property of its volatile essential oils. The aromatic compounds released by the leaves — particularly at dawn and dusk when the plant is most fragrant — have been traditionally used in the Philippines as a mosquito repellent. Burning dried Lagundi leaves produces smoke that drives away mosquitoes, making it a natural contribution to household comfort and health in dengue-prone areas. Some barangay health workers recommend planting Lagundi near homes as part of integrated mosquito management alongside proper sanitation.

Toxicity and Safety

Humans: Non-toxic at recommended medicinal doses

Pets: Generally safe — no reported toxicity to cats and dogs

Lagundi is considered safe for human use at the doses recommended by the DOH and established through clinical trials. The leaf decoction has been consumed by millions of Filipinos over generations without significant adverse effects when used as directed. Potential mild side effects at therapeutic doses include slight drowsiness and mild stomach discomfort in some individuals. Overdose or excessive consumption beyond recommended amounts is not advised, as concentrated preparations may cause nausea or headaches.

Lagundi is not recommended for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, due to a lack of safety data in pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before use. The plant is not known to be toxic to household pets (cats and dogs), though animals generally avoid eating it due to the strong aromatic taste of the leaves. Lagundi is not consumed as a food — it is strictly a medicinal preparation.

Common Pests and Diseases in the Philippines

Pests

• Aphids — occasionally cluster on young tender shoots during the dry season. Control with a strong water spray or diluted neem oil solution. Infestations are typically mild and self-limiting.
• Mealybugs — white cottony masses that may appear on stems and leaf joints of stressed plants. Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or spray with insecticidal soap.
• Scale insects — small immobile bumps on older stems. Scrape off manually or apply horticultural oil during the dry season.

Diseases

• Leaf spot — brown or dark spots on leaves during prolonged wet periods. Improve air circulation through pruning. Remove and dispose of heavily affected leaves. Rarely causes serious damage.
• Root rot — uncommon in Lagundi but possible in poorly drained clay soils with standing water. Ensure adequate drainage and avoid planting in flood-prone low spots.

Overall, Lagundi is one of the most pest- and disease-resistant plants available to Philippine gardeners. The natural essential oils in its leaves act as an insect repellent, making serious pest problems extremely rare. Most growers report never needing to apply any pesticide or fungicide treatment to their Lagundi plants throughout the entire life of the shrub.