Karunechi (Vitex negundo),

Vitex negundo, commonly known as the “five-leaved chaste tree,” is a small shrub or tree that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a straight, cylindrical stem with a grayish-brown bark.

The leaves of Vitex negundo are compound, with five leaflets that are elliptical, lance-shaped, and serrated along the edges. The leaflets are around 5-10 cm long and 2-6 cm wide, with a dark green color on top and a lighter shade underneath. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The flowers are tubular, with five petals and a purplish-blue color, and bloom from July to September.

Vitex negundo is well-known for its medicinal properties, and various parts of the plant, including the leaves, stem, and roots, have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a range of ailments. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils, that are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Some of the traditional uses of Vitex negundo include treating fever, cough, headache, arthritis, skin diseases, and menstrual disorders. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using Vitex negundo for medicinal purposes.