Vitex Agnus Castus Exploring Medicinal Potential : Pharmacological investigation of Vitex agnus castus for antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities

The results obtained from standardization of leaves estabilished the macro and microscopic parameters, physicochemical parameters, HPTLC and HPLC profiles that characterize the genuine plant drug Vitex agnus castus.These parameters can be utilized for quick identification of drug and are particularly useful in case of powdered materials.The findings reveal significant activity of plant in acute,sub-acute and chronic models for inflammation.Also,probable mechanism of inflammation has been elucidated by IL- 6 and TNF- estimation.The findings also reveal significant antioxidant activity of plant assessed by various in-vitro and in-vivo models.The findings also established the correlation between antioxidant and chronic antiinflammatory activity and possible chemical mediators involved for antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity.The extracts also showed inhibition of IL-6, TNF- .The antioxidant property makes it suitable for chronic and prolonged administration required for treatment of chronic inflammatory process.The toxicity profile of the plant can be used for designing preclinical and clinical studies.