Standardization of Nirgundi ( Vitex negundo Linn.) and evaluation of its Anti-oxidant activity with special reference to Dadru ( Tinea infection ).

Tinea or ringworm is one of the most common skin disorders encountered in the clinical practice. It is a group name for a highly contagious segmented Mycelial fungus. It is a commonest single fungus group of infections found in an unhygienic conditions especially in tropical and subtropical countries, unless properly treated they become chronic. It is also prevalently seen in slum areas of Mumbai like Dharavi, Mankhurd. It affects about 35% of the population , it is equally common in men and women 1. It occurs at any age except Tinea capitis which occurs in children mainly. The modern treatment available for Tinea fungal infection gives only symptomatic relief without breaking the pathology and also gives unnecessary side effects to the patients.

Dadru is one of the commonly occurring skin diseases which have been included under Mahakushta by Acharya Sushruta2. According to Acharya Dalhana, Dadru is of 2 types, Sitha and Asitha. Dadru Kushta is considered as one of the AsthaMahagada 3. Acharya Charaka has mentioned 18 types of Kusta which are further divided into Mahakushta and Shudrakushta. Dadru has been considered under Shudrakushta by Acharya Charaka. Dadru bears greater resemblance with Tinea.

There are different treatment modalities which can be applied, as per the requirement of the situation. That is to say some skin conditions needs shodhana, some needs only shamana, some requires repeated shodhana, raktamokshana etc..,Dadru/Tinea is a condition again where all the treatment modalities can be applied.

Nirgundi(Vitex negundo Linn.) has been described by various Acharya, Nighantu grantha as well as Modern Ayurvedic texts.In the text of  Gadanigraha,Acharya Shodhal has mentionedNirgundi ( Vitex negundo Linn) patra swarasa lepa reduces Dadru 4. It is used as Kusthaghna, Krimighna dravya in various skin disorders. Dadru is basically Kaphapitta Pradhan vyadhi. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) is said to be Jantuhara and Kaphagna, which plays major role in Tinea infection (Dadru).

It can be assumed that Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) by its Anti-oxidant property will reduce oxidative stress in tinea fungal infection patients. Kusthaghna, Krimighanaand kaphaghana effect of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) can improve the skin condition of patients of Tinea infection by decreasing symptoms, normalizing skin and avoiding drug dependence and adverse effect.

To anticipate the effective management of Dadru vis-à-vis   Tinea, the present study is undertaken to evaluate the effect of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) in the management of Dadru (Tinea infection).