Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vitex negundo (lagundi) for the treatment of acute cough of mild to moderate severity among pediatric patients. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lagundi to placebo for acute cough of mild to moderate severity in children and adolescents aged two to twenty one years in ambulatory settings was performed. Authors of unpublished clinical trials with existing patent numbers were contacted and permission was obtained to access and include their studies in this review. Results: Seven studies were included, with a total of 308 participants. Lagundi increased the peak exploratory flow rate (PEFR) at the end of therapy compared with placebo but this was not statistically significant (p=0.36). The increase in PEFR was consistent with the results of the mechanistic isolated tissue studies that showed bronchodilating effect of lagundi. Studies using lagundi syrup showed decrease in the frequency of cough by 44–71%. Conclusion Lagundi therapy in acute cough of mild to moderate severity among pediatric patients has a bronchodilating effect and decreases the frequency and duration of coughing, with no serious adverse effects.
Cough