 |
 |
 |
|
Vitex, also called Chasteberry or Chaste Berry, is one of the most popular botanicals in Europe for treating menstrual disorders and has been recognized as gentle and effective for 2,500 years. Numerous clinical studies document its benefit.
The dried ripe pepper-like fruit of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is used quite frequently as an ingredient in supplements.
History; Source
The use of this plant is listed by Hippocrates in the 4th century B.C., and has been used since that time by millions of people. The use of the fruits of the chaste plant have been used primarily to regulate the menstrual cycle, although it was also thought to decrease libido in both men and women (hence the name chaste).
Chaste berries are available in powdered extracts, standardized extracts and tinctures. Extracts of Chaste berry are "Approved" by the German Commission E for menstrual irregularities, PMS, and breast pain. Look for Chaste berry (Vitex) in various formulas for women.
Function; Reasons For Use
Many menstrual problems can be traced to deficient progesterone production during the second half of the menstrual cycle, also called the luteal phase. Insufficient progesterone during this phase of the menstrual cycle results in estrogen dominance, leading to a shortening of that part of the cycle, commonly referred to as luteal phase defect. A shortened luteal phase with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone causes all kinds of problems for women: heavy periods, scanty periods, too frequent periods, or no periods at all. Another pituitary hormone, prolactin, may also be elevated during this time, resulting in breast tenderness and pain, a classic symptom of PMS.
How does vitex help? Vitex does not act as a phytoestrogen (plant estrogen), a term commonly associated with balancing the female reproductive system. Vitex instead works through another important chemical pathway, the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, to balance female hormones. Vitex increases luteinizing hormone production while inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone, leading to an indirect increase in progesterone and a normalization of prolactin levels. The combination of actions produced by vitex seems to restore the estrogen/progesterone balance.
Chaste berries contain essential oils, flavonoids and glycosides. Two of the iridoid glycosides, agnuside and aucubin, have been used to measure potency, and have even been used for standardization markers. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for triggering the female hormonal cycle. By increasing levels of lutenizing hormone and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone, Vitex is able to shift the ratio of estrogen to progesterone slightly in favor of progesterone.
Chaste berries are most often used in PMS, hypermenorrhea, unusual menstrual cycling, uterine fibroids and poor lactation.
Vitex and PMS
Clinical studies using vitex extract show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, after only one month. Vitex tincture, at an average daily dose of 42 drops, was prescribed for 2447 women who had a variety of menstrual disorders, including PMS. Although this was an uncontrolled study, both patients and physicians reported that vitex significantly improved symptoms. At the end of the study 31% of patients had complete relief of symptoms, and 55% reported significant improvement. "The doctors and patients were satisfied with the treatment in over 90% of cases, i.e., symptoms either disappeared altogether or were significantly improved. The good acceptability of the preparation is also shown by the long duration of the treatment, with a mean of 5 months, and up to 9 years in some cases...The tolerance is exceptional: only 2.3% of patients experienced unwanted effects with the treatment..." [1]
In another uncontrolled observational study 1,542 women were given 42 drops of vitex tincture (Agnolyt) each day. Among the patients, 33% had complete relief of symptoms while 57% reported improvement. Again, their doctors rated vitex tincture as very good, good, or satisfactory in 93% of the cases. [2]
Women with PMS may want to use vitex either alone or preferably as part of a comprehensive herbal formula. Clinical studies using vitex show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, often after only one month.
Other uses
Low levels of progesterone are believed to contribute significantly to menopausal symptoms. The ability of vitex to increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone which raises progesterone levels is the likely mode of action. Physicians in Europe commonly recommend vitex for the treatment of hot flashes.
Vitex is used as a way to prevent repeat uterine fibroids, and is probably the most effective herb in the treatment of menorrhagia. However, it needs to be used for several months before its effects are noticed.
Vitex is often used to help infertility caused by a luteal phase defect (a shortening of the post-ovulatory part of the menstrual cycle): women taking vitex for three months appear to have more success at becoming pregnant. [1]
The herb vitex can help the body establish a proper balance between estrogen and progesterone by encouraging the production of progesterone. [2] If taken regularly for several months, it helps to restore hormonal balance and alleviate PMS symptoms. [3]
In one study of 100 nursing mothers, vitex was shown to significantly improve milk flow and milk-release when compared to placebo. [4] Vitex is traditionally taken the first day after birth and continued for ten days. Vitex is only recommended if there are any problems with milk production.
At low dose (120mg per day) of chasteberry, prolactin production is stimulated, while at higher dose (240-480mg per day) prolactin production is decreased.
Herbalists have used vitex with much success in treating teenage acne. Well-known herbalist and author, Christopher Hobbs, finds vitex very useful for treating teenage acne, preferably accompanied by changes in eating habits. "I have worked with some teenagers who had chronic acne for several years who were not willing to change their diet in any way. They felt attached to soft drinks, french fries, pizza and hamburgers, and no amount of logical discussion could change their minds. If vitex can help in these cases, it seems likely to help in other cases where dietary improvements are possible, and in my experience it can help dramatically. I have given it to both young men and women with equal effectiveness. The remedy often takes from one to two months before it becomes fully active." [5]
Directions
Recommended Dosage: Different forms and concentrations make general dosage recommendations difficult. It is recommended that you follow the label instructions or your doctor's advise. 40 drops (2ml) of vitex extract or 120 drops (6ml) tincture taken daily can be used for up to eighteen months continuously, unless pregnancy occurs (at which point vitex use should be discontinued). Two tablets (250mg each) of an dry extract is also a common recommendation. It is usually recommended by that Vitex be taken as a single daily dose first thing in the morning.
Expected Outcome; Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
It is important to note that Vitex is not a fast acting medication and needs to be taken consistently for some time. The average length of treatment is six months.
The safety of vitex is exceptional - in one study, vitex was given up to 9 years in some cases, with very few side-effects.
Vitex may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medications. It is not recommended to pregnant women or who want to be pregnant because of the possibility of miscarriage. Patients should consult their doctor before using Vitex products if they are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, or on hormonal replacement therapy.
References & Further Information
- Loch, E. Bohnert K.J. Peeters M, et al. "The treatment of menstrual disorders with Vitex agnus-castus tincture." Der Frauenarzt. 1991. 32(8): pp.867-70.
- Dittmar, F., Bohnert, K.J., Peeters M. et al. "Premenstrual syndrome: treatment with a phytopharmaceutical." Therapiewoche Gynakol. 1992. 5(1): pp.60-8.
- Lauritzen, C.H. et al. "Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: controlled, double-blind study versus pyridoxine." Phytomed. 1997. 4: pp.183-9.
- Mohr, H. "Clinical investigations of means to increase lactation." Dtsche. Med. Wschr. 1954. 79 (41): pp.1513-16.
- Hobbs, Christopher. Vitex: the women's herb. 2nd ed. 1996. Botanica Press.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Vitex / Chasteberry can help with the following: | | | | | Hormones |  Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance | Vitex increases luteinizing hormone production while inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone, leading to an indirect increase in progesterone and a normalization of prolactin levels. If taken regularly for several months, it helps to restore hormonal balance and alleviate PMS symptoms. |
|
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Adolescent Acne| | Vitex has been found to be very useful for treating teenage acne, preferably accompanied by changes in eating habits. |
|
Tumors, Benign |
 Fibroids |
Uro-Genital |
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)| | Vitex is probably one of the most effective herbs in the treatment of menorrhagia. However, it needs to be used for several months before its effects are noticed. |
Premenstrual Syndrome| | Clinical studies using vitex extract show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, after only one month.
One study compared vitex to vitamin B6 for treatment of PMS. In all, 85 women were given one capsule of vitex that contained up to 4.2mg of vitex agnus castus dried fruit, daily for three consecutive menstrual cycles. At the same time, another 90 women were given a placebo on the first 15 days of their menstrual cycle and 2 capsules of vitamin B6 (100mg per capsule) for the rest of the cycle. At the end of the study premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) scores were reduced nearly equally with vitex and vitamin B6. The investigators rated vitex as excellent for 24.6% of the patients compared to 12.1% for vitamin B6. Some 36% of the women reported that they became virtually symptom-free with vitex compared to only 21.1% of the vitamin B6 group. |
Motherhood Issues| | In one study of 100 nursing mothers, vitex was shown to significantly improve milk flow and milk-release when compared to placebo. Vitex is traditionally taken the first day after birth and continued for ten days. Vitex is only recommended if there are any problems with milk production. |
Endometriosis
Menopausal Issues| | Low levels of progesterone are believed to contribute significantly to menopausal symptoms. The ability of vitex to increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone which raises progesterone levels is the likely mode of action. Physicians in Europe commonly recommend vitex for the treatment of hot flashes. |
Metrorrhagia
 Female Infertility| | Vitex is often used to help infertility caused by a luteal phase defect (a shortening of the post-ovulatory part of the menstrual cycle): women taking vitex for three months appear to have more success at becoming pregnant. |
Not recommended for:
 Pregnancy-Related Issues| | Vitex should not be used by pregnant women. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
Endometriosis
A condition whereby endometrial tissue builds up in parts of the uterus where it does not belong or areas outside of the uterus, forming 'ectopic implants'. Unlike the normal tissue lining the uterus, ectopic tissue has no place to shed in response to a decline in estrogen and progesterone. This results in debris and blood accumulating at the site of the implant leading to inflammation, scarring and adhesions that ultimately cause symptoms and complications. Symptoms typically occur in a cyclic fashion with menstrual periods, the most common being pelvic pain and cramping before and during periods; pain during intercourse; inability to conceive; fatigue; painful urination during periods; gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Essential Oil (Essential Oils)
Volatile terpene derivative responsible for the odor or taste of a plant.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hypothalamus (Hypothalmus)
Tucked deep inside the brain, this gland is an important supervisory center, regulating many body functions. It is important for longevity and coordinates the entire endocrine system, especially in connection with the pituitary. The hypothalamus is located immediately below the thalamus at the center of the brain, and controls many automatic functions of the body. This means it has the power to govern the autonomic (automatic or subconscious) nervous system. The hypothalamus also controls pituitary output by secreting specific chemicals to the pituitary's front lobe. Despite its importance in maintaining homeostasis, the hypothalamus in humans accounts for only 1/300 of total brain weight, and is about the size of an almond.
Lactation (Lactate, Lactates, Lactating)
Production of milk; period after giving birth during which milk is secreted in the breasts.
Leiomyomas (Fibroids, Fibromyoma, Leiomyoma, Myofibroma)
Benign tumors of the involuntary muscle. An encapsulated tumor made up of disorganized and irregular connective tissue. The most common of these is the "fibroid" tumor that develops in many women. It is really a leiomyoma of the uterus.
Luteinizing Hormone
Anterior pituitary hormone stimulating estrogen production by the ovary; promoting formation of progesterone by the corpus luteum in women and stimulating testosterone release in men.
Menopause (Menopausal)
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.
Menorrhagia
Abnormally heavy and/or long menstrual period.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Miscarriage (Miscarriages, Spontaneous Abortion)
The expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive outside of the womb.
Phytoestrogen (Phytoestrogens)
A plant substance with activity similar to human estrogen, but with important differences. Like real estrogen, plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in cells, thereby preventing real estrogen from binding to these cells. Unlike real estrogen, however, plant estrogens do not stimulate cell growth, therefore, plant estrogens are believed to inhibit the growth of tumors that would normally be stimulated to grow by real estrogen.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS consists of various physical and/or emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about midcycle, are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation and include: acne; backache; bloating; fatigue; headache; sore breasts; changes in sexual desire; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty handling stress; irritability; tearfulness.
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Prolactin
An anterior pituitary peptide hormone that initiates and maintains lactation.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Tincture
An alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system. Also known as uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas, they are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. In more than 99% of cases they are benign (non-cancerous). They may range in size from the size of a pea to the size of a softball or small grapefruit. Some women never have symptoms, the most common of which are: heavy or prolonged menstrual periods; abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods; pelvic pain; frequent urination; low back pain; pain during intercourse; a firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis, which can be felt by a physician.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Vitex
Vitex agnus castus. Common name: chaste tree berry.
Last updated: Dec 09, 2008
|
 |
|
|
