 |
|
||
|
|||
|
| Vitex or chaste tree berries are the dried fruits of Vitex agnus castus, a species from the Verbanaceae family which is native to Greece and Italy. It grows as a shrub along Mediterranean regions but can grow to the size of a small tree. The leaves are opposite with five to seven palmately compound leaflets. The bark is white-felted and the flowers are colored spikes of white and lilac-to-blue. The fruits are small, hard, reddish-black to gray drupes which have been used as medicine since the times of ancient Greece. The Greek name "agnos castos" means "chaste as a lamb", referring to its ancient use for calming sexual desires. It was also called "Monk’s pepper" in Germany for the same reason. Traditionally it was touted as a remedy for female imbalances. Modern interest in vitex is due to the plant’s effect on the female hormonal system. It has been proven that vitex increases milk flow in nursing mothers, demonstrating a galactogogue effect. Later it was found that vitex also helps treat menstrual disorders including heavy menstrual bleeding and very short menstrual cycles as well as general symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), endometriosis, fibrocystic disease, premenopausal symptoms, corpus luteum insufficiency, and pubescent acne (including men). Major symptoms of PMS aided by vitex include emotional depression, acne/skin rashes, mastitis, uterine cramps, migraines, heart pains, abdominal cramping, edema, and change in appetite. Vitex works by helping to balance the female sexual hormones. It is thought that it does this by regulating the pituitary gland, which is the master gland of the endocrine system. It sends chemical messages to other glands that specify how much of a particular hormone to secrete. Sensors elsewhere in the body detect the levels which are then regulated by negative feedback. It appears to indirectly stimulate progesterone production through the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It also has an estrogenic effect and thus is effective in treating menstrual complaints as well as constipation and acne. Research shows that vitex restores a normal estrogen-to-progesterone balance. In addition, vitex stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and luteotropic hormone (LTH), thus stimulating formation of the corpeus luteum, and it inhibits prolactin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). There are three main components of vitex that are thought to be responsible for these actions, which include an essential oil, iridoid glycosides, and a flavone. The essential oil is mainly composed of cineol, a- & b-pinene, and limonene. The iridoid glycosides are aucubin and agnuside; and the flavone is casticin. There are also some minor flavonoids present. Vitex can be taken safely through the end of the third month of pregnancy and has been used traditionally to prevent miscarriage. Because it is a galactogogue, it may bring on the flow of milk too early, so it is recommended to stop usage after three months. It has been used preventatively in treatment of endometriosis, but not until treatment with synthetic progesteronal drugs restores menstruation, then it is taken to prevent further complications. During menopause when progesterone levels decrease, vitex can help reduce some of the symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and vaginal dryness. Vitex has been used safely without side effects for over 2,000 years. It should not be taken with progesterone or progesterone-like drugs (such as birth control) as it may interfere with the drug’s action. Vitex creates a change in the body’s cyclic hormonal balance, acting gently and slowly to bring a positive change and requires long-term, continued use to receive the full, beneficial effects. |