Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) — commonly called just Vitex, but also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper — is a native of the Mediterranean region. Refer to Vitex for other species in the genus.

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Cultivation

Vitex agnus-castus is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its aromatic foliage and flowers. It grows to a height of 1-5 meters. It requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.

Medicinal Use

Herbal medicine

The leaves and tender stem growth of the upper 10 cm (4 inches), along with the flowers and ripening seeds, are harvested for medicinal purposes. The berries are harvested by gently rubbing the berries loose from the stem. The leaves, flowers, and/or berries may be consumed as a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or simply eaten straight off the plant as a medicinal food.

The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have the same effect but to a lesser degree.

This plant is commonly called monk's pepper because it was originally used as anti-libido medicine by monks to aid their attempts to remain celibate. It is believed to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name chaste tree.

Clinical evidence

Clinical studies have shown its beneficial effects in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS). ^{[1] [2] [3]}. The use of extracts of the plant is recommended in Germany. ^[4]

Its mechanism of action is not well known. A study has found that treatment with Vitex Agnus-castus caused a slight reduction of prolactin levels. ^[5] A decrease of prolactin will influence levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen in women; and testosterone in men.

Chemical analysis

Flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenoids, vitexin, casticin and steroidal hormone precursors have been isolated from the chemical analysis of Vitex agnus-castus.^[5] It is believed that some of these compounds work on the pituitary gland which would explain its effects on hormonal levels. A study has shown that extracts of the fruit of VAC can bind to opiate receptors; this could explain why intake of VAC reduces PMS discomforts. ^[6]

Current uses

Vitex Agnus-Castus is used as an alternative medicine to alleviate symptoms of various gynecological problems

• PMS ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Galactagogue. This use is disputed. ^[7]
• Potential as an insect repellent^[8]
• No clinical studies
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Menopause
  • Infertility

It is used in some supplements for male bodybuilders as a secondary component becauses of its effects on testosterone levels ^[5].

Contraindications

It is recommended that Vitex agnus-castus be avoided during pregnancy. ^{[9] [4]}

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Wuttke, W; Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-Wuttke D. (May 2003). "Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications". Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 10 (4): 348-57.
2. ^ ^{a b} Schellenberg, R. (Jan 2001). "Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study". British Medical Journal 322 (7279): 134-7.
3. ^ ^{a b} Berger, D; Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattström A (Nov 2000). "Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)". Arch Gynecol Obstet. 264 (3): 150-3.
4. ^ ^{a b} Daniele, C.; Thompson Coon J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. (2005). "Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events". Drug Safety 28 (4): 319-32.
5. ^ ^{a b c} Merz, PG; Gorkow C, Schrödter A, Rietbrock S, Sieder C, Loew D, Dericks-Tan JS, Taubert HD (1996). "The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects.". Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 04 (6): 447-53.
6. ^ Webster, D.E.; J. Lu, S.-N. Chen, N.R. Farnsworth and Z. Jim Wang (2006). "Activation of the μ-opiate receptor by Vitex agnus-castus methanol extracts: Implication for its use in PMS". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 106 (2): 216-221.
7. ^ Roemheld-Hamm, B. (September 2005). "Chasteberry". Am Fam Physician 72 (5): 821-4.
8. ^ Mehlhorn, H.; Schmahl,-G; Schmidt,-J (2005). "Extract of the seeds of the plant Vitex agnus castus proven to be highly efficacious as a repellent against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies". Parasitol-Res. 95 (5): 363-5.
9. ^ Chaste Tree. Drugs.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-11.

• Hartung, T., 2000. Growing 101 Herbs That Heal. Storey Books. ISBN 1-58017-215-6
• Chevallier, A., 2000. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7894-6783-6