Vitex
Vitex is an herbal supplement whose common names are Chaste tree and Monk’s pepper. It’s botanical name is Vitex agnus-castus. Vitex grows in Mediterranean countries and central Asia and the dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used in herbal medicine preparations in connection with the following conditions:
- Acne (associated with menstrual cycle)
- Amenorrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Endometriosis
- Female Infertility
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)
- Pregnancy and postpartum support
- Premenstrual Syndrome
These historical or traditional uses may or may not be supported by scientific studies, however Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of vitex for a wide variety of conditions, including hemorrhage following childbirth and assisting with the “passing of afterbirth.”
Vitex contains several different components, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. The whole fruit extract, rather than any one of its individual compoents, appears to be necessary for the medicinal use of vitex. The benefits of vitex stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland—specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), although Vitex itself does not contain hormones. It indirectly increases progesterone production and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check which may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Clinical studies have shown that women taking 20 mg per day of a concentrated vitex extract for three menstrual cycles had a significant reduction in symptoms of PMS, including irritability, mood swings, headache, and breast tenderness.
Other studies and case reports suggest that there is support for women with irregular periods, infertility, and mildly elevated prolactin levels to consider taking Vitex.
The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily intake—30–40 mg of the dried herb—in capsules or in liquid preparations.12 Vitex is typically taken once in the morning with liquid for several months consecutively.
Vitex is not a fast-acting herb and is unlikely to give immediate relief to the discomfort associated with PMS, the emphasis is on long-term balancing of a woman’s hormonal system. For premenstrual syndrome, frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Infertile women with amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) can remain on vitex for 12 to 18 months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be used concurrently with hormone therapy (e.g., estrogen, progesterone).
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with vitex.
