|
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.
 
Vitex
Herbal Supplement
|
