May help with

• menstrual cycle problems
• menstrual pain
• PMS
• Menopause
• Hot flush
• Vaginal dryness

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Chaste tree

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Chaste Tree, Monk 's Pepper , Chaste Tree (English)

International Latin denomination

Vitex lamb - castus

botanical family

Verbenaceae

Description and habitat

• Mediterranean shrub of humid places with a pepper smell, cultivated as an ornamental plant
• 1 to 2 m high
• Long inflorescence of short, compact racemes with whorls of fragrant bluish or purplish tubular, bilabiate flowers

History and tradition

• In the Iliad, it symbolized chastity, quoted by Dioscorides and Pliny
• Its Latin name ('"  agnus castus  ", chaste lamb) evokes its anaphrodisiac properties
• It was cultivated near the monasteries for this purpose (it is the "pepper of the monks", because they chewed the berries to avoid the temptations of the flesh. It entered into the composition of the "Essence of chastity of Michael" .
• In the Middle Ages, it was used to "repress lust, make man chaste like a lamb, tighten the womb and bring flowers" (menstruation)

Parts used

• Flowering tops and fruits

Dosage forms available

• Fruit tincture
• EPS of aerial parts
• Hydro-alcoholic dry extract
  • Élusanes® (20 mg dry extract)

Usual dosages

Take in the second part of the cycle, for example from the 8th to the 21st day:

• Mother tincture 50 drops 2 to 3 times a day
• EPS one teaspoon
• Dry extract 2 capsules of 20 mg

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Flavonoids  : casticin , vitexin , C-glycosides, penduletin , chrysosplenol , luteolin , luteolin-7-glucoside , homoorientin [1]
• Iridoids  : aucuboside , agnuside , eurostoside
• Labdane-diterpènes : rotundifurane, vitexilactone, diacétoxy-labdane-diène, 6β,7β-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene
• Cineole essential oil , various fatty acids and commonplace compounds
• 3-ketosteroids (?) and ecdysones in other Vitex species

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

• α-pinene (14.83%), limonene (10.29%), β-caryophyllene (6.9%), sabinene (5.27%), β-farnesene (5.9%)

Properties

Plant properties

• Emmenagogue, sedative, anaphrodisiac in men
• Inhibits in vitro and in vivo (in rats) prolactin secretion
• would favor the design
• Anti-estrogen and anti-androgen
• Causes a rise in progesterone concentrations in the middle of the cycle (it is called "phyto-progesterone", but mode of action very different from that of "phyto-estrogens)
  • Consumption of the fruits of a related species, Vitex fischeri , by female chimpanzees during the approximately 6 weeks of annual fruiting, dramatically increases progesterone levels in their urine [2]
• Decreases signs of endocrine aging in female mice [3]
• Normalizes pulsatile secretion of GnRh and gonadotropins LH and FSH
• Dopaminergic: the mode of action of Vitex extract is identical to that of dopamine ( rotundifuran ), similarly hampered by haloperidol, a dopaminergic agonist which acts centrally and peripherally, via the inhibition of prolactin secretion
• Affinity for dopamine D2 receptor ( 6β,7β-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene and rotundifuran ) [4]
• inhibits the proliferation of myeloid leukemic cells HL-60, apoptosis inducer ( rotundifuran , polymethoxyflavones , luteolin ) [5] , [6] , [7]

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

• Central endocrine effect, decreases ACTH production without acting on corticosterone production [8]
• Analgesic [9]
• Antifungal (Candida) [10]

Indications

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Gynecological disorders by hyperfolliculinia, premenstrual syndrome [11] , premenstrual depression [12] , [13] , mastodynia [14] , [15] , premenopause
• Polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, menstrual disorders
• Sterilities
• Abnormalities of the cycle and phases of the menstrual cycle with luteal insufficiency and latent hyperprolactinemia [16]
• Prolactin inhibition would explain the effect on breast tension and pelvic swelling
• Secondary ovarian failure except prolactinoma and hypothyroidism
• Hot flushes, vaginal dryness [17]
• May be helpful in Restless Leg Syndrome
• Homeopathic indications [18]
  • Self-dissatisfaction, sadness, thoughts of death, drowsiness, heaviness, lack of concentration
  • Daytime sleepiness, frequent urination
  • Menstrual disorders, hypermenorrhea, menorrhagia, luteal insufficiency, premenopause, stimulation of milk production
  • Men: sexual weakness and impotence, or unusual strong urges

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

• Menopause (?) [19] , [20]

Known or suspected mode of action

• The activity would be due to a group of substances of structure labdanes diterpenes ( rotundifuran ): dopaminergic agonist which acts at the central level and at the peripheral level, via the inhibition of the secretion of prolactin. Labdane-diterpenes have strong structural analogies to steroids
• The central action of the Vitex extract on the dopaminergic systems, in particular the mesolimbic and extrapyramidal system, would explain its activity on the psychic, motor and somatic aspects of premenstrual syndrome.
• GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) or gonadoliberine (international chemical nomenclature) or gonadorelin (name of the international pharmacopoeia) is the hypothalamic hormone which controls the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins
• It is a decapeptide whose structure is highly conserved in vertebrates
• Since the 1970s, it has been known that the secretion of gonadotropins, and especially LH, is pulsatile. Gonadotropin pulsatility is shown to be the consequence of GnRH pulsatility. The latter is an intrinsic property of hypothalamic GnRH neurons: hypothalamic explants like cultured hypothalamic neurons secrete GnRH in a pulsatile fashion. In addition, all the hypothalamic neurons secrete in a concerted way and form a functional network called "GnRH pulse generator".

Usual formulations

• It is generally prescribed in the middle of the cycle, for example from the 8th to the 21st day

Regulations

• French Pharmacopoeia list A (flowering top, fruit)

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• Non-toxic, apparently harmless
• Lack of activity on FSH and LH gonadotropins [21]
• Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation
• The most common side effects are nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus, erythematous rash
• Pharmacokinetic interactions:
  • No interactions noted.
• Pharmacodynamic interactions:
  • Association not recommended with dopaminergic agonist drugs (antiparkinsonians among others), or dopaminergic antagonists (anti-emetics) [22] due to additive or antagonistic effects of chaste tree extracts
  • Association not recommended with estrogens or anti-estrogens (tamoxifen)

Bibliographic references

1. Go↑ Long Christopher. Phytochemical study, evaluation of biological potential of Vitex agnus castus L. (Verbenaceae). Doctoral thesis in Treatment of plant raw materials under the direction of Isabelle Fourasté-Roy, 1995, Toulouse, INPT.
2. Go↑ Thompson, Melissa & Wilson, Michael & Gobbo, Grace & Muller, Martin & Pusey, Anne. (2008). Hyperprogesteronemia in Response to Vitex fischeri Consumption in Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). American journal of primatology. 70. 1064-71. 10.1002/ajp.20600.
3. Go↑ Ahangarpour A, Najimi SA, Farbood Y. Effects of Vitex agnus-castus fruit on sex hormones and antioxidant indices in a d-galactose-induced aging female mouse model.J Chin Med Assoc. 2016 Nov;79(11):589-596. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2016.05.006. PMID 27595438
4. Go↑ Hoberg E, Orjala J, Meier B, Sticher O. Diterpenoids from the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus. Phytochemistry. 1999, vol. 52, no8, pp. 1555-1558 [1]
5. Go↑ Ko WG, Kang TH, Lee SJ, Kim YC, Lee BH. Rotundifuran, a labdane type diterpene from Vitex rotundifolia, induces apoptosis in human myeloid leukaemia cells. Phytother Res. 2001 Sep;15(6):535-7. PMID 11536386
6. Go↑ Ko WG, Kang TH, Lee SJ, Kim NY, Kim YC, Sohn DH, Lee BH. Polymethoxyflavonoids from Vitex rotundifolia inhibit proliferation by inducing apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells. Food Chem Toxicol. 2000 Oct;38(10):861-5. PMID 11039319
7. Go↑ Ko WG, Kang TH, Lee SJ, Kim YC, Lee BH. Effects of luteolin on the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human myeloid leukaemia cells. Phytother Res. 2002 May;16(3):295-8. PMID 12164283
8. Go↑ Šošić-Jurjević B, Ajdžanović V, Filipović B, et al. (2016) Functional morphology of pituitary -thyroid and -adrenocortical axes in middle-aged male rats treated with Vitex agnus castus essential oil. Acta Histochem., 118(7):736-745.
9. Go↑ Khalilzadeh E, Vafaei Saiah G, Hasannejad H, Ghaderi A, Ghaderi S, Hamidian G, Mahmoudi R, Eshgi D, Zangisheh M. Antinociceptive effects, acute toxicity and chemical composition of Vitex agnus-castus essential oil. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2015 May-Jun;5(3):218-30. PMID 26101755
10. Go↑ Asdadi A, Hamdouch A, Oukacha A, Moutaj R, Gharby S, Harhar H, El Hadek M, Chebli B, Idrissi Hassani LM. Study on chemical analysis, antioxidant and in vitro antifungal activities of essential oil from wild Vitex agnus-castus L. seeds growing in area of Argan Tree of Morocco against clinical strains of Candida responsible for nosocomial infections. J Mycol Med. 2015 Dec;25(4):e118-27. doi: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2015.10.005. PMID 26611404
11. Go↑ Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N. Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000 Apr;9(3):315-20. PMID 10787228 texte intégral
12. Go↑ Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2003 Apr;18(3):191-5. PMID 12672170 texte intégral
13. Go↑ He Z, Chen R, Zhou Y, Geng L, Zhang Z, Chen S, Yao Y, Lu J, Lin S. Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China. Maturitas. 2009 May 20;63(1):99-103. PMID 19269753 texte intégral
14. Go↑ Halaska M, Beles P, Gorkow C, Sieder C. Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Breast. 1999 Aug;8(4):175-81. PMID 14731436
15. Go↑ Carmichael AR. Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence? Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Sep;5(3):247-50. PMID 18830450 texte intégral
16. Go↑ Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H, Sienkiewicz K, Jedrzejak J, Teucher T, Schmitz H. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung. 1993 Jul;43(7):752-6. PMID 8369008
17. Go↑ Seidl M. M. and Stewart D. E. Alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms. Systematic review of scientific and lay literature. Can Fam Physician. 1998 June; 44: 1299–1308. PMCID PMC2278276
18. Go↑ Albert von Fellenberg-Ziegler. Homeopathic Materia Medica or brief description of the most common homeopathic medicines. Haug-Verlag, 1998
19. Go↑ Lucks BC, Sørensen J, Veal L. Vitex agnus-castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a self-care survey. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2002 Aug;8(3):148-54. PMID 12353616
20. Go↑ Chopin Lucks B. Vitex agnus castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a research update [Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 8 (2003) 148-154]. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2003 Aug;9(3):157-60. PMID 12852933
21. Go↑ Jarry, H., Leonhardt, S., Gorkow, C., & Wuttke, W. (1994). In vitro prolactin but not LH and FSH release is inhibited by compounds in extracts of Agnus castus: direct evidence for a dopaminergic principle by the dopamine receptor assay. Experimental and clinical endocrinology, 102(6), 448–454. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211317 PMID 7890021
22. Go↑ Daniele C, Thompson Coon J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32. PMID 15783241

• Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001 January 20; 322(7279): 134–137. PMID 11159568
• Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-Wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003 May;10(4):348-57. PMID 12809367
• Geller S E, Studee L. Contemporary Alternatives to Plant Estrogens for Menopause. Maturitas. 2006 November 1; 55(Suppl 1): S3–13.
• Brown D. The use of Vitex agnus castus for hyperprolactinemia. Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine 1997:19–21.
• Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H, Sienkiewicz K, Jedrzejak J, Teucher T, Schmitz H. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung. 1993 Jul;43(7):752-6. PMID 8369008
• Hajdú Z, Hohmann J, Forgo P, Martinek T, Dervarics M, Zupkó I, Falkay G, Cossuta D, Máthé I. Diterpenoids and flavonoids from the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus and antioxidant activity of the fruit extracts and their constituents. Phytother Res. 2007 Apr;21(4):391-4. PMID 17262892
• Ono M, Nagasawa Y, Ikeda T, Tsuchihashi R, Okawa M, Kinjo J, Yoshimitsu H, Nohara T. Three new diterpenoids from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2009 Oct;57(10):1132-5. PMID 19801874
• Shao-Nong Chen, J. Brent Friesen, Donna Webster, Dejan Nikolic, Richard B. van Breemen, Z. Jim Wang, Harry H.S. Fong, Norman R. Farnsworth, Guido F. Pauli. Phytoconstituents from Vitex agnus-castus fruits. Fitoterapia, Volume 82, Issue 4, June 2011, Pages 528-533. PMID 21163339 [2]
• EMEA European Medicines Agency : COMMITTEE ON HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (HMPC) : LIST OF REFERENCES FOR ASSESSMENT OF: Vitex lamb-castus L., fruit of lamb cast fruit (lamb castus fruit) [3]

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

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