Vitex [Chaste tree] Benefits and Side Effects

Vitex [Chaste tree, Monk's pepper; Vitex
agnus-castus] Side Effects and Benefits

Vitex agnus castus L. (Vitex) [Verbenaceae] is a deciduous shrub that is native to
Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. [3]Traditionally, Vitex fruit or Chastberry has
been used for many hormone-related gynecologic conditions for centuries. [1-4] It is
well-tolerated with limited side adverse effects. The common side effects of
chasteberry include nausea, headache, gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, dry
mouth, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus and erythematous rash. Drug-herb
interaction has not been reported, but caution is needed if taking with dopamine
agonists or antagonists. [1,4]

Without scientific evidence, chaste fruit or its berry has been used to enhance breast
milk production (i.e. galactagogue) and reduce sexual desire. [1] There are some
literature supporting its benefits on cyclical breast discomfort and premenstrual
syndrome, limited supports its uses in menstrual irregularities and fertility disorders.
The German Commission E has approved the use of VAC for irregularities of the
menstrual cycle, premenstrual disturbances and mastodynia. [3]

Potential Health Benefits of Vitex Agnus-castus Fruit
Extract

Extracts of Vitex agnus-castus fruits (VACF) are described to have beneficial effects on
disorders related to hyperprolactinemia (cycle disorders, premenstrual syndrome). [5]

Treatment of 121 patients suffered from premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus
castus extracts could decrease the symptoms of prementstrual syndrome (PMS) with
a well-tolerance. [7] Premenstrual mastodynia has been suggested related to latent
hyperprolactinemia, excessive release of prolactin in response to stress and during
deep sleep phase to stimulate the mammary gland. [4] Researchers found treatment
of patients suffered from this conditions with the vitex extract resulted in reduction of
the serum prolactin levels. They also found this prolactin-suppressive effects are
related to dopaminergic properties of a number of compounds in Vitex agnus
castus.[4]While, researchers from University of Illinois at Chicago found that extracts
of haste-tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus L.)at 46 +/- 3 microg/ml could displace 50% of
estradiol from ERalpha and 64 +/- 4 microg/ml from ERbeta. [6]

A Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract was shown to exhibit antitumor activities in different
human cancer cell lines. Researchers from University of Basel, Switzerland, further
explored the antiproliferative effects of the extract with a particular focus on
apoptosis-inducing and potential cytotoxic effects. They found that the Vitex
agnus-castus fruit extract inhibited proliferation of three different human prostate
epithelial cell lines (BPH-1, LNCaP, PC-3) in a concentration-dependent manner with
IC (50) values below 10 microg/mL after treatment for 48 h. Part of the cells were
undergoing apoptosis. The VACF-induced decrease in cell number was partially
inhibited by Z-VAD-fmk, indicating a caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death.
However, the concentration-dependent LDH activity of Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract
treated cells indicated cytotoxic effects as well. Thus, the extract may be useful for the
prevention and/or treatment not only of benign prostatic hyperplasia but also of human
prostate cancer. [5]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. REMEMBER THIS
SUPPLEMENT HAS EFFECT ON YOUR ESTROGEN AND DOPAMINE LEVELS, YOU MUST
DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING THIS HERB, IF YOU ARE ON HORMONE
THERAPIES OR RELATED TREATMENTS.

REFERENCE [1] Roemheld-Hamm B. Chasteberry.Am Fam Physician. 2005 Sep 1;72(5):821-4. [2]
Mancho P, Edwards QT.Chaste tree for premenstrual syndrome. An evolving therapy in the United
States.Adv Nurse Pract. 2005 May;13(5):43-4, 46. [3] Daniele C, et al, Vitex agnus castus: a
systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32. [4] Wuttke W, et al, Chaste tree
(Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine. 2003
May;10(4):348-57. [5] Weisskopf M, et al, A Vitex agnus-castus extract inhibits cell growth and
induces apoptosis in prostate epithelial cell lines. Planta Med. 2005 Oct;71(10):910-6 [6] Liu J,et
al, Isolation of linoleic acid as an estrogenic compound from the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L.
(chaste-berry).Phytomedicine. 2004 Jan;11(1):18-23.[7] Prilepskaya VN,et al, Vitex agnus castus:
Successful treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome.Maturitas. 2006 Sep 8.