Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Tree)

Chapter 138 Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Tree)




Vitex agnus castus (family: Verbenaceae)


Common name: chaste tree




image Chemical Composition


The fruit of Vitex contains essential oils, iridoid glycosides, and flavonoids.2 The essential oils include limonene, 1,8-cineole, and sabinene.3 The primary flavonoids are castican, orientin, and isovitexin. The two isolated iridoid glycosides are agnuside and aucubin (Figures 138-1 and 138-2).4 Agnuside serves as a reference material for quality control in the manufacture of Vitex extracts, although the flavonoid casticin appears to be the most active component.






image Pharmacology


Vitex acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. One observed effect is that it increases the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) (Figure 138-3), resulting in a corpus luteum–like hormonal effect that shifts the estrogen/progesterone ratio in favor of progesterone.5 The ability of Vitex to increase or modulate the body’s progesterone levels is therefore an indirect effect and not a direct hormonal action.6



Vitex also modulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland. In studies with rats, it was shown to inhibit prolactin release by the pituitary gland, particularly in conditions of stress. The mechanism of action appears to involve the ability of Vitex to directly bind dopamine receptors and subsequently inhibit prolactin release in the pituitary.7,8 The flavonoid casticin appears to be responsible for this antihyperprolactinemia effect.9 Vitex also possesses significant antioxidant effect.10,11



image Clinical Applications


The causes of menstrual disorders are multifaceted and can vary greatly in their manifestations. Frequently, therapeutic interventions must be used on a trial-and-error basis over a number of menstrual cycles to determine their efficacy. Nutritional interventions like vitamin B6, magnesium, and vitamin E, as well as evening primrose oil for cyclic mastalgia, have all shown greater efficacy when used over several months. This characteristic reflects the gradual balancing effect that many of these interventions have on the female hormonal system. Vitex certainly fits this mold.


The majority of earlier clinical studies completed with Vitex were uncontrolled studies with large populations of female patients in European gynecology practices. Vitex, which has a Commission E Monograph in Germany, is commonly used in these practices as an initial intervention in a number of menstrual disorders, as follows:



Many of these conditions have been linked to corpus luteum insufficiency.



Corpus Luteum Insufficiency


Corpus luteum insufficiency (also referred to as luteal phase defect) is a manifestation of suboptimal ovarian function. In laboratory terms, corpus luteum insufficiency is usually defined as an abnormally low progesterone level 3 weeks after the onset of menstruation (serum progesterone below 10 to 12 ng/mL). This state is normal during puberty and at menopause; however, it is usually considered abnormal in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years.12


Corpus luteum insufficiency points to abnormal formation of ovarian follicles, an abnormality that may be so pronounced that no secondary or tertiary follicles are produced, with a resulting lack of ovulation (anovulation). Corpus luteum insufficiency also leads to a relative deficiency of progesterone. Insufficient levels of progesterone may also result in the formation of ovarian cysts.


Corpus luteum insufficiency may give rise to a myriad of menstrual abnormalities. Table 138-1 lists the most common clinical conditions in 1592 women diagnosed with corpus luteum insufficiency. Foremost are hypermenorrhea (heavy periods), polymenorrhea (abnormally frequent periods), and persistent anovulatory bleeding. Secondary amenorrhea (lack of a period) may sometimes be observed in women with corpus luteum insufficiency.


TABLE 138-1 The Most Common Clinical Conditions in 1592 Women Diagnosed with Corpus Luteum Insufficiency



















































DIAGNOSIS NO. OF PATIENTS PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
Hypermenorrhea 418 26.3
Polymenorrhea 369 23.2
Persistent anovulatory bleeding 216 13.6
Secondary amenorrhea 202 12.7
Dysmenorrhea 186 11.7
Anovulatory cycles 175 11.0
Involuntary sterility 145 9.1
Oligomenorrhea 69 4.3
Menorrhagia/metrorrhagia 66 4.1
Irregular menstrual cycles 32 2.0
Primary amenorrhea 1 0.1

Disturbances of other hormones may also be associated with corpus luteum insufficiency. One study found hyperprolactinemia in 70% of cases.13 Also noted is an exaggerated response to the thyroid-releasing hormone test, which is associated with manifest or latent hypothyroidism.

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Sep 12, 2016 | Posted by in MANUAL THERAPIST | Comments Off on Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Tree)

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