Effects of Agnus Castus/Vitex on Acne.?

Question

I've recently been told about Agust Castus (or chaste-tree) or Vitex, an extract with more common applications to balancing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. But can help balance hormone levels during puberty.

i tried doing some research and i found:

The biggest hormone affectors were androgens e.g. testosterone which are known to increase sebum production and thus can lead excessive cultures of skin bacteria in pores. These bacteria release agants which are inflammitory and will attract an immune responce leading to redness and swelling in affected areas, thus acne symptoms. Agnus castus contains compounds 'deterpens' which act on the D2 receptors causing a responce (guessing increased dopamine production) this inturn supresses levels of prolactin production in the body. I don't understand what effects decreased prolactin levels would have on the enocrine system as a whole and whether this could effect androgens. Vitex does also act as an anapradisiac.

Can u help?

Answer 1

Vitex agnus castus is a herb also known as Chaste Tree. Vitex grows naturally in the Mediterrean countries and Asia. It is a densely branched shrub growing up to 5cm in height. The fruit appears after whorls of violet flowers on long terminal shoots. Vitex agnus castus has several other names including Agnus Castus, Chasteberry and Monk's Pepper, from its use in the middle ages to control sexual desire in monks. The harvested ripe fruit are hard and have an aromatic odour. The main alkaloid found in the fruit is viticin. There are several flavonoids present including flavonol, penduletin and chrysophanol. Other constituents include essential fatty acids, amino acids (glycine, alanine, valine and leucine), essential oils, vitamin C and carotene.

Interactions

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- Vitex activates dopamine receptors and reduces the levels of the hormone prolactin and may thus increase the effects of drugs such as bromocriptine (prescribed for Parkinson's disease, for the prevention of lactation and for other conditions involving elevated prolactin levels). It may also interact with drugs that activate dopamine receptors, such as amantadine, L-dopa and other drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease.

- Vitex may increase the effects of opiate drugs such as morphine (prescribed for the control of severe pain).

- Vitex may increase the sedative effects of drugs such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines and alcohol.

- Vitex should not be taken with hormonal therapy, such as the oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy. It may interfere with the actions of these hormones by increasing the effects of progesterone and decreasing the effects of oestrogen.

- The effects of drugs that block dopamine receptors (antipsychotic medications such as thioridazine) may reduced by Vitex.

Notes

- Vitex should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

Medical use

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions. Vitex is reputed to have a hormonal effect and is often used for disorders of the female reproductive system. It is thought that to work by acting on the pituitary gland and is generally regarded as a balancer of the female hormone cycle. Vitex may help correct a relative progesterone deficiency.

Some examples of these ailments include amenorrhoea (absence of periods) as well as irregular bleeding, spotting, heavy and frequent bleeding, cystic hyperplasia of the womb lining, fibroids, cramping, depression, breast pains and any swelling of the body around period time. Vitex may be used to help resume a normal menstrual cycle after ceasing use of the contraceptive pill.

Vitex has been traditionally used in cases of infertility of unknown cause, or infertility due to diagnosis of hormonal imbalances.

Some studies show that Vitex agnus castus may stimulate the flow of breast milk in lactating mothers (no trace of the herb was left in the mother's milk).

Hot flushes and fluid retention may be managed with Vitex during menopause. Other menopausal symptoms that can be treated with Vitex include nervousness, anxiety or depression, and it can be used in the prevention of excessive weight gain. Some studies have shown that this herb is an anaphrodisiac. This means that it lessens the sexual desire in some people. Other ailments which may respond to Vitex agnus-castus include infertility, mouth ulcers and acne. Sufferers of hormonal acne have reported some relief when using this herb over a period of months. The action of Vitex is slow and steady. Benefits are noticed after one or two months, though a course of six months without a break is necessary for a full and lasting improvement. Females should take Vitex first thing in the morning on rising to impact on pituitary function.

Properties

Shows a promotion of progesterone effects. Increases milk production in nursing mothers. Reduces the effects of PMT. May help relieve the symptoms of hormonal acne in both females and males.