Information on Vitex?

Question

I would greatly appreciate some input/feedback on this supplement.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Well, there's quite a bit of information about it. It's also called "Chasteberry" (which is ironic, considering the common use of it). It is typically used for women's sexual health (libido and whatnot), and it helps to balance out hormones. Most commonly, it's used by women to help with "monthly issues", sometimes used by teenage girls to help with acne and other hormone-change related things, and it's even used to help with the change into menopause.

Let me know if you have any other specific questions.

Answer 2

i have been using Vitex in combo witth fish oil and zinc in treating my teen sons acne.  We have seen huge improvements and are very happy with the outcome

Answer 3

It is for regulating periods ( which I know from experience) and PMS.

In opposition to what Oldtimek said, Vitex does NOT help with libido/s*x drive.  It does just the opposite.  The Berry was actually called Monk's Pepper in olden days because it helped monks stay celibate (no s*x) and not prone to sexual desires.

Aso called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper — is a native of the Mediterranean region.

It is an anaphrodisiac, hence the name chaste tree or chasteberry (meaning virginal).

The berries are harvested by gently rubbing the berries loose from the stem. The leaves, flowers, and/or berries may be consumed as a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or simply eaten straight off the plant as a medicinal food.

The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have the same effect but to a lesser degree.

Clinical studies have shown its beneficial effects in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS). The use of extracts of the plant is recommended in Germany.

Its mechanism of action is not well known. A study has found that treatment with Vitex Agnus-castus caused a slight reduction of prolactin levels. A decrease of prolactin will influence levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen in women; and testosterone in men.  The most common use is to help regulate women's menstrual periods.

Flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenoids, vitexin, casticin and steroidal hormone precursors have been isolated from the chemical analysis of Vitex agnus-castus. It is believed that some of these compounds work on the pituitary gland which would explain its effects on hormonal levels. A study has shown that extracts of the fruit of Vitex can bind to opiate receptors; this could explain why intake of Vitex reduces PMS discomforts.