| 2000mg met a day
Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 557
Points: 5,308.86 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 5,308.86 |  this is the info I have on vitex
Scientific name: Vitex agnus-castus
Historical or traditional use: Originally known as ""Chaste Tree"" during Medieval times, Vitex was said to suppress libido in Monks under a vow of celibacy, and was often suggested for this effect. It has been speculated that Chaste Tree Berries may have a testosterone lowering effect. Earlier writings by physicians such as Hypocrites indicate the use of Vitex for conditions of menstrual imbalance. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is used to treat headache, dizziness, eye pain, and muscular pains and aches. It is also helpful for teenagers, who have acne,(including young men), possibly for its hormone lowering/balancing effect. This herb, considered a female hormonal regulator, has been used by women for centuries. Vitex helps to maintain the proper balance of female hormones and it is very useful in treating a variety of female problems, such as relieving premenopausal symptoms, missed periods, as well as heavy menstrual bleeding. It has always been especially helpful in alleviating premenstrual symptom (PMS). Vitex shows hormone-type activity but is not itself a hormone, however there is enough clinical evidence to suggest the herb helps to maintain the proper balance of female hormones by working on hormone releasing factors from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Other information: Vitex is also used to promote breast health because it relieves swelling, and tenderness. It also has a reputation as a treatment for endometriosis and fibroids. By regulating the menstrual cycle, it may help treat infertility in some women. Vitex is used in modern European phytotherapy for menstrual and menopausal imbalance, upon termination of The Pill l(which contains synthetic progestins), women may find taking Vitex for several months will stabilize their menstrual cycle and bring on ovulation more quickly. Breast feeding mothers may benefit from taking Vitex to increase milk production. It is thought Vitex may work directly on the pituitary gland hormone responsible for milk production. It is believed Chaste/Vitex can lower an excess of estrogen and raise levels of progesterone, thus relieving insufficiencies of the latter which can result in many symptoms of menopause.
The key to getting results from Vitex is to STAY ON IT. This herb is not fast reacting, and it can take up to six months to get the full benefit. However you are still having monthly cycles, you should notice tremendous relief around your third or fourth cycle on Vitex.
Active constituents: The seeds/berries are the part of the plant used restore balance and functioning to the female reproductive system. Agnuside is the most active compound thought to relieve menopause & PMS symptoms. They plant parts also contain compound's known as vitexfolins A, B & C. Other substances include 10-O-vanilloylaucubin, dihydrodehydrodiconiferylalcohol- & vanilloyl- beta-D-(2'O-p-hydroxybenzoyl) glucoside, agnuside & erythro- & threoguaiacylglycerols. Vitex fruits contain rho-hydroxybenzoic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, casticin and, 3,6,7-trimethylquercetagetin. The fruit pulp is sweet and contains vitamin C, and possibly triterpenoids.
Research/Clinical data on Chaste Tree Berry: Good clinical evidence bears out the strong traditional reputation of Vitex/Chaste in the treatment of menstrual abnormalities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal complaints, and even infertility. A great deal of high quality research has been carried out on this plant in Germany for restoring a woman's normal monthly balance. Indications include menstrual discomforts stemming from estrogen/progesterone imbalance, which includes PMS/PMT, hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, heavy or frequent periods, amenorrhea (lack of periods), hot flashes associated with menopause, and other related conditions. Recently, a team of German investigators designed a controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized Vitex capsule formulation (Agnolyt®, Madaus AG) in comparison with pyrodoxine (vitamin B6) in 175 women with PMS. Pyridoxine was chosen for purposes of comparison because earlier research indicated its effectiveness in alleviating various symptoms of PMS, which may include nervousness, irritability, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, and skin and digestive problems.
The Study: 175 women were randomized to receive daily treatment with one standardized Vitex extract capsule (reported to be equivalent to 3.5 to 4.2 mg Vitex) plus one placebo capsule (n=90) or two 100 mg capsules of pyridoxine (n=85). Duration of treatment was three menstrual cycles. Therapeutic response was assessed with the premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) scale, recording of six typical PMS complaints, and the clinical global impression (CGI) scale. Treatment efficacy was assessed by both patients and physicians. At the end of the trial, 127 subjects were eligible for inclusion in the efficacy analysis; all 175 were included in the safety analysis. In comparison with pyridoxine, Vitex was associated with "a considerably more marked alleviation of typical PMS complaints, such as breast tenderness, edema, inner tension, headache, constipation, and depression." Overall, 77.1% of subjects taking Vitex reported improvements, compared to 60.6% of those in the pyridoxine group. With regard to physician assessments, 80% felt that both treatments provided "adequate" efficacy. However, 24.5% rated Vitex treatment as "excellent," compared to only 12.1% with pyridoxine.
Studies also indicate Vitex may be useful as a galactagogue, stimulating both production and secretion of breast milk. Comparative clinical studies show extracts increase or stimulate milk flow; reduce water retention during menstruation's; and ease discomforts associated with premenstrual syndrome. (Leung and Foster) It acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favor of the gestagens (progesterone)
How much to take? The amounts generally recommended are between 150mg - 500mg of a standardized extract (0.5% agnuside) daily. Capsules are generally in the vicinity of 150mg -350mg amounts, and the usual recommendations is 1-3 capsules in divided doses daily. Always check the label for instructions, and try to find a brand with a standardized amount of the active ingredients. One form of Vitex recommended by the German Commission E Monographs is 2.6 to 4.2 mg of dry extract in the concentration of 9.5-11.5:1 (w/w) (it is also specified in tincture and liquid extracts). 400mg of plain berry would give you the equivalent of 40 mg at 10:1 extract concentration. The amount you should take can be very confusing, as so much depends on the amount of actual ingredient in the product you choose, so before you buy, check with a health professional.
Low libido? Because of its reputation for suppressing the libido in both sexes, Vitex may not be the herb of choice for women with an already low sex drive, although some sources say Vitex has the ability to balance the sex drive (raise a lowered drive/lower a high sex drive). However if you still want to take this herb for its other well documented benefits, but worry it may not help your already low sex drive, you may like to consider also taking a supplement of Deer Antler Velvet, which has the reputation of restoring the libido in both sexes.
Safety/Contraindications: When taken in recommended amounts there are no reported harmful effects, and Vitex is considered safe for long-term use. However, some caution is advised since excessive doses may cause a nervous disorder known as formication, which manifests as a sensation of insects crawling over the skin! Minor side effects may include headache, gastrointestinal and lower abdominal complaints, and skin problems. Chaste Tree Berry/Vitex should not be used during pregnancy. If used to treat infertility, it should be discontinued as soon pregnancy occurs. Vitex should also not be taken in combination with oral contraceptives, unless under the guidance of a health professional. Use during drug hormone therapy should be done only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
References:
Blumenthal, Mark; Goldberg, Alicia; Brinckmann, Josef, Eds,; Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, 2000.
Blumenthal, Mark; Busse, Werner R; Goldberg, Alicia; Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Hall, Tara; Riggins, Chance W.; Rister, Robert S., Eds, Klein, Sigrid, PhD; Rister, Robert S, Trans, Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council, 1998.
Dittmar FW, Bohnert KJ, et al. Premenstrual syndrome: treatment with a phytopharmaceutical. TW Gynakol 1992; 5: 60-8. Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Brendler, Thomas, BA; Jaenicke, Christof, MD. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company, 1998.
Lauritzen CH, Reuter HD, Repge R, et al. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: controlled, double-blind study versus pyridoxine. Phytomed 1997; 4: 183-9.
Milewicz A, Gejdel E, et al. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to hyperprolactinemia: results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1993; 43: 752-6.
Murray, Michael, ND; Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, second ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin. 1999. Pizzorno, Joseph, ND; Murray, Michael T, Eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine, second ed. Churchill Livingstone, 1999
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I have two miracles.
dd Jordyn (9 yrs)
ds Ryan (3 yrs)
Since starting my new life on May 24/05 of calorie counting, exercising and taking 2000mg of met faithfully I now have 'regular' ovulatory cycles and have lost 75 lbs going from a size 22 to size 10.
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