Emerging pharmacological evidence supports a role for V. agnus-castus in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms and suggests that further investigation may be appropriate. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the treatment of menopause-related complaints.
J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug ;15(8):853-62. PMID: 19678775
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. [email protected]
BACKGROUND: The origin of the current practice of administering Vitex agnus-castus in menopause-related complaints is uncertain, but appears to be relatively recent. Here we review the evidence for this application of Vitex based on evidence from pharmacological studies and clinical research.
METHODS: The mechanisms of potential relevance in the context of menopause are explored with reference to the current understanding of the endocrinology and neuroendocrinology of menopause and associated symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, while evidence from rigorous randomized controlled trials is lacking for the individual herb in this context, emerging pharmacological evidence supports a role for V. agnus-castus in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms and suggests that further investigation may be appropriate.
