Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, Vitex acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Vitex by increasing (LH) production and mildly inhibiting (FSH) results in an indirect shift that increases the ratio of progesterone to estrogen. •
Vitex contains no hormones or hormone-like substances but is thought to influence hormonal activity by stimulating the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This signals the ovaries to produce more of the hormone progesterone. Recommended to treat reproductive-tract disorders and relieve the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Vitex lowers elevated levels of a second pituitary hormone, prolactin, which is involved in breast-milk production. Lowering prolactin can improve the balance with progesterone and help ovulation, thus providing opportunities for conception.
In Studies: In a double blind study of 178 women receiving either 20 mg/d of chaste tree berry or placebo, 52 percent reported a marked improvement in symptoms such as irritability (BMJ, 322: 134-7, 2001). According to the study's authors, the berry's mixture of flavonoids may be behind the extract's mechanism of action.
History: Indigenous to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus) balances female hormones by stabilizing estrogen and progesterone levels.
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