文章基本信息

标题：ALTERNATIVE treatments
作者：Boon, Heather
期刊名称：Friend Indeed, A : for women in the prime of life
电子版ISSN：0824-1961
出版年度：2005
卷号：Jul/Aug 2005
出版社：A Friend Indeed Publications Inc.

ALTERNATIVE treatments

Boon, Heather

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.)

Chaste tree is a deciduous aromatic shrub native to Mediterranean Europe, central Asia and parts of India, but now widely cultivated in sub-tropical regions. Small lilac-like flowers grow in whorls on long spikes and produce purple peppercorn-shaped berries. Chaste tree is also known as chasteberry, Agnus-castus or Monk's pepper.

Traditional use: Chaste tree has been used since the time of ancient Greece and Rome, where it played a part in religious ceremonies and medicinal practice. It was reputed to decrease libido in women and was used to "secure" chastity. Chaste tree has long been considered of particular importance in women's health care.

Current medicinal use: While more research is needed, a growing amount of scientific evidence supports the use of this herb in women's health issues. Chaste tree berry is primarily used for the unpleasant consequences of menses and menopause (premenstrual syndrome and heavy flows) due to its amphoteric or balancing quality.

Mechanism of action: It has been suggested that the mechanism of action of agnus-castus is centrally mediated, rather than a direct hormone-like action. By hypothetically acting at the level of the pituitary, it promotes LH (luteinizing hormone) and inhibits FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) release. This consequently results in an increase in progesterone levels at the expense of estrogen. Many practitioners have noted that chaste tree appears more progesteronal than estrogenic in nature.

Effects on premenstrual syndrome: Several clinical trials have reported that chaste tree may provide symptomatic relief for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). One randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study found that women ingesting chaste tree (extract Ze 440, 1 tablet daily for three menstrual cycles) had an improved combined score on their rating of their irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, and breast fullness compared to those in the placebo group.

Menopausal effects: It has been reported that chaste tree, either alone or combined with other herbal medicines, may prove useful in the management of the unpleasant consequences of menopause, notably fluid retention, hot-flushing, anxiety and depression.

Adverse effects: Situations of dry mouth, disturbed sleep, tachycardia, nausea, allergic skin reaction, vomiting, sensation of epigastric pressure, confusion, giddiness, acne, pruritus, alopecia, erythema and headache have been noted in some studies. Changes in menses including increased flow and changes in cycle have also been noted.

Drug interactions: It is advisable not to use vitex agnus-castus with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Vitex agnus-castus should also be used with caution in individuals taking dopamine antagonists such as haloperidol and metoclopramide.

By Heather Boon, PScPhm, PhD & Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND

Excerpted with permission from The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs, by Heather Boon and Michael Smith, Robert Rose,Inc. 2004, Toronto, ISBN: 0-7788-0081-4.