Description
Vitex contains several different components, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. The whole fruit extract, rather than any of its individual constituents, appears to be necessary for vitex's medicinal activity. Vitex does not contain hormones. Vitex's benefits stem from its actions on the pituitary gland, specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). This indirectly increases progesterone production and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitex also controls prolactin secretion. The ability to reduce mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome.
A controlled clinical trial showed that women taking 20 mg daily of a concentrated vitex extract for three menstrual cycles experienced a significant reduction in PMS symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, headaches, and breast tenderness. Another double-blind trial showed that women taking vitex had slightly greater relief from PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness, cramps, and headaches, than those taking vitamin B6. These trials confirm the findings of preliminary trials of vitex in women with PMS. Vitex (32.4 mg daily), combined with certain homeopathic remedies, was also found in a double-blind trial to successfully treat breast tenderness (also known as mastalgia).
A review of other trials and case studies suggests that there is at least preliminary support for the idea that Vitex should be considered in women with irregular menstruation, infertility, and mildly elevated prolactin levels. Double-blind trials have confirmed the effectiveness of Vitex in reducing mildly elevated prolactin levels in women. According to one small trial, acne associated with PMS may also be reduced with Vitex.
