Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste-Tree Berry, Chasteberry, Vitex Berry, Vitex Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper

Vitexin (Apigenin-8-C-glucoside)

Chemical Name: 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-[(2S,3S,4R,5R,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy- 6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]chromen-4-one
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀

Mol. Wt.: 432.38 g/mol

Molecular Structure:

Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper, is a small shrub-like tree native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. Vitex agnus-castus is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its aromatic foliage and flowers. It grows to a height of 1-5 meters. The leaves and tender stem growth of the upper 10 cm (4 inches), along with the flowers and ripening seeds, are harvested for medicinal purposes. The berries are harvested by gently rubbing the berries loose from the stem. The leaves, flowers, and/or berries may be consumed as a decoction, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, or simply eaten straight off the plant as a medicinal food. A popular way of taking Vitex is on awakening as a simple 1:1 fluid extract, which is said to interact with hormonal circadian rhythm most effectively.

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree,which has been used for more than 2,000 years. The name is thought to come from a belief that the plant promoted chastity--it is reported that monks in the Middle Ages used chasteberry to decrease sexual desire. It is believed to be a male anaphrodisiac, hence the name chaste tree. There are disputed accounts regarding its action on female libido, with some claims that it is anaphrodisiac and others that it is aphrodisiac.

Chasteberry was used in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome to treat many gynecologic conditions. It was considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. More recently, over the past few decades, chasteberry has been used to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cycle irregularities, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Vitex, also a traditional plant in Africa, is a little-known fruit plant that has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare. It has also been used as a carminative and an anxiolytic. Clinical studies have shown its beneficial effects in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS) and infertility. The use of extracts of the plant is recommended in Germany.Its mechanism of action is not well known. Vitex Agnus-Castus is used as an Alternative medicine to alleviate symptoms of various gynecological problems, such as Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Menopause, Galactagogue (stimulate the production of breast milk), Infertility, acne, Potential as an Insect repellent, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Uterine fibroids, Luteal phase defect. It is used in some supplements for male bodybuilders as a secondary component because of its effects on testosterone levels.

The Chaste-tree berries contain mainly Flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenoids, Vitexin (an apigenin flavone glycoside), Casticin and steroidal hormone precursors. It is believed that some of these compounds work on the pituitary gland which would explain its effects on hormonal levels. A study has shown that extracts of the fruit of VAC can bind to opiate receptors; this could explain why intake of VAC reduces PMS discomforts.

The Chaste-tree Berry Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the fruits of the plant Chaste-tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.).

Benefits

• Treat Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Treat Menopause Problems

• Galactagogue Effects (stimulate the production of breast milk)

• Treat Infertility

• Treat Acne

• Potential as an Insect repellent

• Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Treat Uterine fibroids

• Luteal phase defect

•Anti-oxidant

Mechanism

The berries of the chaste tree contain active compounds called flavonoids which are known to have antioxidant activity. Antioxidants can prevent the damage of cells.

Chasteberry's therapeutic effects are due to the fact that it has indirect effects on various hormones such as prolactin and progesterone. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the brain that causes the production of milk. This action is triggered in response to a baby sucking on a nipple during breastfeeding. Progesterone is a hormone that is a key player in the female mestrual cycle. It is also very important in pregnancy and the development of the fetus. Chasteberry is believed to help regulate these hormones.

Safety

Chaste-tree Berry Extract is safe, no side effects have been reported to date, but relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.

Side effects

• Chasteberry has not been associated with serious side effects. However, it can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness.
• Chasteberry may affect certain hormone levels. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should not use chasteberry.
• Because chasteberry may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking dopamine-related medications, such as selegiline, amantadine, and levodopa, should avoid chasteberry. Dopamine is also a neurohormone released by the brain. Its main function as a hormone is to inhibit the release of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary.

Contraindications

It is recommended that Vitex agnus-castus be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of complications.

Dosage

•  The typical dose is 100-200mg per day (usually in 1-2 doses throughout the day).
•  Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s  Features and Benefits:

Chaste-tree Berry Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Vitex agnus-castus L.  Fruits.

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 5%

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Dark Brown in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

5%  Vitexin HPLC

5% Agnuside HPLC

0.5% Aucubin HPLC

4:1, 10:1, 15:1