11-12-2011, 01:22 PM
I found the first clues on how vitex agnus castus (chaste tree berry) should be used. These studies on monkeys and primates suggest it suppresses ovulation, increases progesterone, and lengthens the follicular phase:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...6X10002539
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.10...0/abstract
The vitex season is short. Maybe there's a symbiotic logic: have all the babies born in the most fortunate season, even with monthly cycles.
Women use vitex as a PMS herb:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...2209000310
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10....1003632126
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11...137.x/full
http://www.sid.ir/en/ViewPaper.asp?ID=173705&varStr=4;PAK%20GOUHAR%20M.,MORADI%20MARYAM,JAMSHIDI%20AMIR%20HOSSEIN,MEHRAN%20ABAS;JOURNAL%20OF%20MEDICINAL%20PLANTS;DECEMBER%202009;8;32;98;107
In these studies, low doses were taken once daily, for two or three cycles, with no mention of cycling.
Vitex is not traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, but it may be useful:
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.....2008.0447
This publication describes hormone fluctuations in irregular cycles:
http://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal...on.11.aspx
The irregular cycles are very similar to what women on PM report. The article explains why taking a strongly progestinic herb that suppresses ovulation, whether continuously or only starting at the end of the luteal phase, may help. The cause of the irregular cycle is a second ovulation, occurring at the end of the period. This would suggest vitex works best when started for PMS, and stopped a few days after the end of the period.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...6X10002539
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.10...0/abstract
The vitex season is short. Maybe there's a symbiotic logic: have all the babies born in the most fortunate season, even with monthly cycles.
Women use vitex as a PMS herb:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/art...2209000310
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10....1003632126
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11...137.x/full
http://www.sid.ir/en/ViewPaper.asp?ID=173705&varStr=4;PAK%20GOUHAR%20M.,MORADI%20MARYAM,JAMSHIDI%20AMIR%20HOSSEIN,MEHRAN%20ABAS;JOURNAL%20OF%20MEDICINAL%20PLANTS;DECEMBER%202009;8;32;98;107
In these studies, low doses were taken once daily, for two or three cycles, with no mention of cycling.
Vitex is not traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, but it may be useful:
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.....2008.0447
This publication describes hormone fluctuations in irregular cycles:
http://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal...on.11.aspx
The irregular cycles are very similar to what women on PM report. The article explains why taking a strongly progestinic herb that suppresses ovulation, whether continuously or only starting at the end of the luteal phase, may help. The cause of the irregular cycle is a second ovulation, occurring at the end of the period. This would suggest vitex works best when started for PMS, and stopped a few days after the end of the period.