Vitex Extract Chastetree Extract

Latin Name: Plantago asiatica L.
Part Used: Fruit
Appearance: Yellow-Brown fine powder
Test Method:TLC
Product Specification: 5:1,10:1, 15:1, 20:1 by TLC

Description
Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) — commonly called just Vitex, but also called Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, or Monk's Pepper — is a native of the Mediterranean region. Refer to Vitex for other species in the genus.
Fructus Viticis Extract is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries for hormonal imbalances in women. Vitex is one of the oldest phytomedicines.
Animal research has shown that extracts of chaste tree berry have an effect on the pituitary gland of rats, reducing prolactin secretion. In a clinical trial of chasteberry for menstrual cycle abnormalities attributed to too much prolactin, the herb normalized both the cycle and the levels of prolactin and progesterone hormones.
It is also believed helpful for premenstrual breast tenderness, a condition linked to excess prolactin. Several uncontrolled studies in Germany have shown that chastetree extracts can reduce symp-toms associated with PMS. Although studies are lacking, the antiandrogenic effect of chaste tree berry is the rationale behind the use of this herb to treat acne in both men and women and its very occasional use to reduce an overactive libido.
Chasteberry (Vitex agnuscastus), also called Vitex, Chaste Tree or Monk's Pepper. Its berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves are believed to have the same effect but to a lesser degree. The traditional use and clinical studies have shown its beneficial effects in the anti-libido, management of premenstrual stress syndrome and infertility and so on.
The main active ingredients in Chasteberry are Flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenoids, Vitexin and steroidal hormone precursors. Nutramax’s Chasteberry extract is measured by the concentration of Vitexicarpin.
Vitexicarpin also called Casticin, is a Flavonoids compound. Vitexicarpin’s activity is Anti-spasmodic of trachea, inhabit the hyperplasia of T- lymphocyte and B- lymphocyte, and break off the mitosis of KB cell to anti-tumer.

Main Function
1. Chasteberry extract has been used for thousands of years, mostly by women to ease menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk
2. Chasteberry extract is still used for menstrual problems, such as premenstrual syndrome, as well as for symptoms of menopause, some types of infertility.
3. The English have used Vitex or Chaste berry to suppress the libido as did the Catholic Church, which had it placed in the pockets of neophyte monks to help in their vow of chastity. Early American physicians used Chasteberry extract to stimulate lactation and as an emmenagogic. However, there is no contemporary scientific literature to suggest that Vitex or Chaste Berry actually does suppress the libido.
4. Chasteberry extract is believed that chaste berry extract helps regulate hormonal imbalances by directly affecting the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. This results in more progesterone production and less follicle stimulating hormone production. Because many hormonal disorders, such as poly-cystic ovarian syndrome are caused by hindered progesterone production, chasteberry extract may be a beneficial treatment option.

Applications
(1)Evacuating heat, relieving the uncomfortable feelings of head and eyes;
(2)Treating dyspepsia, enteritis, diarrhea, swelling and pain caused by falling and hitting;
(3)Treating female menopause, irregular menstruation, uterine tumors and controlling emotions;
(4)Analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral.