| Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum™ Vitex Extract combines a standardized extract of chaste tree berries, concentrated to 0.5% agnusides, with whole berries. Vitex modifies the effect of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. This helps regulate and balance female hormone production. Combining the extract with the whole berry insures that the full spectrum of vitex compounds are included.
How does Vitex Work?
Vitex also is sometimes known as Chaste Berry. Vitex has been used for centuries to aid in fertility and has many studies proving its actions. This herb has an amazing intelligence by balancing which hormones need to be balanced without affecting the other hormones. Vitex takes some time to work, expect to take it for 3-6 months to experience its effects.
Actions
-Helps to balance out the menstrual cycle
-Lengthens the second half of the cycle if a woman’s cycle is too short (luteal phase defect).
-Promotes ovulation
-Increases progesterone without containing hormones
-Helps amenorrhea
-Regulates the pituitary gland
-Inhibit the release of FSH
-Normalize ovulation
-Reduce PCOS
-Ease PMS symptoms
Vitex products must be chosen carefully. Many utilize different species of vitex, whose usefulness may not have been confirmed through modern research or traditional use.
Traditional Mediterranean Women’s Herb
Vitex is a pink-violet flowered shrub common to southern Europe and the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Its round black berries have been used by women since ancient times to bring balance to the female reproductive system.
The Greek physician Dioscorides mentioned chaste berry some 2,000 years ago. He noted that its Latin name agnus castus, meaning chaste lamb, referred to the reputed property of its seeds, when taken as a drink, to reduce sexual desire - an association that has not been confirmed by modern research.
Hormonal Balance for Women of All Ages
Scientific research, while finding no effect on sexual desire, is confirming vitex’s role in influencing female cycles. Vitex has been found to modify the activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands and in this way to help regulate and balance female hormone production.
Specifically, modern research suggests that vitex inhibits the secretion of prolactin. Vitex is indispensable for supporting a healthy reproductive system in women. It is the perfect complement to any women’s health program.
Vitex Q&A
Can I use Vitex while I’m on progesterone?
You can use vitex together with natural progesterone. But, if you’re taking oral progestin drugs (synthetic progesterone), you should first discuss using vitex with your physician because it is not known how the herb might affect your treatment.
Can I use Vitex if I am going to get IVF?
Consult with your doctor before using vitex if you’re planning on having IVF. Many physicians will suggest their patients avoid herb use altogether during an IVF cycle. Because vitex does influence hormone level, some researchers speculate it might interfere with IVF or fertility drug treatments.
Does Vitex interfere with medications my Dr. prescribed?
Vitex is quite safe when used in its whole form. However, because of its influence on hormonal balance, it is suggested to avoid concomittent use with birth control drugs or hormone replacement therapy.
Studies
In one study, vitex helped normalize progesterone levels and increased the luteal phase from 5.4 days to 11.4 days. In addition, two double-blind studies show vitex extract increases a woman’s fertility and chances of successful conception. |
