Huang jing zi

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In a message dated 12/3/02 3:57:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,

aajohansen writes:

 

 

> I couldn't find Agnus Castus in any of my thick Chinese herbal books.

>

> Greetings Tay.

>

http://www.pharma.ethz.ch/pharmacognosy/research/pj.10.html

Standardization of Flavonoids and Iridoid Glycosides of Agni casti Fructus

and Isolation of Bioactive Metabolites from Vitex Agnus Castus

To ensure pharmaceutical quality of herbal extracts there is a need for

analytical standardization. Preparations of extracts from the fruits of Vitex

Agnus Castus L. (Lamiaceae) are produced and sold for the treatment of

premenstrual syndrome and climacteric disorders. There is little known,

however, about the pharmacologically active principles of Agni casti fructus.

Only a few compounds have so far been identified; mainly Iridoid glycosides

(agnuside, aucubin, eurostoside) and Flavonoids (Pendleton, Castilian and

their derivatives). The aim of this project is to develop and optimize

analytical determination methods for the standardization of these two groups

of potentially active compounds. As a selective and sensitive qualitative and

quantitative analytical method we are employing HPLC in connection with

photodiode array detection. There are findings of metabolites with hormonal

mode of action in the leaves of Vitex agnus Castus. For the fruits this mode

of action has not yet been described. There are, however, some hints of

similar activities in the fruits from recent research. A targeted search for

these active principles led to the isolation of hitherto unknown

diterpenoids.

Contacts:

Ms. E. Hoberg and Prof. O. Sticher

Electronic Contacts:

· sticher

 

Supported By:

Max Zeller Söhne AG, CH-8590 Romanshorn

In Collaboration With:

Prof. B. Meier, Brütten

 

http://www.health-pages.com/ct/

Chaste Tree Berry Vitex Agnus Castus?

Chaste tree berry, or chaste berry (Vitex agnus Castus: Agni casti fructus).

A brief history of Vitex agnus Castus

Vitex is one of the oldest phytomedicines. The ancient Greek physicians

Hypocrates, Theophrast, and Dioscorides all made reference to it as did Greek

historian Pliny The Elder. Both Dioscorides and Pliny reported its use in

suppressing the libido. The Greeks' use closely resembled modern indications;

they recommended it as an aid in external wound heeling, complaints of the

spleen, and for use in child birth. English use followed the belief that it

would 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 it to stimulate lactation and as an emmenagogic.

There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it

actually does suppress the libido. It does, however, have an excellent track

record in relieving complaints collectively referred to as Premenstrual

Syndrome. Specifically, it is effective in relieving insufficiency of the

corpus luteum (luteal phase defect). More on this below.

How does Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex work?

The corpus luteum is a bit of glandular tissue in the ovary that forms

monthly at the site of a ruptured graafian follicle. This is a mature

follicle that contains an oocyte (the first meiotic division has occurred and

fertilization will complete the second meiotic division to create an ovum).

The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which prepares the uterus for

implantation. Unless the oocyte is fertilized, this is where the monthly

cycle stops. The problem that is known as luteal phase defect occurs when

progesterone secretion is abnormally low. This is considered a normal

condition in pubescent and menopausal life phases, but during child bearing

years it produces undesirable effects. These effects can include heavy or

frequent periods, lack of ovulation, ovarian cysts, and sometimes lack of

period. Vitex seems to stimulate the production of leutinizing hormone, which

in turn results in an increase in progesterone production, hence it mimics

corpus luteum function. Interestingly, Vitex has no direct hormonal activity;

it is therefore, NOT a phytoestrogen1,2,8.

 

Lastly, hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin production) is a common

comorbidity in women diagnosed with luteal phase defect (about 70% of the

time)8. It is therefore, thought to have some association with luteal phase

defect. Conveniently, Vitex also inhibits prolactin release, providing a

corrective action for hyperprolactinemia as well6.

How well does Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex work?

Vitex works exceptionally well. Let's look at two of the more notable

studies. A survey study conducted in Germany looked at 1,542 women diagnosed

with PMS3. These patients were tried on a liquid extract of Vitex (Agnolyt),

40 drops a day over a period of 166 days (on average). Over 90% of the

subjects experienced complete symptom remission! In 1997 a study evaluated

Vitex against vitamin B6 in 175 women diagnosed with PMS5. 24% of the Vitex

patients reported " excellent " results as compared to 12% of the B6 patients.

Fortunately, you can combine the two! (If you plan to use B6, we strongly

recommend using the full B complex, since B6 supplementation can mask a folic

acid deficiency. See our vitamin B page for more information.

How is Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex Agnus Castus taken?

The key to getting results from Vitex is to STAY ON IT7,8. You will notice

tremendous relief around your third or fourth menstrual cycle after you begin

taking the Vitex. Recommended supplementation: 1 capsule per day.

Are there any side effects with Chaste Tree Berry / Vitex?

Rare side effects (fewer than 2% of those taking it) include itching, rashes,

gastrointestinal distress, and early menstruation. Vitex should not taken

during pregnancy, and is generally not recommended for use during

lactation1,2,4. Vitex should not be taken with hormone replacement therapy

(HRT).

 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your breasts, see

a physician for a proper diagnosis IMMEDIATELY, whether or not this pain is

associated with your period.

Vitex / Chaste Tree Berry References & Additional Resources

1. Blumenthal, Mark; Goldberg, Alicia; Brinckmann, Josef, Eds,; Tyler,

VarroE, PhD, ScD. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American

Botanical Council, 2000.

2. Blumenthal, Mark; Busse, Werner R; Goldberg, Alicia; Gruenwald, Joerg,

PhD; Hall, Tara; Riggins, Chance W.; Rister, Robert S., Eds, Klein, Sigrid,

PhD; Rister, Robert S, Trans, Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. The Complete German

Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American

Botanical Council, 1998.

3. Dittmar FW, Bohnert KJ, et al. Premenstrual syndrome: treatment with a

phytopharmaceutical. TW Gynakol 1992; 5: 60-8.

4. Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Brendler, Thomas, BA; Jaenicke, Christof, MD. PDR

for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company, 1998.

5. Murray, Michael, ND; Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Encyclopedia of Natural

Medicine, second ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin. 1999.

6. Pizzorno, Joseph, ND; Murray, Michael T, Eds. Textbook of Natural

Medicine, second ed. Churchill Livingstone, 1999.

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials

7. Halaska, M. et al. 1998. [Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an

extract of Vitex agnus Castus: results of a double-blind comparison with a

placebo] [in Czech]. Ceska Gynekol 63(5):388-392.

8. Lauritzen CH, Reuter HD, Repge R, et al. Treatment of premenstrual

tension syndrome with Vitex agnus Castus: controlled, double-blind study

versus pyridoxine. Phytomed 1997; 4: 183-9.

9. Milewicz A, Gejdel E, et al. Vitex agnus Castus extract in the treatment

of luteal phase defects due to hyperprolactinemia: results of a randomized

placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1993; 43:

752-6.

10. Turner, S. and S. Mills. 1993. A double blind clinical trial on a herbal

remedy for premenstrual syndrome; a case study. Complimentary Therapies in

Medicine (1):73-77.

11. Tschudin, S. and R. Huber (2000). " [Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with

a solution containing a Vitex agnus Castus extract: Results of a

placebo-controlled double-blind study. Breast 1999;8:175-181]. " Forsch

Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 7(3): 162-4.

www.botanical.com

Chaste Tree

Botanical: Agnus Castus

Family: N.O. Verbenaceae

· Description

· Medicinal Action and Uses

· Other Species

---Part Used---The ripe berries.

---Habitat---Shores of the Mediterranean.

 

---Description---A deciduous shrub of free spreading habit, young shoots

covered with a fine grey down; leaves opposite, composed of five to seven

radiating leaflets borne on a main stalk 1 to 2 1/2 inches long, leaflets

linear, lance-shaped, toothed, dark green above, grey beneath with a very

close felt; stalks of leaflets 1/4 inch or less long- flowers fragrant,

produced in September or October, in whorls on slender racemes 3 to 6 inches

long, sometimes branched; the berries somewhat like peppercorns, dark purple,

halfcovered by their sage-green calyces, yellowish within, hard, having an

aromatic odour; taste warm, peculiar. The seeds were once held in repute for

securing chastity, and the Athenian matrons in the sacred rites of Ceres used

to string their couches with the leaves.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---The fresh ripe berries are pounded to a pulp

and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the

limbs, weakness, etc.

---Other Species---Vitex trifolia, the three-leaved Chaste Tree, has similar

properties.

 

 

Agnus Castus: Aids in soothing menopausal difficulties; directly affects two

pituitary hormones which regulate progesterone and estrogen use throughout

the body.

 

Also known as Vitex Chaste Tree Man Jing Zi?

 

 

http://www.1stchineseherbs.com/common_name_reference.htm

 

 

Sunny

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the info in Vitex - but it was really the chinese info I was

after!!

 

Vitex is being used to treat cushings in horses because it has an action as a

D2 receptor dopamine agonist, like pergolide or bromacriptine.

 

Jackie