Vitex ESSENTIAL OIL TRIAL (II) - May-August, 2002

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ESSENTIAL OIL TRIAL (II)-May-August, 2002

Trial Director: Barbara Chopin Lucks, RA

Prior Trial Summer, 2000

 

SUBJECT OF TRIAL: Menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms

 

ESSENTIAL OIL: Vitex agnus castus (chaste berry, chaste tree)

Steam distilled from aerial parts (leaves and berries)

Turkey, 2001 Harvest

 

FORMAT OF TRIAL: 1.5% solution of e.o. in bland base cream or lotion.

2.5 ml cream/lotion applied dermally 5-7 x week

Used by subjects in home setting.

Use moderated by 12 diverse wellness practitioners.

Results submitted in surveys completed by subjects.

 

PLACEBO: None

 

DOUBLE BLIND: N/A

 

SUBJECTS:

Number 52 total subjects

Age Range 38 yrs-73 yrs (most in 40's and 50's)

Location United States and Canada

Ethnic Heritage Predominantly European, a few Hispanic

Perimenopausal 31 subjects

Post Menopausal 11 subjects

Hysterectomy 10 subjects

 

SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF REPORTED BY SUBJECTS

Major Mild/Moderate No Symptoms

Improvement Improvement Change Got Worse

 

Perimenopausal 39% 32% 3% 26%

 

Postmenopausal 27% 45% 18% 10%

 

Hysterectomy 23% 38% 8% 31%

 

OVERALL 33% 36% 7.5% 23.5%

 

 

ESSENTIAL OIL TRIAL (II)-May-August, 2002

Effect of essential oil Vitex agnus castus on menopausal symptoms

 

SPECIFIC POSITIVE RESPONSES (NUMBER OF REPORTS)

 

Emotional improvement 16

Reduced hot flashes/sweats 15

Moderated menstruation 12

Reduced cramping 6

Improved sleep 6

Reduced period pain 6

Improved vaginal tone/lubrication 5

Cognitive improvement 5

Increased libido 4

Improved skin tone 4

Reduced body odor 2

Reduced bloating 2

Reduced headache 2

Reduced breast engorgement 1

Reduced Restless Leg Syndrome 1

Reduced arthritis 1

Improved lubrication of eyes 1

 

INCREASED DREAMING 4

 

SPECIFIC NEGATIVE RESPONSES (NUMBER OF REPORTS)

 

Emotional decline 6

Increased bleeding 5

Nausea 3

Increased hot flashes/sweats 3

Disturbed sleep 2

Rash or prickling sensation 2

Lethargy 2

Sneezing/watery eyes 1

Involuntary twitch (eyes) 1

Vertigo 1

Headache 1