Effects of Vitex agnus-castus extract on the secretory function of pituitary-gonadal axis and pregnancy rate in patients with premature ovarian aging (POA)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the beneficial effects of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) extract as a fertility-enhancing herb, on the secretory functions of pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive potential of premature ovarian ageing (POA) patients. The authors introduced a novel treatment for increasing the rate of pregnancy in women with POA. Material and methodsSixty one POA patients were divided into a control and experimental group. The women in the control group received 5 mg letrozole from day 3 of the menstrual cycle for a total of 4 days. In addition to similar treatment with letrozole in the control group, 32 patients in the experimental group received 40 drops of VAC for 4 months throughout the follicular phase. Ovulation days, endometrial thickness, estradiol levels on ovulation time, serum concentrations of FSH, AMH, and estradiol, as well as the average time of serum positive ß-HCG test, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were investigated in both groups during 4 months of study. ResultsDespite an increase in AMH levels after treatment in both groups, serum concentrations of FSH and estradiol were significantly decreased in patients receiving VAC. Treatment with VAC significantly decreased estradiol levels on ovulation day and the average time of serum positive ß-HCG test. Ovulation day, endometrial thickness, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates in the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group throughout course of treatment. ConclusionVAC extract as a fertility-promoting plant appears to be a safe and effective herb for medicinal applications in women with POA when used within the established dosage guidelines.