Abstract
Vitex Agnus-CastusL. Essential Oil Increases Human Erythrocyte Membrane FluidityErythrocyte membrane fluidity is related to their rheologic behavior, the dynamic quality of erythrocytes, which is tempted in hypertension and atherosclerosis. An increased risk of these and other cardiovascular diseases occurs in ageing women. Menopause-related conditions are often treated with hormone replacement therapy that may increase the risk of malignancies.Vitex agnus-castusL. essential oil contains various organic compounds (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and terpenoids), and is increasingly used as an alternative therapy for menopausal symptoms. These components of the oil may be incorporated into cell membranes, thereby changing the membrane fluidity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects ofVitex agnus-castusessential oil on human erythrocyte membrane fluidity at graded depths. We used Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy and fatty acid spin probes (5-doxyl stearic acid and 12-doxyl stearic acid), whose spectra depend on membrane fluidity. After treatment withVitex agnus-castusessential oil the erythrocytes had a significant (p=0.029) and reversible increase in membrane fluidity in the deeper hydrophobic membrane regions, with no change (p>0.05) in fluidity near the membrane's hydrophilic surface. These results document increased fluidity of the human erythrocyte membrane byVitex agnus-castusessential oil, and this action may be useful in patients with menopause-related hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
Highlights
Hormone replacement therapy is a common therapeutic approach to treat symptoms in ageing women
Summary: Erythrocyte membrane fluidity is related to their rheologic behavior, the dynamic quality of erythrocytes, which is tempted in hypertension and atherosclerosis
Menopause-related conditions are often treated with hormone replacement therapy that may increase the risk of malignancies
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy is a common therapeutic approach to treat symptoms in ageing women. Estrogens have reduced the morbidity related to coronary heart diseases in postmenopausal women [1] but estrogen replacement therapy has increased the risk of breast cancer [2] and the frequency of thromboembolic events [3]. Considering the potential risks of estrogen replacement in menopausal women, increasing attention is being focused on alternative, plant-based therapy for menopausal symptoms, including those related to the cardiovascular system. Essential oils from aromatic plants, which may have useful therapeutic potential, are increasingly used to treat a wide spectrum of age-dependent diseases [6]. Essential oil from both the berry and the leaf of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus L., Verbenaceae; Vac), native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, has been found to be effective in the treatment of ageing symptoms in women [7]
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