Effect Of Vitex Agnus-castus Research Articles

Vasorelaxant Effects of the Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract.

This study was undertaken to describe and characterize the relaxing effects of the medicinal plant Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) extract on isolated rabbit arterial rings. The VAC extracts (VACE) were extracted with ethanol and tested in aorta rings (3-4 mm) of rabbits suspended in an organ bath (Krebs, 37°C, 95% O2/5% CO2) under a resting tension of 1 g to record isometric contractions. After the stabilization period (1-2 hours), contractions were induced by the addition of phenylephrine (0.5 μM) or high KCl (80 mM) and VACE was added on the plateau of the contractions. Experiments were performed to determine the effects and to get insights into the potential mechanism involved in VACE-induced relaxations. The cumulative addition of VACE (0.15–0.75 mg/mL) relaxed, in a concentration-dependent manner, the rabbit aorta rings precontracted either with phenylephrine- or with high KCl thus suggesting calcium channel blocking activities. The VACE effect appeared to be endothelium-dependent. The preincubation with L-NAME (the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases (NOS)), ODQ (the selective inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase), and indomethacin (the cyclooxygenase inhibitor), downregulated VACE-induced relaxation of aorta rings precontracted with phenylephrine, whereas the bradykinin (stimulator of NOS) and zaprinast (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) further upregulated relaxant effects induced by VACE. These results revealed that the aorta relaxation effect of VACE was mainly endothelium-dependent and mediated by NO/cGMP and prostaglandins synthesis. This vasodilator effect of VACE may be useful to treat cardiovascular disorders, including hypertensive diseases.

Effects of Vitex Agnus Castus Leave Extract on Induced Retinal Angiogenesis in Rabbit

Retinal pathologic angiogenesis is the leading cause of blindness in human generate from age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and premature retinopathy (ROP).The aim of this studyis to investigate the effect of vitex agnus castus leave extract on induced retinal angiogenesis in rabbitsby intravitreal injection of VEGF. Alcoholic extract of vitex agnus castus prepared and formulated forintravitreal injection. Twenty four pigmented rabbits included in this study and allocated into four equalgroups(6 rabbits in each group): Retinal angiogenesis induced group, group treated by bevacizumab, grouptreated by 100mcg of Vitex agnus castus leave extract, and group treated by 50mcg of Vitex agnus castusleave extract as intravitreal injection. Parameters include matrixmetalloproteinase-9, intracellular adhesionmolecule-1. The result of the current study revealed that intravitreal injection of Vitex agnus castus leaveextract was reduced the level of MMP-9 and ICAM-1 in comparison with retinal angiogenesis inducedgroup after one week of retinal angiogenesis induction , although it was non-significant (P>0.05).

Effect of Vitex agnus-castus on Menopausal Early Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo –Controlled Study

Effect of Vitex agnus-castus on Menopausal Early Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo –Controlled Study

Effect of Vitex agnus-castus on Menopausal Early Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study

Objective: Postmenopausal women usually experience symptoms related to vasomotor instability due to a decline in estradiol levels. Certain plants have been found to have components that are same in structure and function to female estrogen and progesterone. This study conducted to compare the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (Vitex) with placebo in postmenopausal women with hot flashes. Design: Sixty postmenopausal teachers with 45-60 years old participated in a clinical trial conducted in an academic center in Gorgan-Iran. The participants divided in two equal groups randomly and treated with Vitex or placebo, 40 drops per day for 8 weeks. Data collected by using interview, individual characteristics questionnaire and evaluated by Blatt-kapperman’s index at four follow-up visits. Statistical analysis was carried out by using descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis. Results: The difference in frequency of hot flushes between groups was significant at 2

The Effects of Vitex agnus castus Extract and its Interaction with Dopaminergic System on LH and Testosterone in Male Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the probable effects of Vitex agnus castus (Vac.) on the male reproductive physiology. It is a well known fact that LH secretion from the anterior pituitary of mammals is controlled by many neurotransmiters such as dopamine. In this experiment, we have studied the effect of Vac. extract on the LH and testosterone hormones and its interaction with the dopaminergic system on male mice. In order to evaluate these effects, we used the hydroalcoholic Vac. extract (for extraction we used percolation technique) injection with the following doses: 65, 165, 265, 365 and 465 mg kg-', bromocriptine as a dopamine receptor agonist (5, 10, 20 mg kg(-1)) and haloperidol as a dopamine receptor antagonist (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mg kg(-1)). To study the interaction between Vac. extract and dopaminergic system, we injected the optimum doses of Vac. with bromocriptine or haloperidol at the same time. Intraperitoneal injections were applied in all experiments, once a day for 30 days. The control group remained intact and the sham group received vehicle. After the last injection, we collected the animal blood serums for hormonal assays. LH and testosterone were measured by Radio Immuno Assay (RIA). LH and testosterone, showed significant decrease in bromocriptine group and haloperidol increased these hormones. Vac. extract decreased significantly the LH and testosterone levels. The coadministration of Vac. extract and bromocriptine decreased LH and testosterone. Coadministration of Vac. extract and haloperidol decreased LH and testosterone levels. These results suggest: dopamine regulates the gonadotroph-leydig cells axis. It appears that Vac. exertes effects through dopaminergic system and other pathways. The findings of this study show we can use Vac. extract for pathological cases of increasing LH and testosterone.

Premenstrual syndrome: From etiology to treatment

Persistent and bothersome somatic and mental complaints occurring in the premenstrual phase in women, referred to as the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), affect from 3 to 40% of women, depending on their severity. This paper presents a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm based on current data and own experience. The etiology of PMS is still unclear, but sex steroids produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary are thought to provoke symptoms, as the cyclicity disappears in anovulatory cycles due to several reason, e.g. functional hyperprolactinemia. PMS symptoms are largely affected by the serotonin system as well as the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system (CNS), in association with the effect of progesterone metabolites, e.g. allopregnenolon. The etiology of PMS is multifactoral, involving behavior, diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity. For these reasons, non-medical therapy, including modification and supplementation of the diet, relaxation techniques, and increased physical activity, plays a significant role. Several pharmacological treatments appear to be effective. The therapeutic modality depends on the kind of hormonal disturbances and involves drugs inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, re-uptake of serotonin, or inhibition of ovulation. The beneficial effects of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) therapy in women with PMS encourage further long-term randomized trials comparing standard medical treatment modalities.