Vitex Agnus-castus Extract Research Articles

Роль гиперпролактинемии в генезе преждевременного телархе и ее коррекция у девочек первых пяти лет жизни

The family resource center MI «Dnipropetrovsk regional perinatal center with a hospital» DRC Isolated telarhe in girls of 1–5 years, often caused by increased levels of prolactin (PL), which plays an important role in the development of the female reproductive function (in general), and in mammohenezis (in particular). The aim of the study: to study the effectiveness of a drug Cyclodynon® on girls with an incomplete form of precocious puberty by the isosexual type – isolated telarhe on the base of increased levels of PL. Materials and methods. In the regional center of family planning on the basis of SI «Dnipropetrovsk regional perinatal center with a hospital» DRH survey was conducted in 30 girls aged from 1 to 5 years with premature isolated telarhe (PIT). Girls with isolated telarhe and a high level of PL were prescribed the drug, Cyclodynon® depending on the age and level of PL in serum at a dose from 1/8 of pill to 1 tablet (from 5 drops to 40 drops) in the morning on an empty stomach 1 time per day (guidelines of the Institute of health protection of children and adolescents of NAMS of Ukraine). Results. In the study to include 30 girls with isolated telarhe noted a steady increase of PL (up to 680 mIU/l for normal values 110-560 mIU/l) at relatively normal levels of gonadotropins and estradiol. Use of the drug of special extract of Vitex Agnus Castus – Cyclodynon® led to a gradual, within 3 months, reduce of prolactin levels to the normal range of 680 to 396 mIU/L. Reducing of prolactin levels correlated with regression of clinical signs of telarhe. No side effects or undesirable Cyclodynon® application within 3 months is not noted. Conclusion. A standardized herbal medicinal product Cyclodynon® with dopaminergic effect contributing to the normalization of PL for the treatment of girls with incomplete form of precocious puberty in isosexual type – isolated telarhe on the base of increased level of PL, is an effective and pathogenetically justified. This is confirmed by the results of clinical and hormonal reaserches. Key words: isolated telarhe, prolactin, Cyclodynon®.

Vitex agnus-castus dry extract BNO 1095 (Agnucaston\xae) inhibits uterine hyper-contractions and inflammation in experimental models for primary dysmenorrhea

BackgroundFor many women, the monthly suffering induced by menstrual “cramps” is severe enough to profoundly disrupt their quality of life. In the case of primary dysmenorrhea, a condition related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), intense uterine contractions are thought to trigger moderate to intense pain despite the absence of an underlying infection or other medically-identifiable disease states. The associated uterine hyper-contractility is reminiscent of labor, and associated pain is likely to be mediated by the release of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and the infiltration of leukocytes that normally accompany the breakdown of the endometrial lining.Standardized extracts of Vitex agnus-castus berries (VAC extracts of chaste tree, or chaste berries) are clinically effective in treating the symptoms of PMS, yet the mechanisms of how the chemically complex mixture acts are largely unknown.MethodsUsing an in vivo dysmenorrhea model rats were treated with 10 mg/kg estradiol-benzoate i.p. once daily for 12 days and with 2.1, 10.3 or 20.7 mg/kg VAC dry extract p.o. once daily for 7 days prior to induction of convulsions. Uterine contractions where induced with 2 IU/kg oxytocin i.p., followed by monitoring of abdominal convulsions and signs of pain on the last day of the experiment. Moreover, in vitro methods were applied that are described in the methods section.ResultsHere, we show that the VAC herbal dry extract BNO 1095 (commercially available as Agnucaston®) targets the uterine myometrial tissue and inflammatory signaling molecules of associated migratory/inflammatory cells. Specifically, BNO 1095 dose-dependently inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in a rat dysmenorrhea model in vivo and drug-induced contractions in isolated human and rat uterine tissue in vitro. Furthermore, BNO 1095 showed a promising anti-inflammatory capacity by potently inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase activity and leukotriene production and by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in vitro.ConclusionThese results provide evidence that BNO 1095 effectively treats menstruation-related complaints including primary dysmenorrhea.

National consensus on the management of patients with hyperprolactinemia (2016)

Hyperprolactinemia is a steady rise prolactin in serum. Hyperprolactinemia can be physiological, pathological and pharmacological. Pathologic causes include the specific state of the anterior hypophyseal lobe, disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and systemic disorders. If there is a diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia it is recommended to exclude its secondary causes: pregnancy, kidney or liver failure, hypothyroidism, parasellar tumors.For diagnosis a single evaluation prolactin serum levels (≥ 25 ng/ml in females and ≥ 20 ng/ml in males) is enough. Laboratory tests should be evaluated in conjunction with clinical data and additional methods: evaluation of stress, breast ultrasound and/or mammography, assessment of the gonadotropins, estradiol and progesterone levels. In patients with hyperprolactinemia without clinical manifestations it should be macroprolactinemia excluded. There is pharmacological hyperprolactinemia if prolactin level ≈ 200 ng/ml, microprolactinoma if 250 ng/ml, macroprolactinoma if 500 ng/ml and above. Neuroimaging study should be performed in patients with any degree of hyperprolactinemia to exclude hypothalamic-pituitary area pathology.Treatment goal is normalize the prolactin level, to restore gonadal function and galactorrhea termination and, in the case of prolactinoma to reduce the tumor mass and local compression effects. Treatment often includes administration of dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine or cabergoline, or the use of herbal medicines with dopaminergic action, containing standardized extracts of Vitex agnus castus. Cabergoline is the drug of first line as the most effective against the normalization of prolactin levels and reduce the size of the pituitary tumor.Surgical treatment (transsphenoidal surgery) is recommended for patients with intolerance to high doses of cabergoline and resistance to other drugs in this group. Radiation therapyshould be used when radical surgery is impossible, in cases of intolerance or resistance to dopamine agonists, while aggressive prolactinoma or carcinomas.

Effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex agnus-castus fruit on kidney of D-galactose-induced aging model in female mice.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) fruit on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and, kidney histology of a female mouse model of D-galactose induced aging. In this experimental study, 72 NMRI mice were divided into 6 groups: control, VAC, D-galactose, D-galactose+VAC, aging, and aging+VAC. D-galactose was injected for 45 days and, VAC extract administered in the last 7 days, twice a day. Serum BUN and Cr levels were not significantly changed in the D-galactose and natural aged animals in comparison to control group. Histological changes such as nuclear pyknosis, proximal cell swelling, infiltration of inflammatory cells, tubular dilatation and, vasodilatation were observed in both D-galactose and natural aged mice. Further, glomerules diameter was decreased in them. Administration of VAC could attenuate the histological alterations. These results indicate that VAC may have beneficial effects on aging and aging related kidney disease.

Клінічний досвід застосування різноманітних підходів до комплексної та превентивної терапії функціональних кіст яєчників

Prevalence of overy tumors at the moment is from 11 to 20% and has tendency for growth. In Study shows the analysis of results of the observation of treatment of four groups of patients from the age of 18 to 39 years with functional ovarial cysts with program of treatment. Group I (n=30) Women with functional ovarial cysts who received basic treatment. Group II (n=30) hormonal monotherapy. Group III (n=30) – patients, received special extract of Vitex Agnus Castus – BNO 1095. Group IV (n=30) received hormonal therapy + special extract of Vitex Agnus Castus – BNO 1095 for 6 months. The most high efficiency, proving the feasibility of a plant gynecologist practice the means necessary to mention in the IV group, which approved a comprehensive program of treatment and preventive therapy (hormone + extract BNO 1095). In this group almost complete disappearance of pain sensation was noted in 93.3% of women, normalization of ovarian-menstrual cycle – at 83.3%, cystic lesion regression to the size of the follicle – at 76.6%. Functional ovarian cysts relapse during the year – not oserved only in this group. Special extract of Agnus castus – BNO 1095 is effective in both monotherapy and especially when you turn it into a comprehensive scheme for the treatment and prevention of functional ovarian cysts. Key words: ovarian tumors, functional cyst, extract of Vitex Agnus Castus, combined oral contraceptives.

Clinical experience with a variety of approaches to complex and preventive treatment of functional ovarian cysts

Prevalence of ovary tumors today varies from 11 to 20% and has tendency for growth. Current methods of conservative treatment of ovarian cysts lead to their regression in 50–55% of cases and do not rule out the likelihood of recurrence. The lack of specific symptoms, upward trend, and possibility of ovarian cysts malignancy, low effectiveness of conservative treatment, the invalidity and inappropriateness surgical procedures dictate the need to find pathogenetic methods of correction, and this was the aim of the presented work. In study shows results of the treatment of four equal groups of patients aged from 18 to 39 years with functional ovarian cysts depending on the treatment program. Group I include 30 women with functional ovarian cysts who received basic treatment. Group II (n = 30) received hormonal monotherapy. Group III included 30 patients, who received special extract of Vitex agnus castus – BNO 1095. Group IV (n = 30) received hormonal therapy + special extract of Vitex agnus castus – BNO 1095 for 6 months. The highest efficiency, proving the feasibility of plant use in gynecologist practice was in the IV group, which approved a comprehensive treatment program and preventive therapy (hormone + extract BNO 1095). 93.3% women in this group noted almost complete disappearance of pain sensation, normalization of ovarian-menstrual cycle – 83.3%, cystic lesion regression to the size of the follicle –76.6%. Functional ovarian cysts recurrence during the year is not observed only in this group. Special extract of Vitex agnus castus – BNO 1095 is effective in both monotherapy and especially when you turn it into a comprehensive scheme for the treatment and prevention of functional ovarian cysts.

Antioxidant and Ecofriendly Ovicidal Activityof Medicinal plants Against Some CommonPlant Pests

Chemical and synthetic pesticides used for controlling various plant pest have resulted in the development of resistance to several classes of pesticides. In the present study, five medicinal plants were screened for their ovicidal activity againstHelicoverpaamigera ,Spodopteralitura ,Plutellaxylostella,Corcyracephalonica. Hexane, Diethyl ether extract of plants was studied at 1% concentration. Effective plant extracts identified based on total antioxidant, flavonoid and phenolic contents and Maximum ovicidal activity was recorded in hexane extract of Vitexagnuscastus (96%) for Spodoptera,(93.5%) for Plutella and (90.5%) for Corcyra followed by hexane extract of Ricinuscommunis (92%) for Corcyra and Pongamiapinnata(84.5%) for Corcyra. Diethyl ether extract showed lower activity when compared to hexane extract. Further isolation and identification of bioactive principles responsible for the ovicidal activity is needed

Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings.

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent, complex endocrine disorder characterised by polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism leading to symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne and infertility. Evidence based medical management emphasises a multidisciplinary approach for PCOS, as conventional pharmaceutical treatment addresses single symptoms, may be contra-indicated, is often associated with side effects and not effective in some cases. In addition women with PCOS have expressed a strong desire for alternative treatments. This review examines the reproductive endocrine effects in PCOS for an alternative treatment, herbal medicine. The aim of this review was to identify consistent evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical research, to add to the evidence base for herbal medicine in PCOS (and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism) and to inform herbal selection in the provision clinical care for these common conditions.MethodsWe undertook two searches of the scientific literature. The first search sought pre-clinical studies which explained the reproductive endocrine effects of whole herbal extracts in oligo/amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. Herbal medicines from the first search informed key words for the second search. The second search sought clinical studies, which corroborated laboratory findings. Subjects included women with PCOS, menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism.ResultsA total of 33 studies were included in this review. Eighteen pre-clinical studies reported mechanisms of effect and fifteen clinical studies corroborated pre-clinical findings, including eight randomised controlled trials, and 762 women with menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and/or PCOS. Interventions included herbal extracts of Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza spp., Paeonia lactiflora and Cinnamomum cassia. Endocrine outcomes included reduced luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin, fasting insulin and testosterone. There was evidence for the regulation of ovulation, improved metabolic hormone profile and improved fertility outcomes in PCOS. There was evidence for an equivalent effect of two herbal medicines and the pharmaceutical agents bromocriptine (and Vitex agnus-castus) and clomiphene citrate (and Cimicifuga racemosa). There was less robust evidence for the complementary combination of spirinolactone and Glycyrrhiza spp. for hyperandrogenism.ConclusionsPreclinical and clinical studies provide evidence that six herbal medicines may have beneficial effects for women with oligo/amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. However the quantity of pre-clinical data was limited, and the quality of clinical evidence was variable. Further pre-clinical studies are needed to explain the effects of herbal medicines not included in this review with current clinical evidence but an absence of pre-clinical data.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-511) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vitex Agnus-Castus extract (Ze 440) improves symptoms in women with menstrual cycle irregularities

Study Aims • To evaluate the effects of Ze 440 in women suffering from menstrual cycle irregularities (MCIs), such as polymenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea. • To assess the effect of Ze 440 on other symptoms related to menstrual bleeding, including hypermenorrhoea, menometrorrhagia, intermenstrual bleeding, ovulation bleeding, and premenstrual and postmenstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhoea.

Efficacy and Safety of Vitex agnus-castus Extract for Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Patients: A Prospective, Open-label Study

Herbal medicine containing Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) extract is widely used by women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Europe, however, in Japan, clinical evidence remains to be determined. This study attempted to investigate the efficacy and safety profiles of VAC extract in Japanese patients with PMS. A multi-center, prospective, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 study was performed in Japanese women with PMS and aged 18-44 years. The patients received Prefemin® (Max Zeller Söhne AG, Romanshorn, Switzerland), containing 20 mg of VAC extract, once daily for three menstrual cycles. The efficacy profile was examined based on the intensity of ten PMS symptoms-irritability, depressed mood, anger, headache, bloating, breast fullness, skin disorder, fatigue, drowsiness, and sleeplessness-recorded by patients via a visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, the responder rate was calculated based on the total VAS score defined by the sum of the VAS scores of the first six symptoms mentioned above. Furthermore, physician's global assessment (PGA) scores were recorded. Adverse events including vital signs and laboratory test values were monitored as safety evaluation. Sixty-nine patients received Prefemin®. After the first menstrual cycle, a statistically significant decrease in total VAS score was observed (P<0.001), and the score continued to diminish for the following two cycles. Each of the ten symptom scores decreased significantly in this manner. In addition, the responder rate increased in a time-dependent manner; the rate at the third menstrual cycle was 91.0%, and almost all of the patients were without symptoms or exhibited only mild symptoms based on PGA. Eight patients exhibited non-serious adverse events, one of which was allergic dermatitis whose causal relationship with VAC was not ruled out. VAC extract improved PMS symptoms in Japanese patients, with no substantial adverse events. This is the first study to report the effect of VAC extract in Japanese patients.

Качество жизни женщин с предменструальным синдромом в динамике лечения негормональными и гормональными препаратами

PMS may have a negative impact on the daily lives of women, leading to various disorders. Objective: based on the survey results with general international questionnaire MOSSF-36 in order to examine the quality of life (QOL) of patients with PMS ranging from average to severe, before and after treatment with herbal remedies, on the basis of dry extract of Vitex agnus castus and oral hormonal contraceptives (COC) containing 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone in a 24+4 regimen.We observed 243 patients aged 16 to 45 years, of mean age of 29,7±5,8 years, and an average degree of heavy PMS has been identified and confirmed by ICP-diaries. To assess the quality of life and ICP influence on the physical and psychological aspects of life in patients the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle twice, before and after treatment, filled the general quality of life questionnaires Medical Outcomes Study - Short Form (MOSSF-36). After treatment the statistically significant decrease in deformation parameters, both physical and psychological components of health was shown.Conclusion. Treatment of women with PMS and the average degree of severe type with herbal remedies, on the basis of dry extract of prostrata ordinaryextract and COC containing 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone in 24+4 regimen has led to the improvement of the patients, as well as their quality of life, which resulted in a statistically significant decrease in strain indicators of physical and psychological components of health.

Low Potency Homeopathic Remedies and Allopathic Herbal Medicines: Is There an Overlap?

Classical homeopathy is based on the therapeutic application of highly diluted homeopathic stocks. The indications of such medicines are determined by proving, i.e. by applying the remedies in healthy subjects. However, there are several complex homeopathic medicinal products on the market with approved therapeutic indications. The efficacy of these medicines has been assessed in clinical trials on patients. There is no upper limit of dosing for such homeopathic remedies, and these products often contain undiluted mother tincture. The aim of our study was to compare an allopathic herbal medicine and a homeopathic product containing undiluted mother tincture based on the same plant. Two products (an allopathic herbal medicine and a homeopathic product) containing Vitex agnus-castus extract were analyzed by HPLC-DAD for their agnuside and casticin contents. The agnuside content of the allopathic product was approximately four times higher, while the amount of casticin was in the same order of magnitude. Our experiments revealed the presence of active ingredients in allopathic quantity in a homeopathic preparation, highlighting the controversy between the principles of classical and practice of contemporary homeopathy. According to the principles of classical homeopathy these remedies cannot be considered as homeopathic remedies but rather as (allopathic) herbal ones. This phenomenon necessitates a case-by-case approach towards the possible adverse effects and drug interactions of homeopathics in the daily medical practice. Homeopathic products containing active agents in allopathic doses should be treated the same way as allopathic medicines from the point of view of quality assurance and pharmacovigilance.

Antifungal activity of Vitex agnus-castus extract against Pythium ultimum in tomato

Vitex agnus-castus methanolic extract showed strong antifungal activity against Pythium ultimum in tomato under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The 0.2% extract delayed the mycelial growth of the fungus and showed significant antifungal activity against P. ultimum on tomato seedlings with an efficacy comparable to that of the synthetic fungicide. To determine the involvement both of plant extract and pathogenic fungus in PR gene induction, tomato plants were treated with V. agnus-castus extract and/or inoculated with P. ultimum. The expression of four PR genes (PR-1, PR-2, PR-5, PR-6) was monitored at five time points within 48 h of the extract treatment and fungal inoculation. The PR-1 and PR-4 genes were activated directly by V. agnus-castus extract up to 12 h after treatments; at 24 h, the direct activation by plant extract disappeared and a synergistic inducing effect of extract and pathogen applied simultaneously on the plant was observed. The PR-6 gene was not activated directly by the V. agnus-castus extract but only when applied together with the pathogen; activation of the PR-6 gene occurred 24 h after treatments and the gene expression increased at 48 h. There was no activation of PR-5 gene by the plant extract. The ability of V. agnus-castus extract to enhance plant defence responses upon pathogen inoculation might be further investigated. The activation of various PR genes suggests that induction of defence responses by V. agnus-castus extract in tomato may be regulated by more than one signalling pathway.

Vitex agnus-castus Extracts for Female Reproductive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Vitex agnus-castus L. (chaste tree; chasteberry) is a popular herbal treatment, predominantly used for a range of female reproductive conditions in Anglo-American and European practice. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy and safety of Vitex extracts from randomised, controlled trials investigating women's health.Eight databases were searched using Latin and common names for Vitex and phytotherapeutic preparations of the herb as a sole agent, together with filters for randomised, controlled trials or clinical trials. Methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias and Jadad scales, as well as the proposed elaboration of CONSORT for reporting trials on herbal interventions.Thirteen randomised, controlled trials were identified and twelve are included in this review, of which eight investigated premenstrual syndrome, two premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and two latent hyperprolactinaemia. For premenstrual syndrome, seven of eight trials found Vitex extracts to be superior to placebo (5 of 6 studies), pyridoxine (1), and magnesium oxide (1). In premenstrual dysphoric disorder, one study reported Vitex to be equivalent to fluoxetine, while in the other, fluoxetine outperformed Vitex. In latent hyperprolactinaemia, one trial reported it to be superior to placebo for reducing TRH-stimulated prolactin secretion, normalising a shortened luteal phase, increasing mid-luteal progesterone and 17β-oestradiol levels, while the other found Vitex comparable to bromocriptine for reducing serum prolactin levels and ameliorating cyclic mastalgia. Adverse events with Vitex were mild and generally infrequent. The methodological quality of the included studies varied, but was generally moderate-to-high. Limitations include small sample sizes in some studies, heterogeneity of conditions being treated, and a range of reference treatments.Despite some methodological limitations, the results from randomised, controlled trials to date suggest benefits for Vitex extracts in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and latent hyperprolactinaemia. Further research is recommended, and greater transparency in reporting for future trials.

Das Restless-legs-Syndrom (RLS) – Erfahrungsbericht mit einemVitex agnus-castus(VAC)-Extrakt

The restless legs syndrome. First experiences with an extract from VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS Ethanolic extracts from the fruits of VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS (VAC) act as a mixed D 2 /D 3 receptor agonist. Dopamine agonists are first line therapy for restless legs syndrome (RLS). In a small group of patients (n = 12) suffering from RLS a standardized VAC extract was tested as a dopamine agonist derived from plants for the first time. The outcome is promising and further clinical trials should be stimulated.

Opioidergic mechanisms underlying the actions of Vitex agnus-castus L.

Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) has been used since ancient Greek times and has been shown clinically to be effective for the treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome. However, its mechanism of action has only been partially determined. Compounds, fractions, and extracts isolated from VAC were used in this study to thoroughly investigate possible opioidergic activity. First, an extract of VAC was found to bind and activate μ- and δ-, but not κ-opioid receptor subtypes (MOR, DOR, and KOR respectively). The extract was then resuspended in 10% methanol and partitioned sequentially with petroleum ether, CHCl 3, and EtOAc to form four fractions including a water fraction. The highest affinity for MOR was concentrated in the CHCl 3 fraction, whereas the highest affinity for DOR was found in the CHCl 3 and EtOAc fractions. The petroleum ether fraction had the highest agonist activity at MOR and DOR. Several flavonoids from VAC were found to bind to both MOR and DOR in a dose-dependent manner; however only casticin, a marker compound for genus Vitex, was found to have agonist activity selective for DOR at high concentrations. These results suggest VAC may exert its therapeutic effects through the activation of MOR, DOR, but not KOR.

Casticin and rotundifuran content of subcritical Vitex agnus-castus CO2 fruit extracts compared with classical Soxhlet extracts

The ripe fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L. are traditionally used as herbal medicine for the treatment of various conditions in women, like premenstrual syndrome, menopause and disrupted lactation. The dopaminergic activity of some extracts is assumed to be a synergistic effect of diterpenes and other constitutents [1]. The aim of the present study was to compare subcritical liquid CO2 extracts of Vitex agnus-castus dried fruits with soxhlet extracts using three different solvents, namely n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. Subcritical liquid extraction (25–26°C, 62–64bar) was used because of its suitability for use in laboratory scale and minor costs compared to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which has been used in prior studies [2]. The so-called periodic or soxhlet-type subcritical liquid extraction [3] allowed to stop extraction at certain time points (15, 45, 90min and 12 hours), yielding 0.01g, 0.14g, 0.25g and 0.28g extract, respectively compared to 1.8g n-hexane, 1.3g dichloromethane and 0.96g methanol classical soxhlet extracts. HPLC-DAD and external standards were used for the quantification of the flavonoid casticin and the diterpene rotundifuran [4]. The highest casticin content was found in the n-hexane soxhlet extract. Overall, concentrations of casticin varied between 0,15 and 106,7mg/100g in the dried fruits and between 0,13 and 1,18% in the extracts. Rotundifuran content was below limit of quantification for the three soxhlet extracts, but showed relatively high amounts (11,75–301,01mg/100g drug) in the subcritical CO2 extracts in comparison with literature [2], [4].

Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women

To assess therapeutic effect of an extract of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Chinese women. It was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out in China. Eligible patients were treated with VAC extract or placebo for three cycles. Symptoms were documented with PMS diary (PMSD), a daily rating scale with 17 items. Main efficacy variable was the reduction percentage of 17 symptom score documented in PMSD during the luteal phase of the third treatment cycle. A total of 67 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to VAC group or placebo group. Of these, 64 patients completed the study (31 vs. 33). All the 17 symptoms showed a significantly greater improvement with VAC than placebo (P < 0.05) except lower abdominal cramping (P > 0.05). Vitex agnus castus is more effective than placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women, especially in symptoms of negative effect and insomnia.

Nature helps: from research to products against blood-sucking arthropods

Today, there is a trend in research to return to plant extracts as remedies against endo- and ectoparasites. Many daily appearing papers describe the efficacy of different plant extracts. However, the second step, to develop a product for the market (that could settle obvious needs), is in general not done. Thus, many results will be forgotten soon and the work was done in vain. The present review shows in examples that very efficacious biocidal and repellent products were developed from extracts of the plants Vitex agnus castus, Azadirachta indica, and from others which produce etheric oils. Of course, it is needed that the extracts have to be tested seriously for their activity, non-toxicity, tolerability, and user compliance. However, the selected examples show that it is worthwhile to consider plants in the fight against endo- and ectoparasites.

Studies on the antioxidant activity of essential oil and different solvent extracts of Vitexagnuscastus L. fruits from Turkey

This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and different solvent extracts of Vitex agnus castus. GC and GC–MS analysis was resulted in the detection of 27 components, representing 94.5% of the oil. Major components of the oil were 1,8-cineole (24.98%), sabinene (13.45%), α-pinene (10.60%), α-terpinyl acetate (6.66%), and ( Z)-β-farnesene (5.40%). Antioxidant activities of the samples were determined by three different test systems, DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power assays. In all systems, water extract exhibited excellent activity potential than those of other extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol) and the oil. As expected, amount of total phenolics was very high in this extract (112.46 ± 1.22 μg GAEs/mg extract). Dichloromethane extract has been found to be rich in flavonoids. A positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant activity potential and total phenolic and flavonoid levels of the extracts.