Vitex Agnus-castus Extract Research Articles

Clinical Activity of a Combination of Isoflavones, Agnus castus and Magnolia in the Menopause: A Controlled Study on Estromineral Serena Plus

Introduction: Falling oestrogen levels in the perimenopause alter the function of dopamine, melatonin and neuropeptides, and therefore affect thermoregulation, vasomotor stability, mood regulation, quality of sleep and psychological wellbeing. When Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not appropriate, taking food supplements can be useful. A new food supplement for the menopause (ESP), which contains soy isoflavones, Magnolia and Agnus castus extracts, acts on the vasomotor and psycho affective symptoms and has shown interesting preliminary clinical results. This study, with a controlled design, confirms the clinical activity of ESP in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Method: Menopausal women with more than five moderate hot flushes a day and with changes in mood or sleep were enrolled in a randomised, controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study. Women on active treatment for climacteric symptoms were excluded. Eligible women were assigned to three months ’ oral treatment with one tablet/day of ESP (Estromineral Serena Plus, Meda Pharma, Mylan Group), containing soy isoflavones (SI), Lactobacillus sporogenes (Ls), extracts of Vitex agnus-castus and Magnolia officinalis, vitamin D3 and calcium, or with E (Estromineral, Meda Pharma, Mylan Group), containing SI, Ls, vitamin D3 and calcium. At baseline and after one, two and three months, we evaluated the Kupper man Index (KI) score and symptoms present, and any adverse reactions were recorded. At the end of the study, the physicians expressed their clinical judgement and the women self-evaluated their treatment. Results: Across 68 centres, 588 women were treated, 354 with ESP and 234 with E. They had a mean age of 53.0 years and had been menopausal for 2.8 years, and 32% had used HRT in the past. KI score, hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and sexual activity improved to asignificantly greater extent with ESP than with E (p<0.01). During the study, five cases (one withdrawal) in the E group and three cases (one withdrawal) in the ESP group experienced adverse events possibly related to the treatment. Conclusion: The results confirm the synergistic effect of the nutraceutical combination Agnus castus, soy isoflavones and magnolia extract on vasomotor and psycho behavioural symptoms in postmenopausal women, with excellent compliance and safety.

The Dietary Effect of Vitex agnus-castus Hydroalcoholic Extract on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Carcass Quality, Sex Ratio and Gonad Histology in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The main purpose of this study was to consider the impact of Vitex agnus-castus hydroalcoholic extract, containing phytoestrogenic compounds on growth indices, sex ratio and histology of gonads of female Zebrafish. Fish larvae (4-day-old after hatching) were nourished with investigational diets (0 (control group T0), 5 g (T1), 10 g (T2) and 15 g (T3) kg−1 food) from first active feeding for 90 days. The results showed that Condition Factor (CF), Food Conversion Rate (FCR), Body Weight Gain (BWG), and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) were affected meaningfully by hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex agnus-castus (p &lt; 0.05). These factors were significantly higher in compare to T3 treatment (p &lt; 0.05). With increasing concentration of the extract in the diet, the ratio of female to male increased Treatment of T3 resulted in 87.23% feminization. Overall, this study suggests the use of T3 treatment achieves the best reproduction performance and a higher percentage of females in zebrafish as a model for aquaculture species. According to the results, the lowest levels of glucose and cholesterol were observed in T3 treatment and showed a significant changes with the control and treatments (p &lt; 0.05).

Mechanisms Underlying the Tracheorelaxant Effect of Vitex agnus-castus Extract

Medical plants, including Vitex agnus-castus L., Lamiaceae, were used in folk medicine for a long time; however, V. agnus-castus mechanisms of actions on trachea are not known. This study was attempted to give evidence for medicinal use of V. agnus-castus as a relaxant and to identify its underlying mechanisms. To this end, V. agnus-castus extract was extracted with ethanol and tested in rabbit tracheal smooth muscle using isolated organ baths. The V. agnus-castus extract (0.15–60 mg/ml) relaxed against acetylcholine-induced constriction in isolated rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, in vitro. Further, V. agnus-castus extract (0.15–75 mg/ml) shown relaxing effects in carbachol and high K-induced contraction of rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, implying antimuscarinic and calcium channel blocking activities. The addition (preincubation) of L-NAME (inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases), as well as indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), inhibited (102%, 95% respectively) relaxing effects induced by V. agnus-castus extract precontracted with carbachol. On the other hand, bradykinin (stimulator of nitric oxide synthases) and zaprinast (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) further potentiated (40%, 41%, respectively) relaxing-induced effects by the V. agnus-castus extract. Our data suggest that V. agnus-castus extract airway-relaxing properties have muscarinic antagonism, are dependent on calcium blockade, and are at least partly mediated by the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate- and cyclooxygenase-1-prostaglandin E2-dependent mechanisms. These effects justify V. agnus-castus extract use in various respiratory disorders.

Clinical Activity of a Combination of Isoflavones, Agnus castus and Magnolia in the Menopause: A Controlled Study on Estromineral Serena Plus

Introduction: Falling oestrogen levels in the perimenopause alter the function of dopamine, melatonin and neuropeptides, and therefore affect thermoregulation, vasomotor stability, mood regulation, quality of sleep and psychological wellbeing. When Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not appropriate, taking food supplements can be useful. A new food supplement for the menopause (ESP), which contains soy isoflavones, Magnolia and Agnus castus extracts, acts on the vasomotor and psycho affective symptoms and has shown interesting preliminary clinical results. This study, with a controlled design, confirms the clinical activity of ESP in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Method: Menopausal women with more than five moderate hot flushes a day and with changes in mood or sleep were enrolled in a randomised, controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study. Women on active treatment for climacteric symptoms were excluded. Eligible women were assigned to three months ’ oral treatment with one tablet/day of ESP (Estromineral Serena Plus, Meda Pharma, Mylan Group), containing soy isoflavones (SI), Lactobacillus sporogenes (Ls), extracts of Vitex agnus-castus and Magnolia officinalis, vitamin D3 and calcium, or with E (Estromineral, Meda Pharma, Mylan Group), containing SI, Ls, vitamin D3 and calcium. At baseline and after one, two and three months, we evaluated the Kupper man Index (KI) score and symptoms present, and any adverse reactions were recorded. At the end of the study, the physicians expressed their clinical judgement and the women self-evaluated their treatment. Results: Across 68 centres, 588 women were treated, 354 with ESP and 234 with E. They had a mean age of 53.0 years and had been menopausal for 2.8 years, and 32% had used HRT in the past. KI score, hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and sexual activity improved to asignificantly greater extent with ESP than with E (p<0.01). During the study, five cases (one withdrawal) in the E group and three cases (one withdrawal) in the ESP group experienced adverse events possibly related to the treatment. Conclusion: The results confirm the synergistic effect of the nutraceutical combination Agnus castus, soy isoflavones and magnolia extract on vasomotor and psycho behavioural symptoms in postmenopausal women, with excellent compliance and safety.

The Australian government’s Natural Therapies Review 2019–20 and the role of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Natural Therapies Working Committee

Objective Menopause symptoms have significant negative effects on the quality of life of women and vindicate the need for evaluating various therapeutic options. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus (VAC) extract on hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disorders, and some other symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Facile synthesis of trimetallic nanoparticles Au/CuO/ZnO using Vitex agnus-castus extract and their activity in degradation of organic dyes

ABSTRACT Due to the increased interest in the biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles, whose application brings numerous benefits, this work is concerned with the biological synthesis of Au/CuO/ZnO trimetallic nanoparticles using Vitex agnus-castus extract. The formed nanoparticles were characterised by means of the Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-vis), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements. The Atomic Force Microscopy analysis showed the presence of nanoparticles of 5–25 nm in size. The size of nanoparticles determined by means of SEM was consistent with the results obtained by means of Atomic Force Microscopy. The TEM images indicated the presence of spherical trimetallic nanoparticles, which were locally agglomerated. The obtained Au/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles showed good catalytic activity in the reduction of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV).

Effect of Temperature on Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Vitex Agnus-castus Extract

Effect of Temperature on Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Vitex Agnus-castus Extract

Protective effects of Vitex agnus-castus in ovariectomy mice following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Objective(s):Previous studies have indicated that phytoestrogens induce estrogenic as well as anti-inflammatory effects, and they are found in high abundance in the extracts of some herbs such as Vitex Agnus Castus (VAC). Therefore, we investigated the effect of VAC extract on ovariectomized mice after the induction of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO) model. Materials and Methods:In this study, 50 mice ranging from 25 to 35 g were divided into five experimental groups as follows: Control, VAC, Estrogen, Tamoxifen, and Tamoxifen-VAC. Animals were ovariectomized, and after 30 days of treatment, they were given PMCAO induction. Behavioral assessment (adhesive removal and wire hanging tests) was evaluated 24 hr, 48 hr, and one week after induction of stroke. The infarct volume, as well as serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were measured one week after stroke.Results:One week after stroke, in both VAC and estrogen groups, the infarct size reduced in comparison with the control group. Estrogen and VAC extract improved adhesive removal and wire hanging test, increased the level of IL-10, and decreased the level of MMP-9 compared with the control group. In addition, co-administration of tamoxifen and VCA extract had no significant effect on measured indices compared with control and tamoxifen groups. Conclusion:Based on our findings, VAC extract has neuroprotective properties and can reduce stroke injuries in PMCAO-induced ovariectomized mice via anti-inflammatory and estrogenic properties.

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

Pediatric gynecologists of all types of disorders of sexual development most often diagnose an incomplete form of premature puberty in girls of the isosexual type – isolated thelarche against the background of an elevated prolactin levels. Aim of the research: to study the effect of the drug Cyclodynon® on girls with an isolated thelarche on the background of increased prolactin levels. Materials and methods. Study include 30 girls aged from 1 to 5 years with isolated premature thelarche. Ultrasound and hormonal studies were conducted. All patients were examined by the endocrinologist, neurologist and pediatrician. Girls with isolated thelarche and a high prolactin level were prescribed the drug Cyclodynon® depending on the age and prolactin level at a dose of 1/8 to 1 tablet (or 5 to 40 drops) in the morning on an empty stomach once a day. Results. Study included 30 girls with isolated thelarche revealed a stable increase in the prolactin level (up to 680 mIU/l while normal values is 110–400 mIU/l) with relatively normal gonadotropins and estradiol levels. The use of a special extract of Vitex Agnus Castus Cyclodуnon® contributed to a gradual over 3 months reducing the prolactin level to normal from 680 to 396 mIU/l. Decrease in prolactin level correlated with regression of clinical signs of thelarche. Adverse or desirable effects when Cyclodynon® use for 3 months were noted. Conclusion. Increased prolactin level played significant role in children during the first five years of life in the isolated thelarche genesis. The use of standardized herbal drug Cyclodynon® with dopaminergic effect led to normalization of the prolactin level in treatment girls with isolated thelarche on the background of elevated prolactin levels and is an effective and pathogenetically justified. This is confirmed by the results of clinical and hormonal studies.

Comparison of Vitex agnus-castus Extracts with Placebo in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BackgroundMenopausal symptoms have remarkable negative effects on women’s quality of life, justifying the need to assess various therapeutic options. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in alleviating menopausal symptoms in comparison with that of placebo.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial with a study group of 52 women referred to a clinic in Kermanshah in 2017. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Vitex group (26 subjects) and placebo group (26 subjects). Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Greene Scale before and 8 weeks after the intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean scores for total menopausal disorder, anxiety, and vasomotor dysfunction were significantly lower in the Vitex group than in the placebo group (P<0.05). The mean scores of the variables of somatic complications, depression, and sexual dysfunction did not show significant differences between the Vitex and placebo groups (P>0.05).ConclusionAdministration of Vitex agnus-castus extracts as a phytoestrogenic medicine can alleviate menopausal symptoms in women.

Phytotherapy of cyclic mastalgia in patients with diffuse mastopathy and premenstrual syndrome

Research objective. To carry out the overview of the published works devoted to assessment of efficiency and safety of the phytodrug mastodynon, which includes Vitexagnus-castus extract, in treatment of mastalgia caused by a benign dysplasia of mammary glands and/or a premenstrual syndrome, with the analysis of use of the obtained data in clinical practice of obstetrician-gynecologist. Materials and methods. The foreign and domestic articles which are selected in Pubmed, eLIBRARY according to keywords «cyclic mastalgia», «diffusion benign dysplasia of mammary glands», «premenstrual syndrome», «hyperprolactinemia», «Vitexagnus-castus», «mastodynon» are used. The results of the analysed clinical trials demonstrate efficiency of phytodrugs in treatment of mastalgia in patients with various forms of diffusion mastopathy and premenstrual syndrome.Conclusion. Mastodynon can be recommended as effective and safe first-choice drug for treatment of a cyclic mastalgia in patients with a diffusion benign dysplasia of mammary glands and a premenstrual syndrome.

The premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual mastodynia, fibrocystic mastopathy and infertility have often common roots. Effects of extracts of chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) as a solution

The dried fruits of the chaste tree Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) were traditionally used by monks as a substitute for pepper and was therefore also called Monk’s pepper. For the last 50 years it is commercially provided for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, particularly to prevent premenstrual mastodynia (mastalgia). Most studies were performed with the preparation containing an aqueous/ethanolic ectract BNO 1095. A number of placebo controlled studies gave proof that extracts of VAC had beneficial effects on premenstrual breast pain. This breast sensation is induced by latent hyperprolactinemia which is characterized by secretory episodes of prolactin release by the pituitary in response to stress and deep sleep phases. This latent hyperprolactinemia induces also often a corpus luteum insufficiency which is a common reason for infertilty. It is well accepted that prolactin release can be reduced by dopamine and dopaminergic drugs. The efficacy of VAC extracts to ameliorate prolactin induced premenstrual mastodynia was therefore suggestive that VAC may contain dopaminergic compounds. Indeed, a number of diterpenes were identified that bound to recombinant Dopamine receptors of the 2 subtype which are present in pituitary lactotropes and which mediate the inhibitory effects of dopamine and dopaminergic drugs on pituitary prolactin release. Consequently, prolactin release in vitro from dispersed pituitary cells and in vivo in rats and postmenopausal women was inhibited by VAC 1095. Placebo controlled studies proved also the efficacy of VAC extracts to ameliorate premenstrual symptoms. In several placebo-controlled studies a clear relation between reduction of breast pain and reduction of serum prolactin levels could be established. In addition VAC extracts was also highly effective in women suffering from fibrocystic mastopathy. In many of these women serum prolactin levels were also elevated and reduced by VAC extracts. The results from all trials suggested that VAC extracts ameliorated premenstrual symptoms including mastodynia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and latent hyperprolactinemia. Cystic mastopathy and sterility due to corpus luteum insufficiencies were also beneficially influenced. Adverse events with VAC were mild and generally infrequent.

Dopaminergic drugs for the prevention of menstrual disorders in girls with autoimmune thyroiditis

A disbalance of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian relations is noted in adolescent girls with autoimmune thyroiditis, due to heightened prolactin, LH, cortisol, lowered estradiol, progesterone, accompanied by changes in the functional state of ovaries per data of echographs and with possible further disruptions of reproductive health. Multidisciplinary observation algorithm for euthyroid girls with autoimmune thyroiditis was proposed. 88 girls of late adolescence (58 – main group, 30 – comparison group), Vitex agnus-castus extract (1 tablet 1 time per day) and basic cyclic vitamin therapy, which is traditionally used in the practice of children’s gynecology: vitamin E – 200 mg, 1 capsule per day every second day, folic acid – 1 mg, 3 times per day on days 1–14 of the menstrual cycle, vitamin C – 100 mg, 2 times per day on 15–28 days of cycle. The girls of the comparison group was intended only cyclic vitamin therapy. Both surveyed groups received prophylactic correction for 3 months, the next assessment of the patient’s condition was performed after 3 months of further observation. with autoimmune thyroiditis allowed for improved hormonal status, ovarian functional state per echography. Following use of the proposed prophylactic complex there over nine months.

Identification and characterization of agnuside, a natural proangiogenic small molecule

Due to its important role in regulating angiogenesis, vascular homeostasis and remodeling, and arteriogenesis in blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFR2 stimulation has demonstrated promise in preclinical studies as an endovascular treatment for ischemic myocardial and peripheral disease. However, the short half-life of protein- and cytokine-based strategies and transduction inefficiency of vector-based modalities have hindered its clinical therapeutic applications. In the present study, we used a streamlined bioinformatics strategy combining ligand-based pharmacophore development and validation, virtual screening, and molecular docking to identify agnuside, a non-toxic, natural small molecule extract of Vitex agnus-castus possessing strong binding affinity, druggable physiochemical properties, and conformationally stable hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with catalytically important residues within VEGFR2's active and allosteric sites. In-vitro proliferation, tube formation, and scratch wound migration assays provide evidence that agnuside promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis. Agnuside increases HUVEC proliferation with an EC50 of 1.376 μg/mL, stimulates tubulogenesis dose-dependently, and increases scratch wound migration rate. An additional angiogenesis assay suggests that agnuside may actively compete with a VEGFR2 inhibitor for VEGFR2 binding site occupancy to increase total length and branching length of HUVEC tubular networks. Chemometric analysis of molecular interaction fields (MIFs) by partial least squares (PLS)-derived quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis and MIF contours provides the framework for the formulation of agnuside analogues possessing greater potency. Our research supports that agnuside may be a lead molecule for therapeutic angiogenesis.

Antifungal effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vitex agnus-castus against vaginal isolates of Candida albicans

Background and Purpose: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in female genital organs, which is caused by Candida species. Candida albicans is the causative agent of more than 80% of infections, and the role of non-Candida strains in the disease etiology is less prominent. The expansion of Azoles resistance among C. albicans strains is considered an important medical problem. According to previous studies, Vitex agnus-castus (vitex) has some antimicrobial effects. We aimed to evaluate the anti-fungal effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans in comparison with fluconazole.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on vitex to identify its possible bioactive components. Forty C. albicans clinical isolates were identified by using germ tube, chlamydospore production, culture on CHROMagar, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Finally, after the extraction of vitex, drug susceptibility test was carried out according to the clinical laboratory standards institute (CLSI) M27-S4 document guidelines.&#x0D; Results: The major chemical components of vitex leaf as determined by gas chromatography included α-Pinene, isoterpinolene, caryophyllene, and azulene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex, as well as fluconazole were within the ranges of 15.62–62.5, 7.81–15.62, and 0.25–8 μg/mL, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings showed that the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of vitex had antifungal activity against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Moreover, the alcoholic extract of vitex and fluconazole were more effective against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans compared to the aqueous extract of vitex.&#x0D;

Antifungal effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vitexagnus-castus against vaginal isolates of Candida albicans.

Background and Purpose:Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in female genital organs, which is caused by Candida species. Candida albicans is the causative agent of more than 80% of infections, and the role of non-Candida strains in the disease etiology is less prominent. The expansion of Azoles resistance among C. albicans strains is considered an important medical problem. According to previous studies, Vitex agnus-castus (vitex) has some antimicrobial effects. We aimed to evaluate the anti-fungal effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans in comparison with fluconazole.Materials and Methods:Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on vitex to identify its possible bioactive components. Forty C. albicans clinical isolates were identified by using germ tube, chlamydospore production, culture on CHROMagar, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Finally, after the extraction of vitex, drug susceptibility test was carried out according to the clinical laboratory standards institute (CLSI) M27-S4 document guidelines.Results:The major chemical components of vitex leaf as determined by gas chromatography included α-Pinene, isoterpinolene, caryophyllene, and azulene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex, as well as fluconazole were within the ranges of 15.62–62.5, 7.81–15.62, and 0.25–8 μg/mL, respectively.Conclusion:Our findings showed that the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of vitex had antifungal activity against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Moreover, the alcoholic extract of vitex and fluconazole were more effective against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans compared to the aqueous extract of vitex.

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

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.

Гиперпластические процессы эндометрия. Возможности коррекции натуропатическими препаратами

The article presents modern aspects of etiopathogenetic factors of endometrium hyperplastic processes. Modern data on the classification, diagnosis and therapy of endometrial hyperplasia was analyzed. The possibility of using modern naturopathic drugs «Normomens» on the basis of extracts of Vitex agnus castus, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum graecum, Pyrus malus and «Normocycle» containing extracts of Symplocos racemosa, Asparagus racemosus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa was theoretically substantiated in the therapy of endometrium hyperplastic processes. Key words: endometrium hyperplastic processes, Normomens, Normocycle.

Comparing the Vitex-castus extract and cabergoline effects on estrous induction in female dogs

Cabergoline is used to induce estrus, stop lactation, and induce abortion in small animals. The specific doses of Vitagnus extract have almost identical properties of cabergoline that reduce prolactin and increase the concentration of FSH hormone. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Vitex agnus-castus extract and cabergoline on prolactin concentration and hormonal changes associated with the onset of estrous cycle in dogs. Twelve healthy adult cyclic female-mix breed dogs were selected and randomly aligned in treatment (6 dogs, Vitagnus extract 1.5 ml daily for 5 weeks, 80–90 mg/ml, PO) and control groups (6 dogs, cabergoline, daily for 5 weeks, 5 μg/kg, PO). Blood sampling and vaginal smears were taken weekly. Serum samples were stored at −20 °C until prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone were measured by ELISA method. Based on vaginal cytology results, four (cabergoline) and three (Vitagnus) dogs were in the estrous phase after 5 weeks of treatment. The average concentration of the prolactin was not changed during 5 weeks and between two groups. There was no significant difference in progesterone and estradiol levels between groups. The changes of estradiol concentration were significant during the 5 weeks (p < 0.01). The mean concentration of this hormone changed significantly between weeks 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), 2 and 5 (p < 0.05), and 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Vitagnus extract had hormonal effects similar to those of cabergoline for induction of estrus in bitches.

Nanoemulsion for improving solubility and permeability of Vitex agnus-castus extract: formulation and in vitro evaluation using PAMPA and Caco-2 approaches

The purpose of this study was to develop new formulation for an improved oral delivery of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) extract. After the optimization and validation of analytical method for quali-quantitative characterization of extract, nanoemulsion (NE) was selected as lipid-based nanocarrier. The composition of extract-loaded NE resulted in triacetin as oil phase, labrasol as surfactant, cremophor EL as co-surfactant and water. NE contains until 60 mg/mL of extract. It was characterized by DLS and TEM analyses and its droplets appear dark with an average diameter of 11.82 ± 0.125 nm and a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.117 ± 0.019. The aqueous solubility of the extract was improved about 10 times: the extract is completely soluble in the NE at the concentration of 60 mg/mL, while its solubility in water results less than 6 mg. The passive intestinal permeation was tested by using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and the permeation across Caco-2 cells after preliminary cytotoxicity studies were also evaluated. NE shows a good solubilizing effect of the constituents of the extract, compared with aqueous solution. The total amount of constituents permeated from NE to acceptor compartment is greater than that permeated from saturated aqueous solution. Caco-2 test confirmed PAMPA results and they revealed that NE was successful in increasing the permeation of VAC extract. This formulation could improve oral bioavailability of extract due to enhanced solubility and permeability of phytocomplex.