Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus

Abstract

IntroductionVitex agnus-castus, also called vitex is aboriginal to the Mediterranean region, with long leaves, tender stem, flowers and ripening seeds. The aim of this study was to overview premenstrual, postmenstrual and infertility disorder of Vitex agnus-castus.MethodsThis review article was carried out by searching studies in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases. The initial search strategy identified about 87 references. In this study, 43 studies were accepted for further screening, and met all our inclusion criteria (in English, full text, therapeutic effects of Vitex agnus-castus and dated mainly from the year 2009 to 2016).The search terms were Vitex agnus-castus, premenstrual, postmenstrual, infertility disorder properties and pharmacological effects.ResultVitex agnus-castus was shown to contribute to the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Moreover, the result of the present study showed that this valuable plant is helpful in alleviation of pain resulting from postmenstrual disease. Furthermore, it was found that Vitex agnus-castus is beneficial in infertility disorder.ConclusionVitex agnus-castus (AC) is a phytopharmaceutical compound and is shown to be widely used to treat PMS and PMDD. In addition, it was shown to be beneficial in post-menstrual cases and it can also contribute to treatment of infertility cases in both men and women. Dopaminergic compounds available in this plant help to treat premenstrual mastodynia as well as other symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome.

Abatement of the Stimulatory Effect of Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Titania on Ovarian Cell Functions by Some Plants and Phytochemicals

“…The mechanisms of these buckwheat effects remain unknown. The stimulatory action of vitex on ovarian cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and 17 β -estradiol release is concordant with previous indications on its ability to increase ovarian cell apoptosis [ 41 , 42 ] and steroidogenesis [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Furthermore, there is the first evidence on the capability of vitex to promote ovarian cell proliferation, resulting in cell turnover and viability.…”

“…Furthermore, there is the first evidence on the capability of vitex to promote ovarian cell proliferation, resulting in cell turnover and viability. These effects explain the stimulatory and therapeutic action of vitex on some ovarian functions reported previously [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…Vitex ( Vitex agnus-castus ) is another potential regulator of reproduction and health. The presence of antioxidants and phytoestrogens in vitex makes it useful for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome and the restoration of sex steroid release and estrous cycle [ 36 , 37 , 38 ], for the therapy of premenstrual and postmenstrual syndromes [ 39 , 40 ] and as a remedy for infertility [ 39 ]. Due to its ability to promote apoptosis, it can be also beneficial for the prevention and cure of cancer [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Vitex agnus-castus L.: Main Features and Nutraceutical Perspectives

“…Many clinical trials confirm the health-promoting effects of V. agnus-castus L. [101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108]. Table 3 reports the results of the main clinical trial studies.…”

Therapeutic options for women with infertility before IVF

“…Більшість репродуктологів вважають за необхідне коригувати ГП до стимуляції ову-ляції для покращення прогнозу як щодо отри-мання більшої кількості клітин, так і стосовно виношування вагітності, що настала в резуль-таті екстракорпорального запліднення (ЕКЗ) [4]. У той же час існують окремі дослідження, які вказують на протилежне.…”