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Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the treatment of menopause-related complaints
Margaret Diana van Die1, Henry G Burger, Helena J Teede
1Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. diana.vandie@rmit.edu.au
Background:
The origin of the current practice of administering Vitex agnus-castus in menopause-related complaints is uncertain, but appears to be relatively recent. Here we review the evidence for this application of Vitex based on evidence from pharmacological studies and clinical research.
Methods:
The mechanisms of potential relevance in the context of menopause are explored with reference to the current understanding of the endocrinology and neuroendocrinology of menopause and associated symptoms.
Conclusions:
We conclude that, while evidence from rigorous randomized controlled trials is lacking for the individual herb in this context, emerging pharmacological evidence supports a role for V. agnus-castus in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms and suggests that further investigation may be appropriate.
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