Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex (unspecified)
For the body system: Estrogen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitex (commonly referring to Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree berry) has a long history of traditional use in supporting various aspects of women's reproductive health, particularly concerning menstrual cycle regulation and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In traditional European herbal medicine, Vitex has been used to help alleviate symptoms believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances, such as irregular periods, breast tenderness, and mood swings. The rationale behind its use is primarily based on its purported ability to influence the pituitary gland and thereby indirectly impact the balance of hormones such as prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and, to a lesser extent, estrogen and progesterone.
While some modern studies have explored Vitex's effects on hormonal parameters, the evidence for its direct impact on estrogen levels or the "estrogen body system" specifically is limited and not robust. Most research has focused on its role in reducing PMS symptoms and regulating the menstrual cycle, rather than directly increasing or modulating estrogen. Therefore, while there is a rich tradition supporting its use for female reproductive health, scientific validation, particularly for direct estrogenic effects, is weak. The overall strength of evidence for Vitex's support of the estrogen body system can be considered low (rated 2/5), with traditional use outweighing scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients that support Estrogen
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)black cohosh
chaste tree
d-glucarate
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
fennel
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
ginseng
HMR lignan
hops
indole-3-carbinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
anise
yarrow
dioscorea
Equol (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
Bugbane
biochanin
Barbasco
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cruciferous
Casticin
Coumesterol
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Isoflavones
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Vitex (unspecified)
BloodEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Hypothalamus
Ovaries
Pituitary
Pituitary (anterior)
Progesterone
Reproductive System
Specific Hormones
Uterus