Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex (unspecified)
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry, has a long history of traditional use for various female reproductive health concerns, including menopause. Traditional European herbal medicine has employed Vitex primarily for symptoms related to the menstrual cycle and premenstrual syndrome, but also for menopausal complaints such as hot flashes and mood disturbances. The rationale is based on observations that Vitex may influence the pituitary gland and thereby modulate hormonal balance, particularly by indirectly affecting levels of prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and possibly progesterone. However, the majority of rigorous scientific research has focused on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and mastalgia rather than menopause itself. A limited number of small studies and anecdotal reports suggest possible benefit for menopausal symptoms, but these are generally of low methodological quality. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses point out insufficient evidence to recommend Vitex for menopausal symptoms due to a lack of robust clinical trials. In summary, the use of Vitex for menopause is primarily justified by traditional use rather than strong scientific validation, and current evidence from clinical studies is weak and inconclusive.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitex (unspecified)
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Estrogen (low)
Infertility
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Puberty (hormone balancer)
Sex Drive (low)
Vaginal Dryness