Vitex -- or, more properly known by its scientific name vitex agnus castus -- is another name for the chasteberry, the fruit of the chaste tree. Vitex has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks as a treatment for a variety of sexual and female reproductive system conditions. Some modern alternative medicine practitioners believe that vitex is also useful as a method for controlling cholesterol levels. Before using vitex to treat any condition, you should speak to your doctor and be aware of the possible side effects, as well as the concerns related to using a non-regulated dietary supplement.
Background
Vitex, or chasteberry, is native to portions of central Asia and most of the Mediterranean countries, where both the tree's leaves and berry-like fruit have been used for centuries as a folk medicine treatment. According to Drugs.com, the leaves were chewed by monks who believed them to be capable of suppressing libido; the dried ripe fruit was used in herbal preparations to treat disorders of the uterus and excessive hemorrhaging following childbirth.
Uses
Vitex is used primarily as a treatment for a number of female reproductive system disorders, including irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility. The herb is also used to stimulate lactation in nursing women and to treat the pain and tenderness associated with fibrocystic breast disease. These properties of vitex may be associated with the high concentration of glycoside, flavonoid and terpenoid compounds found in the plant's fruit, compounds that all act to influence glands within the endocrine system.
Effect on Cholesterol
Both the Herbal Treatment Remedies and Phytomed Health Group sites report that vitex supplementation may be useful in lowering high cholesterol levels in the blood. However, neither of these sites present or refer to clinical evidence to support these claims. Likewise, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, does not list cholesterol-lowering as one of the properties or scientifically proven uses of vitex supplements.
Side Effects
Vitex use may cause side effects, such as an itchy skin rash, headache, fatigue, acne, mild hair loss and an upset stomach. More serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, hives and unusual swelling in the lips, face, tongue and throat may occur if the person is allergic to the plant. Pregnant women and anyone undergoing hormone therapy should avoid using vitex. You should also be aware that vitex may interfere with the function of birth control pills, fertility drugs and dopamine agonist drugs like bromocriptine.
Considerations
As a dietary supplement, vitex is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Because of this, any vitex supplement you purchase has not been checked for purity, safety or effectiveness. Added to the fact that vitex's effects on cholesterol are far from being supported by scientific evidence or clinical trials, consult your doctor before attempting to manage your cholesterol levels with vitex supplementation.
