The herb vitex agnus-castus, better known as vitex, is commonly used by women who suffer from premenstrual breast tenderness and heavy menstrual bleeding. While primarily considered one of the most valuable herbs for regulating female hormones, practitioners of alternative medicine claim that the herb affects male testosterone, a hormone that affects vitality, sex drive and bone density. Due to safety and efficacy concerns, however, consult your physician before using vitex.
Vitex Description
An aromatic tree native to Greece and Italy, vitex, otherwise known as chaste tree or chasteberry, thrives in coastal regions, riverbanks and creek beds. The tree reaches heights of 21 feet and bears palmate leaves and small, tubular purplish flowers. Its tiny, hard, red berries constitute the source of its medicinal powers.
Traditional Use
As its name suggests, chasteberry has a long history of traditional use as a treatment to curb sexual desire. Steven Foster, author of the book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," claims that during initiation ceremonies, novice monks in ancient Rome followed a path strewn with chaste tree flowers to symbolize their vow of chastity. Additionally, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, dried vitex fruits were ground and substituted for pepper to ensure chastity in medieval Europe's monasteries, giving rise to its alternate name of monk's pepper.
Vitex-Testosterone Link
An Iranian animal study conducted at Azad University and published in the July 15, 2007 issue of "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences" found that vitex extract increases male testosterone. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that vitex decreases prolactin production, a hormone that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone, a chemical cousin of testosterone, determines a male's physique, sex drive, nervous system and facial and body hair patterns. It also appears to stimulate the production of prostate cancer cells, so vitex should slow the growth of prostate cancer, in theory. Since vitex seems to raise testosterone levels, however, MayoClinic.com warns that acne, enlarged breasts, heart disease, sleep apnea, a reduction in sperm production and testicular atrophy may occur.
Cautions
Vitex can cause mild stomach upset and skin rash with itching. Balch recommends taking vitex in the morning. Balch also suggests that for long-term benefits, you should continue vitex therapy for about three to six months after all symptoms disappear. As vitex may interfere with drug absorption, people taking medications for psychosis and Parkinson's disease should avoid the herb. Others suffering with general weakness or anemia should also refrain from using vitex.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Chasteberry
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster et al.; 2006
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; The Effects of Vitex Agnus Castus Extract and its Interaction with Dopaminergic System on LH and Testosterone in Male Mice; S. Nasri et al.; July 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?
