Western herbal medicine consultations for common menstrual problems; practitioner experiences and perceptions of treatment
To explore the prevalence with which Australian Western herbalists treat menstrual problems and their related treatment, experiences, perceptions, and interreferral practices with other health practitioners. Members of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative practice‐based research network identifying as Western Herbalists (WHs) completed a specifically developed, online questionnaire. Western Herbalists regularly treat menstrual problems, perceiving high, though differential, levels of effectiveness. For menstrual problems, WHs predominantly prescribe individualised formulas including core herbs, such as ...
Source: Phytotherapy Research - December 15, 2017 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Carole Fisher, Jon Adams, Jane Frawley, Louise Hickman, David Sibbritt Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research
Effects of Vitex agnus-castus extract on the secretory function of pituitary-gonadal axis and pregnancy rate in patients with premature ovarian aging (POA)
Conclusion VAC extract as a fertility-promoting plant appears to be a safe and effective herb for medicinal applications in women with POA when used within the established dosage guidelines. (Source: Journal of Herbal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Herbal Medicine - October 28, 2017 Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research
IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1209: Toxic Elements in Different Medicinal Plants and the Impact on Human Health
a
Local medicinal plants from Madina, Saudi Arabia, are used to cure various diseases. However, some can cause adverse health effects. Five different medicinal plants were collected in the city of Madina: mahareeb (Cymbopogon), sheeh (Artemisia), harjal (Cynanchum argel delile), nabipoot (Equisetum), and kafmariam (Vitex agnus-castus). In total, four toxic elements including Al, Pb, As, and Cd were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The range of recoveries fell between 86.1 and 90.6% for all measured elements. Al levels were the highest of any of the studied elements in all plant samp...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - October 11, 2017 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Eid Brima Tags: Article Source Type: research
Comparing the Vitex-castus extract and cabergoline effects on estrous induction in female dogs
In conclusion, Vitagnus extract had hormonal effects similar to those of cabergoline for induction of estrus in bitches. (Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology)
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - May 21, 2017 Category: Pathology Source Type: research
Assessment of in vitro dopamine-neuroblastoma cell interactions with a bioelectric biosensor: perspective for a novel in vitro functional assay for dopamine agonist/antagonist activity.
Abstract
Current receptor-binding assays for dopamine do not measure the in vitro whole cellular response against dopamine or potential agonist/antagonist molecules. We herewith report the development of a novel functional assay concept for studying the in vitro interaction of the neurotransmitter dopamine with neural cells bearing dopamine receptors. The concept is based on the ultra-rapid measurement of changes in the electric properties of cultured N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells (corresponding to cumulative changes of the cell membrane potential). A close relationship between cumulative cell membrane pot...
Source: Talanta - May 15, 2017 Category: Chemistry Authors: Apostolou T, Moschopoulou G, Kolotourou E, Kintzios S Tags: Talanta Source Type: research
The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Our objective was to determine the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of Vitex agnus castus preparations for treatment of premenstrual syndrome. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology - February 22, 2017 Category: OBGYN Authors: Saskia Verkaik, Astrid M. Kamperman, Roos van Westrhenen, Peter F.J. Schulte Tags: Systematic Review Source Type: research
The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A high risk of bias and the heterogeneity of the included studies preclude a definite conclusion about the effectiveness of treatment of PMS with Vitex agnus castus (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology - February 22, 2017 Category: OBGYN Authors: Saskia Verkaik, Astrid M. Kamperman, Roos van Westrhenen, Peter F.J. Schulte Tags: Systematic Review Source Type: research
Nanoemulsion for improving solubility and permeability of Vitex agnus-castus extract: formulation and in vitro evaluation using PAMPA and Caco-2 approaches.
Authors: Piazzini V, Monteforte E, Luceri C, Bigagli E, Bilia AR, Bergonzi MC
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop new formulation for an improved oral delivery of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) extract. After the optimization and validation of analytical method for quali-quantitative characterization of extract, nanoemulsion (NE) was selected as lipid-based nanocarrier. The composition of extract-loaded NE resulted in triacetin as oil phase, labrasol as surfactant, cremophor EL as co-surfactant and water. NE contains until 60 mg/mL of extract. It was characterized by DLS and TEM analyses and its ...
Source: Drug Delivery - February 8, 2017 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Drug Deliv Source Type: research
Report on the Medicinal Use of Eleven Lamiaceae Species in Lebanon and Rationalization of Their Antimicrobial Potential by Examination of the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Their Essential Oils.
Authors: Khoury M, Stien D, Eparvier V, Ouaini N, El Beyrouthy M
Abstract
Many Lamiaceae species are consumed in the Lebanese cuisine as food or condiment and are largely used in the traditional medicine of Lebanon to treat various diseases, including microbial infections. In this article we report the traditional medicinal uses of eleven Lamiaceae species: Coridothymus capitatus L., Lavandula stoechas L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Mentha spicata L. subsp. condensata, Origanum syriacum L., Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia fruticosa Miller., Satureja cuneifolia Ten., Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L...
Source: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - January 7, 2017 Category: Complementary Medicine Tags: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Source Type: research
[Risk and benefit of nutritional supplements for the treatment of postmenopausal complaints].
Abstract
Menopause is for many females associated with an occurrence of a variety of health complaints and a decrease in quality in life. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances and a variety of other symptoms result in a strong psychological strain. Hormone replacement therapy for treatment of climacteric complaints is discussed controversially regarding associated side effects. This is a major reason to propose treatment with plant derived extracts and compounds as an alternative. Such compounds are available either as drugs but mostly as nutritional supplements. Here we have to distinguish between so-calle...
Source: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz - January 3, 2017 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Diel P, Kurrat A, Oden C, Hanke L Tags: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Source Type: research
SC-CO2 extraction of Vitex agnus-castus L. fruits: The influence of pressure, temperature and water presoaking on the yield and GC –MS profiles of the extracts in comparison to the essential oil composition
The objectives were trifold: 1) to investigate the impact of pressure, temperature and water presoaking on SC-CO2 extraction of Vitex agnus-castus L. fruits with respect to the yield and GC–MS profiles of the extracts; 2) to find optimal extraction conditions by response surface methodology (RSM); 3) to compare GC–MS profiles of the extracts and essential oil. SC-CO2 extraction was performed at different pressures (8.4–36.6MPa) and temperatures (35.8–64.1°C) determined by central composite rotatable design. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. The extracts and oil were analyzed by GC–MS. Applied ...
Source: The Journal of Supercritical Fluids - December 31, 2016 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research
Nanoemulsions to enhance oral bioavailability of Vitex Agnus-castus extract
Planta Med 2016; 81: S1-S381 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1596925 Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Planta Medica)
Source: Planta Medica - December 13, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Piazzini, V Monteforte, E Luceri, C Bigagli, E Guccione, C Bilia, AR Bergonzi, MC Tags: Abstracts Source Type: research
Biotechnological advances in Vitex species, and future perspectives
Publication date: Available online 5 October 2016 Source:Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Author(s): Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva, Mafatlal M. Kher, M. Nataraj Vitex is a large genus consisting of 230 species of trees and shrubs with multiple (ornamental, ethnobotanic and pharmacological) uses. Despite this, micropropagation has only been used to effectively propagate and preserve germplasm a limited number (six) of Vitex species (V. agnus-castus, V. doniana, V. glabrata, V. negundo, V. rotundifolia, V. trifolia). This review on Vitex provides details of published micropropagation protocols and perspecti...
Source: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology - October 5, 2016 Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research
Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health.
Abstract
Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingibe...
Source: Pharmacological Reviews - September 30, 2016 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL Tags: Pharmacol Rev Source Type: research
Effects of Vitex agnus-castus fruit on sex hormones and antioxidant indices in a d-galactose-induced aging female mouse model
Conclusion Vitex improved some aging events in the reproductive system of female mice. Therefore, because of its apparent antiaging effects, Vitex can be suitable for some aging problems such as oxidative stress, female sex hormone deficiency, and an atrophic endometrium. (Source: Journal of the Chinese Medical Association)
Source: Journal of the Chinese Medical Association - August 29, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research
