Vitex Rotundifolia Fruit Extract
Also known as: Beach Vitex, Roundleaf Chastetree, Man HyungJa, *Vitex rotundifolia*
Overview
*Vitex rotundifolia* is a coastal plant native to Asia, traditionally utilized in herbal medicine for its potential therapeutic properties. Known commonly as Beach Vitex or Roundleaf Chastetree, it has been traditionally employed to alleviate a variety of conditions, including headaches, fever, diarrhea, and premenstrual syndrome. The fruit extract contains several bioactive compounds such as artemetin, vitexicarpin, hesperidin, luteolin, vitexin, and vanillic acid which may possess estrogen-like activities. Although emerging research suggests potential benefits, particularly concerning women's health, evidence remains limited, primarily derived from in vitro and animal studies with few human trials available. Overall, while promising, further investigation is necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of its use in therapeutic contexts.
Benefits
Evidence suggests that *Vitex rotundifolia* may have estrogen-like effects, which could help alleviate menopausal symptoms and promote uterine health based on animal studies. Women experiencing menopause or premenstrual syndrome may benefit most, although current research lacks sufficient human clinical trials to confirm these effects robustly. While historical use supports its application for headaches and other complaints, systematic evidence is still largely anecdotal. The potential benefits remain uncertain due to the limited size and scope of existing studies, which focus on in vitro or animal models rather than human data.
How it works
*Vitex rotundifolia* is thought to interact with estrogen receptors, which may contribute to its influence on reproductive and hormonal systems. While the exact biological mechanisms remain poorly understood, some compounds in the fruit extract could mimic estrogen activity, potentially affecting hormonal regulation. However, direct evidence linking these actions to reported health benefits is still nascent, necessitating further research to unravel how exactly it modulates biological pathways.
Side effects
Currently, side effects specific to *Vitex rotundifolia* remain largely undeclared due to limited research. It is generally regarded as safe based on its traditional usage; however, comprehensive safety studies have not been conducted. Common adverse effects are not well documented, and it is unclear if any potential rare or uncommon effects exist. Individuals taking hormonal therapies should exercise caution, as interactions may occur. Additionally, due to insufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare providers before use. As there are no established contraindications, the overall safety profile remains ambiguous, warranting further research.
Dosage
Standardized dosing guidelines for *Vitex rotundifolia* are not currently established. The absence of definitive studies means that optimal dosage ranges, minimum effective doses, and maximum safety limits remain undefined. The extract is generally used in fruit extract form, but specific form recommendations, timing for administration, and factors affecting absorption are not outlined in the literature. Because of the lack of established dosing parameters, users should consult with healthcare providers for personalized recommendations tailored to their circumstances.
FAQs
Is it safe to use Vitex rotundifolia?
While traditionally considered safe, formal safety studies are lacking, so consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if on hormonal medications.
How should I take Vitex rotundifolia?
No specific guidelines are available; it is recommended to follow healthcare provider advice on usage and dosage.
What effects can I expect from Vitex rotundifolia?
Potential benefits for menopausal symptoms exist, but more research is necessary to quantify effectiveness.
Are there any interactions to be aware of?
There may be interactions with hormonal therapies; further research is needed to clarify these potential risks.
Is Vitex rotundifolia well-studied?
It is emerging with limited human studies and mostly consists of in vitro or animal research.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34356661/ – This study indicates that *Vitex rotundifolia* fruit extract exhibits estrogen-like effects and can improve uterine health in animal models. However, the study emphasizes a lack of data from human trials, limiting its applicability to broader populations.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23136064/?adb_sid=7ae2f98c-ecbf-43a0-9dd7-41c1396d29b3 – The review discusses various pharmacological activities of *Vitex rotundifolia* along with *Vitex trifolia*, highlighting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects but noting a focus on traditional uses with minimal clinical efficacy data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781/full – This article presents a systematic review of similar species, indicating benefits of *Vitex agnus-castus* for conditions like premenstrual syndrome, although such findings are not directly applicable to *Vitex rotundifolia*.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822343/ – The study discusses potential health benefits of compounds found in *Vitex rotundifolia*, emphasizing the need for more rigorous evaluation in humans to validate these findings.
- https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articleHTML/TMR/TMR20201128209/index.html – The article provides an overview of the traditional uses of *Vitex rotundifolia*, detailing various applications in folk medicine, but lacks substantial evidence-based research.