| Vitex agnus castus (VAC)extract: |
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Helps relieve the symptoms of PMS: |
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A recent double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) demonstrated a 52% reduction in PMS symptoms with treatment with dry extract of agnus castus fruit1..Similar resULTs were obtained in another recent study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.2 |
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Efficacy equal to fluoxetine in the treatment of PMDD: |
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Another recent study found that Vitex agnus castus extract had efficacy equal to fluoxetine for the treatment of PMDD, which is a more severe form of PMS3. In this same study, the authors found that 57.9% of patients responded to VAC extract in the treatment of this disorder3. The study also found that VAC extract was more effective than fluoxetine for treatment of the physical symptoms of PMDD3. |
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Approved by German authorities for three gynecological conditions: |
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German health authorities have approved the use of the chasteberry for irregularities of the menstrual cycle, PMS, and mastodynia4. |
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| Magnesium: |
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Works synergistically with magnesium in the treatment of PMS: |
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A recent randomized, double-blind crossover study concluded that vitamin B6 works synergistically with magnesium in the treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with PMS7. The British Medical Journal (1999) did a meta-analysis of vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS and concluded that it was likely to be of benefit in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression8. |
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| Vitamin B6: |
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Works synergistically with magnesium in the treatment of PMS: |
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A recent study randomized, double-blind, crossover study concluded that Vitamin B6 works synergistically with magnesium in the treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with PMS.7 The British Medical Journal (1999) did a meta-analysis of vitamin B6 in the treatment of PMS and concluded that it was likely to be of benefit in treating premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual depression.8 |
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Zenstral PMS™ Mechanism of Action |
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PMS: |
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Many different etiologies have been proposed for the symptoms of PMS. These include nutritional deficiencies such as magnesium and vitamins B69,10. In addition, hormonal changes, neurotransmitters, diet, and stress have been implicated in the etiology of PMS 9,10 |
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Vitex agnus castus extract: |
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VAC acts on the HPA axis, which accounts for some of its efficacy11. Part of this compound’s PMS-relieving properties resULTs from the dopamine agonist properties, which reduces stress-induced prolactin levels11. VAC also elevates both beta-endorphin and opiod levels12,13. |
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Magnesuim: |
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Low levels of red-cell magnesium have been correlated with symptoms of PMS14. This is the rationale for supplementation with magnesium and has resULTed in a number of studies on magnesium supplementation in women suffering from PMS. |
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Vitamin B6: |
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Vitamin B6’s PMS-relieving properties resULT from its positive effect on neurotransmitter systems—serotonin, norepinephrine, histamine, dopamaine, and taurine15. |
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| Zenstral PMS™ Safety and Side Effects |
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Side Effects: |
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Data from clinical trials, postmarketing surveillance studies, spontaneous reporting systems, manufacturers, and herbalist organizations indicate that adverse events following VAC treatment are mild and reversible16. |
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The compounds in Zenstral PMS™ are generally well-tolerated and may resULT in a few side effects including nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache and pruritus 1,2,3,6,7,8,16. |
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ConsULT a physician if you experience any of these side effects. |
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Discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs. |
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ConsULT a physician if you use this product longer than six months. |
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Contraindications: |
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Zenstrual PMS™ should not be used in women who are pregnant or lactating16. |
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Drug interactions: |
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No drug interactions have been reported, but theoretically VAC may interfere with dopamine antagonists16. |
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| References: |
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Schellenberg, et al. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322;134-7. |
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Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattstrom A. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2000; 264:150-53. |
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Atmaca M, Selahattin K, Texcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Human Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2003;18:191-5.
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Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. The complete German Commission E. monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. Austin TX. American Botanical Council. 1998, p1694. |
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Proctor M, Murphy P. Herbal dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea (Cochrane review). The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002. Oxford: update software. |
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Walker A, De Souza M, Vickers M, Abeyasekera S, Collins M, Trinca L. Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention. Journal of Women’s Health. 1998 Nov;7(9): 1157-65. |
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De Souza M, Walker A, Robinson P, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of daily supplement for 1 month of 200mg magnesium plus 50mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Journal of Womens Health & Gender-Based Medicine. 2000 Mar;9(2)131-3. |
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Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P, Shaughn O’brien PM. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systemic review. BMJ. 1999; 318:1375-81. |
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Mortola J. Premenstrual syndrome-pathophysiologic considerations. N Engl J Med. 1998; 338:256-7. |
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Chrousos GP, Torpy DJ, Gold PW. Interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the female reproductive system: Clinical implications. Ann Intern Med. 1998; 129:229-40. |
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Merz PG, Gorkow C, Schordter A, Rietbrock S, Sider C, Loew D, Dericks-Tan JSE, Taubert HD. The effects of special Agnus castus extract (BP 109E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1996;104:447-53. |
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Brugisser R, Burkard W, Simmen U, Schaffner W. Untersuchungen an Opiod-Rezeptorin mit Vitex agnus-castus L. Z Phytother. 1999;20:140-58. |
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Samochowic L, Glaesmer R, Samochowic J. EifluBvon Monchspfeffer auf die konzentration von beta-Endorphin im Serum weiblicher Ratten. Arztez Naturheilverfahren. 1998;39:213-215. |
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Rosenstein DL, Elin RJ, Hosseini JM, et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual women. Biol Psychiatry. 1994;35:557-61. |
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Schindler R, Thoni H, Classen HG. The role of magnesium in the generation and therapy of benign muscle cramps. Combined in-vivo/invitro studies on rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. Arneimittel-Forschung. 1998;48:161-66. |
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Daniele C, Thompson J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32. |
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