• Powdered fruit of Vitex agnus-castus in capsules
• Raw material with high pharmacological activity
• Positively affects the activity of hormonal axis
• Activity confirmed by scientific research
• Supports infertility therapy in young women
• Eliminates the negative symptoms of menopause
• Regulates the menstrual cycle
• Promotes the improvement of skin condition
• Fights PMS symptoms
• Strengthens fertility

Nature's Way Vitex Fruit is a dietary supplement consisting of powdered fruits of Vitex agnus-castus. They are characterized by an extremely rich phytochemical composition and high biological activity, especially in relation to the endocrine system.

The preparation is addressed mainly to women. It supports the regulation of menstrual cycle, reduces unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), helps to get rid of ailments typical for menopausal period. It can also be used to treat infertility in women at childbearing age.

Vitex agnus-castus is a Mediterranean plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family. Medicine benefits primarily from the plant’s fruits. Researchers have distinguished a number of bioactive compounds which preferably modulate the activity of the endocrine system, especially in females.

The most important chemical compounds present in Vitex fruits are diterpenes, labdanes (mainly rotundifuran) being the part of their group, as well as glycoside iridoids, flavonoids (mainly castromycin) and essential oils. Specialists emphasize that the synergy of their activity is important – the research showed that no isolates of an individual component have been as effective as whole fruits.

It is worth noting that Vitex has a very long history of use. Initially, it was used primarily in herbalism and alternative medicine. As time went by, the plant’s potential became the subject of interests of the scientists who explained in detail the mechanism of its activity and demonstrated its efficacy in clinical trials.
The mechanism of activity
The substances present in the Vitex fruits are credited for dopamine agonist effect. They show a strong affinity to dopamine receptors, as a result of which dopamine activity increases. This, in turn, inhibits the prolactin hyperproduction (a frequent cause of menstrual disorders and decreased fertility) and, consequently, leads to normalization of progesterone levels.

Studies have also shown that the Vitex fruit can affect the opioid system and stimulate the release of β-endorphins. This, in turn, is of great importance for well-being, especially in the second phase of the cycle, when a significant decrease in the concentration of β-endorphins is observed, followed by a decline in mood.

Reduction of PMS symptoms
The above-mentioned mechanism of action promotes the regulation of menstrual cycle and allows to get rid of the ailments typical for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most often, they are caused by an excessive release of prolactin and estrogen and progesterone imbalance.

Vitex promotes hormonal balance, which makes it an effective agent in various PMS symptoms, both those associated with the psyche (mood swings, anxiety, outbursts of anger, irritability) and the functioning of the body (constipation, breast tenderness, fluid retention and edema, migraine headaches).

128 women who suffered from severe PMS symptoms took part in one of the studies. A six-month treatment with Vitex powdered fruits caused the majority of PMS symptoms to disappear in more than half of the patients.

Support during menopause
Vitex fruit can also be used to fight the adverse symptoms of menopause. During menopause as well as in its preceding period, the distribution of hormones in a female body changes, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. As a result, many women experience disordered menstrual cycle, night sweats, flushes, mood swings.

The studies showed that a group of 75 women taking the supplements with Vitex during the menopause, underwent this period milder and did not suffer from its typical symptoms.

Strengthening fertility
Vitex is often recommended for young women who are struggling with luteal phase disorders and the resulting weakening of fertility. The substances contained in the plant’s fruits promote the release of LH hormone and normalization of progesterone levels. This, in turn, enables ovulation and allows for maintaining a pregnancy if fertilization occurs.

In a 3-month study involving 96 patients with luteal phase disorders, amenorrhea, and idiopathic infertility, it was shown that Vitex significantly increases the chance of getting pregnant. In the group of patients treated with the the Vitex fruits, several women conceived offspring, while in the untreated group none of the women succeeded.

Improving skin condition
Hormonal disorders and fluctuations have one more unpleasant aspect – they significantly increase the likelihood of acne and skin problems. Many women observe deterioration of the skin before menstruation, blemishes appearing on face, and increased production of sebum.

Initial research suggests that Vitex may be helpful in fighting this type of acne. Balancing the concentration of individual hormones and stabilizing the hormonal axis reduce the risk of unsightly efflorescences and spots before menstruation.

In summary, Nature's Way Vitex Fruit is an important element of female health prophylaxis. Vitex should be reached for by women struggling with arduous symptoms of PMS or menopause. It can be a safer and equally effective alternative to hormone therapy.