Vitex & Vitamin B6

Click image to enlarge

Vitex grows in Mediterranean countries and central Asia. The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used in herbal medicine preparations. Vitex contains several different constituents, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. The whole fruit extract, rather than one of its individual constituents, appears to be necessary for the medicinal activity of Vitex. However, Vitex does not contain hormones. The benefits of Vitex stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland - specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Vitex also keeps prolactin secretions in check.  The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  Vitex may also help reduce some of the undesirable symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes associated with the reduction in the production of progesterone.  Vitex is believed to stabilize the cycle after withdrawal from progesterone birth control pills.

Vitamin B-6 is necessary for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It also aids in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, aids in the formation of antibodies, and maintains the central nervous system.  Vitamin B-6 is also beneficial in the removal of excess fluid of premenstrual women. The vitamin promotes healthy skin, reduces muscle spasms and leg cramps, and is thought to relieve hand numbness and stiffness of hands by helping to maintain a proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body.  Vitamin B-6 is also reputed to ease nausea. Although small amounts occur in most plant and animal tissues, Vitamin B-6 is still a relatively little-known vitamin, perhaps because recognized deficiency problems are rare. Vitamin B-6 takes part in many enzyme reactions and is particularly important for brain and nervous system functions. Vitamin B-6 is water-soluble and is sensitive to oxygen and ultraviolet light. Many other foods contain vitamin B-6, but definitive information is not yet available.