Vitex Trifolia (Vitex trifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Vitex trifolia work as an anti-inflammatory?

Vitex trifolia exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily through its flavonoid compounds, particularly casticin and vitexin. These active constituents inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways. The iridoid glycosides and essential oils also contribute to modulating inflammatory responses. Laboratory studies demonstrate suppression of inflammatory mediators, though human clinical trials remain limited. Evidence Level: B.

Does Vitex trifolia interact with any medications?

Vitex trifolia may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, as some compounds can affect cytochrome P450 enzymes. Due to potential hormonal effects, it should not be combined with hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy without medical supervision. Limited interaction data exists, so patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level: C (theoretical based on constituent properties).

What is the recommended dosage of Vitex trifolia?

The traditional adult dosage of Vitex trifolia is 3-9 grams of dried herb daily, typically prepared as a decoction or infusion. This dosage range is based on traditional use across Pacific Island and Asian medicine systems. Standardized extracts may have different dosing requirements. Always follow product-specific recommendations or consult a qualified herbalist, as optimal dosing may vary based on the condition being addressed. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Vitex trifolia safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Vitex trifolia is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects and hormonal activity that could compromise pregnancy. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, and use should be avoided. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence Level: D (theoretical risk based on pharmacological properties).

What is Vitex trifolia used for in traditional medicine?

Vitex trifolia has been used traditionally across Pacific Islands and Asia for treating headaches, fever, and respiratory conditions including coughs and asthma. The herb is also employed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In folk medicine, leaves are commonly prepared as poultices for external application or brewed as teas for internal use. These traditional applications are supported by preliminary pharmacological research. Evidence Level: B.

What are the side effects of Vitex trifolia?

Vitex trifolia is generally well-tolerated when used at recommended doses. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or skin reactions in sensitive individuals. No serious adverse events have been documented in traditional use. However, comprehensive safety studies are limited, and individuals should discontinue use if adverse reactions occur. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist. Evidence Level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Vitex trifolia, also known as the three-leaved chaste tree, is a medicinal shrub used traditionally in Eastern Asia and the Pacific to treat inflammation, headaches, and fever [PMID:36822343, PMID:38576489, PMID:35866139].

Contexte

Vitex trifolia L. is a medicinal and ornamental shrub in the Lamiaceae (or Verbenaceae) family, widely distributed from East Africa to the Pacific [PMID:35866139, PMID:38576489]. Its dried ripe fruits are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Viticis Fructus or Manjingzi [PMID:37810114, PMID:32237401].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat headaches, fever, diarrhea, hair loss, wound recovery [PMID:36822343], rhinitis, dizziness [PMID:32188443], rheumatic pain [PMID:32188443], colds, vertigo, anesthesia, and hyperkinesias [PMID:37810114]. It is also used for liver protection in Myanmar [PMID:31878261].

Composés actifs

Phytochemical analyses have identified terpenoids (including labdane and abietane diterpenes), flavonoids (such as vitexicarpin), lignans (such as (-)-O-methylcubebin and vitexilactone), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, beta-daucosterol), anthraquinones, fatty acids, and iridoid derivatives [PMID:38576489, PMID:25272835, PMID:29429059, PMID:35777590, PMID:40520165, PMID:31878261, PMID:29165364, PMID:37842907, PMID:11140517].

Mécanisme d'action

Vitex trifolia leaf extracts modulate inflammatory mediators by down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB [PMID:36028166, PMID:22732725]. The flavonoid vitexicarpin acts as a selective inhibitor of Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated chloride channel [PMID:40520165]. Certain constituents like vitexilactone and (-)-O-methylcubebin may enhance adipogenesis via PPARγ activation and inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation [PMID:31878261, PMID:29165364].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DAcute Inflammation

Methanolic leaf extract reduced paw edema and modulated inflammatory cytokines in experimental rats [PMID:36028166]

Preuve DHepatotoxicity (CCl4-induced)

Aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts significantly reduced total bilirubin and serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and increased total protein in animal models [PMID:20046723]

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Leaf extracts showed moderate inhibiting activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria [PMID:11543973]; specific iridoid derivatives showed activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa [PMID:37842907]

Preuve DMycobacterium tuberculosis

Specific diterpenoids (9-hydroxy-13(14)-labden-15,16-olide and isoambreinolide) exhibited antitubercular activity [PMID:23462211]

Preuve DCancer (CRC and NSCLC)

Vitexicarpin reduced cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines [PMID:40520165]

Preuve D

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Vitexicarpin exhibited minimal hepatotoxicity and negligible hERG channel inhibition in cell line studies [PMID:405201 la65].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D) and literature reviews (Level C). There are no reported human clinical trials (RCTs) in the provided abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36822343 (2023) — Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L.: A review on their traditional medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 38576489 (2024) — A comprehensive review of ethnomedicinal approaches, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological potential of Vitex trifolia L. · Frontiers in pharmacology
3.PMID: 35866139 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome of Vitex trifolia L. (Lamiaceae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
4.PMID: 26756820 (2016) — Identification of New Diterpenes as Putative Marker Compounds Distinguishing Agnus Castus Fruit (Chaste Tree) from Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit (Viticis Fructus). · Planta medica
5.PMID: 36028166 (2022) — Vitex trifolia L. modulates inflammatory mediators via down-regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in experimental rats.

Vitex Trifolia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Vitex Trifolia

Vitex Payos

Vitex Negundo

Shatavari Tonic

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Vitex Trifolia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Vitex Trifolia

Plantes associées

Vitex Payos

Vitex Negundo

Shatavari Tonic

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales