Shrubby method: "Abraham's tree" will help treat infertility and obesity

Doctors have proposed a new way to normalize the level of the hormone responsible for lactation, metabolism and sexual function. We are talking about the sacred vitex, known as the "Abraham Tree". Its extract is able to affect the hormonal mechanism related to reproductive function and metabolism. In the future, the discovery may find application not only in gynecology and endocrinology, but also in psychiatry. However, the plant extract cannot yet be considered a full-fledged replacement for standard therapy, and it can harm some patients, experts warn. About the beneficial properties of the plant and contraindications to its use — in the material of Izvestia.

What is the benefit of the "Abraham tree" for men and women

Sechenov University has studied the mechanism of action of an extract of the V. agnus-castus plant, known as Vitex sacrum, prutnyak vulgaris or "Abraham's tree". Researchers have found that it is able to reduce prolactin levels with a lower risk of side effects. As scientists explained to Izvestia, an excess of this hormone can lead to various disorders — from menstrual cycle failures in women and sexual dysfunction in men to infertility in both sexes and metabolic problems, including obesity.

Hyperprolactinemia, an excessive production of prolactin, is usually treated with dopamine agonists. These are drugs that mimic the action of the hormone by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain and stimulating them.

— The fact is that the pituitary gland constantly produces prolactin, and the hypothalamus "sends" dopamine to it, which signals the need to stop producing it. With a decrease in dopamine levels, the concentration of prolactin, on the contrary, increases. At the same time, prolactin itself stimulates the production of dopamine. It turns out to be a feedback loop — the body independently regulates hormone levels," Svetlana Sergeeva, professor of the Department of Pathological Physiology at Sechenov University, explained to Izvestia.

As a result, as a rule, the functions of the sex glands are normalized and fertility is restored. However, medications can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a sharp decrease in blood pressure. In addition, they can influence human behavior by increasing impulsivity. According to scientists, there is evidence of the development of compulsive shopping and pathological gambling addiction.

The extract of the sacred vitex fruit also helps to normalize prolactin levels. According to the mechanism of action, it is similar to dopamine agonists, which are usually prescribed by doctors, however, according to scientists, it causes significantly fewer side effects. Therefore, it can be considered as a means of choice for moderate increases in hormone levels, including idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, microprolactinoma, increased prolactin caused by medication, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

— The method of molecular docking has shown that substances from the extract directly "turn on" dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland, and prolactin production decreases. Plus, they affect TRPC5 channels in hypothalamic neurons, which are responsible for the rhythmic supply of dopamine and the proper functioning of the regulatory feedback loop of prolactin production. Therefore, the drug does not inhibit the production of prolactin below the critical values necessary for the body to function normally. In addition, the flavonoids in the extract prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from destroying dopamine. It turns out that the extract acts from several sides at once, so its effect is comparable to dopamine agonists, and there are fewer side effects," said the professor.

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Who will benefit from the extract of Vitex sacred

The researchers believe that the new data may be useful to doctors of various specialties, including psychiatrists: some drugs used in psychiatry are also able to increase prolactin levels.

This hormone is necessary for lactation, but its excess outside the breastfeeding period can cause a number of disorders. In women, elevated levels lead to menstrual cycle disruptions, up to complete cessation of menstruation, discharge from the mammary glands and breast soreness, an obstetrician-gynecologist, medical director of the Krede Eksperto clinic group, Eliso Jobava, told Izvestia. In men, excess hormone can cause decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. In addition, by suppressing ovulation and sperm production, it often becomes the direct cause of infertility in a couple.

Prolactin also has a direct effect on metabolism: it increases appetite, promotes weight gain, and reduces insulin sensitivity. The standard of treatment for hyperprolactinemia is synthetic dopamine agonists. Vitex Sacred's research is really of great interest for evidence—based medicine," the doctor noted.

By itself, vitex does not burn fat and does not directly stimulate the reproductive system.: Its action is associated with the elimination of the root cause — excessive prolactin production. According to Eliso Jobava, when the concentration of this hormone is normalized while taking Abraham Tree extract, the feeling of constant hunger may decrease, the lipid profile may improve, the amount of visceral fat and total body weight may decrease. Fertility can be restored in a similar way.

"Prutnyak is promising with a moderate increase in prolactin, but it does not replace dopamine agonists in pituitary tumors and is not a universal remedy for obesity or infertility," said Parinozi Mispokhova, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor at the Semeynaya clinic network.

At the same time, vitex is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor — after confirmation of elevated prolactin levels and exclusion of pituitary tumors.