Introduction: The gradual menopausal decline in oestrogens impairs function of the hypothalamic and limbic systems and, therefore, thermoregulation, vasomotor stability, mood regulation and psychological wellbeing. The significantly reduced dopaminergic activity and melatonin secretion increased in hot flushes, psychological symptoms and poor sleep quality. When hormone replacement therapy (HRT...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Essential oils are volatile compounds that have been used since Middle Ages as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, local anesthetic and food flavoring agents. In the current study, essential oils of Pelargonium graveolens L'Her and Vitex agnus-castus L. were analyzed for their antibacterial activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chemical compositions of essent...

OBJECTIVE Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and its essential oil have been traditionally used to treat many conditions and symptoms such as premenstrual problems, mastalgia, inflammation, sexual dysfunction, and pain. In this study, the effects of essential oil extracted from Vitex agnus-castus (EOVAC) leaves were investigated in three behavioral models of nociception in adult male Wistar rats. MATER...

Vitex agnus-castus has a long tradition as a herbal remedy and was used in ancient times not only as an anaphrodisiac and for preserving chastity but also against diverse disturbances of the female genital system. In actual clinical trials, the fruit Agni casti fructus was shown to relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and especially breast swelling and pain, due to its dopaminergic effect. Altho...