Buds, leaves and stem of the Monk's pepper (Agnus castus) Carduus marianus in early summer, Bavaria, Germany, Europe
Image details
Contributor:
Werner Meidinger / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2G4PNDJFile size:
39.2 MB (957.2 KB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3024 x 4536 px | 25.6 x 38.4 cm | 10.1 x 15.1 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
15 July 2020Location:
Munich, Bavaria, GermanyMore information:
Monk's pepper is a medicinal plant whose fruit (Agni casti fructus) can be used to treat premenstrual syndrome. Efficacy-determining constituents include bicyclic diterpenes, iridoid glycosides, lipophilic flavonoids, triglycerides, oleic and linoleic acids, and essential oil. Monk's pepper promotes hormone regulation in irregular menstrual cycles. Among other things, the effect on mastodynia was tested. Here, treatment with Agnus castus preparations showed an improvement in premenstrual mastodynia, which is probably due to the increase in progesterone levels. Since monk's pepper promotes the formation of the corpus luteum hormone, the corresponding medicines are also used, with some proven success, in cases of infertility due to corpus luteum weakness or elevated corpus luteum levels. Industrially produced and standardized extract is used, which is taken continuously during the entire menstrual cycle. Itching may occur as a side effect. The progestogen-like effect often prolongs the follicular phase, so that the benefit in prolonged cycles is questionable.