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Herbal adverse events:
Pregnancy and lactation:
The plant should not be administered during Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions:
In general, vitex is best not taken in conjunction with progesterone drugs
and hormone replacement therapy. (It can be safely taken in low doses in
conjunction with the contraceptive pill).
Because of the dopaminergic effect of the plant, preparations containing
vitex may antagonize the effects of dopamine receptor antagonists.
Black Cohosh:
Species (Family): Cimicifuga racemosa (Ranunculaceae)
Part(s) Used: Rhizome, root
Constituents:
- Triterpenes : triterpene glycoside (saponins) including actein, 27-
deoxyactein, and cimifugoside
- Quinolizidine alkaloids: cytisine, methyl cytisine
- Phenylpropane derivatives: including isoferulic acid
Uses:
Effects on Female genital disorders: Suppresses luteinising hormone (LH) .
The increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) occurs as estrogen levels decrease
and is the main cause of menopausal symptoms.
Black cohosh is used for treatment of menopausal symptoms
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