Posted by TenMan on December 15, 2007, at 9:44:29
In reply to Anyone Have Experience or Knowledge of Vitex?, posted by bleauberry on December 12, 2007, at 20:20:48
I take 800mgs. of Vitex daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This herb is one of my favorites and is a fantastic anhedonia fighter in my experience.
Studies done on Vitex have shown that at lower doses it actually has a prolactin stimulating effect which would indicate an antagonist effect on dopamine. At higher doses prolactin is reduced so with Vitex it is better to err on the side of too much than too little.
A good starting dose is 400mgs. in the morning, once daily. I would remain there for a couple days and if no benefit is noticed go two 800mgs once in the morning. It is important to time the dose with your bodies natural circadian rhythm so you do not disrupt the prolactin surge that happens in the early morning hours which is essential for healthy functioning of the libido among other things.
Vitex is an amazing and under-appreciated herb. Apart from its actions on dopamine the herb has anti-inflammatory activity through COX-2 inhibition and is liver protective through Glutathione synthesis upregulation. One study showed that Vitex had liver protective effects equal to that of Milk Thistle which is very impressive.
Good luck.
poster:TenMan
thread:800450
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20071031/msgs/800979.html