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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by aeon on November 21, 2006, at 5:46:35
I am trying some vitex (chaste berry) to see if it can give me the much needed dopamine boost I so desperately lack. Anyone have experience with it? Specifically in comboith parnate?
The pharmacological effects of an ethanolic extract of vitex was studied regarding its effects on dopamine-D2 and opioid (mu and kappa subtype) receptors.(21) A relative potent binding inhibition was observed for dopamine-D2 and the opioid receptors. Binding to the histamine-H1, benzodiazepine, OFQ receptor, and the binding-site of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter, was significantly inhibited. The lipophilic fractions of the vitex extract contained the diterpenes which exhibited inhibitory actions on dopamine-D2 receptor binding. While binding inhibition to mu and kappa opioid receptors was most pronounced in lipophilic fractions, binding to delta opioid receptors was inhibited mainly by an aqueous fraction. The authors concluded that the data indicates a dopaminergic effect of vitex extracts and suggests additional pharmacological actions via opioid receptors. Due to this dopaminergic activity, it has been postulated that chasteberry may be used in the management of Parkinson’s disease, although no clinical research has been performed to support that theory.(22)
http://content.nhiondemand.com/moh/media/monoHerb.asp?ctype=ds&mtyp=1&objID=100046
Posted by blueberry on November 21, 2006, at 7:29:46
In reply to Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by aeon on November 21, 2006, at 5:46:35
Vitex sounds interesting. You got my interest on that one and I'll have to do some research on it.
For an immediate dopamine boost take a look at acetyl-l-carnitine. There is a lot of research on it at pubmed.com. For example, it was as effective as amisulpride or amineptine for depression. It was good for methamphetamine withdrawals. Mice did not develop tolerance to its effects. It increases dopamine outflow in important regions of the brain. It is useful for ADHD. And more. Plus benefits for the heart, sex, and general brain health.
With the parnate and the deprenyl, I don't see any other way you can boost dopamine other than creating more stimulating of it or more firing and release.
Posted by linkadge on November 21, 2006, at 10:23:52
In reply to Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by aeon on November 21, 2006, at 5:46:35
I'm confused, it says that the substance
"exhibited inhibitory actions on dopamine-D2 receptor binding" Does't this mean it acts as a d2 antagonist ??
Linkadge
Posted by TENMAN on November 21, 2006, at 12:53:34
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by linkadge on November 21, 2006, at 10:23:52
Vitex has a clear prolactin lowering effect. The inhibitory binding of dopamine would be due to the Vitex itself occupying the receptor.
Posted by Declan on November 21, 2006, at 20:05:21
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by TENMAN on November 21, 2006, at 12:53:34
If vitex has a clear prolactin lowering effect and is dopaminergic, how come the name comes from its use in monasteries to reduce libido among male monks?
(Maybe that's not right?)And what about the traditional use of it as a female herb?
Anyone know?
Posted by aeon on November 21, 2006, at 21:12:03
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transport, posted by Declan on November 21, 2006, at 20:05:21
Well I tried 2000mg of fruit extract last night - nothing spectacular but there is defintely dopamine action - food tasted glorious whereas normally I am ambivalent to food, and I was very shall i say frisky!
I don't quite know how it works there seems to be alot of conflicting info about. As far as I can tell when prolactin is down dopamine is up and vice versa. SOMEHOW it reduces prolactin and that could be a good thing, I don't know.
More experiments needed in a heroic dose I think...
Posted by TENMAN on November 21, 2006, at 21:34:13
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transport, posted by Declan on November 21, 2006, at 20:05:21
> If vitex has a clear prolactin lowering effect and is dopaminergic, how come the name comes from its use in monasteries to reduce libido among male monks?
> (Maybe that's not right?)
>
> And what about the traditional use of it as a female herb?
> Anyone know?You're right, Vitex is called Chaste-Berry and was originally given to monks to lower libido-or so the story goes. I have no idea how common or effective this was.
Vitex shows strong affinity for the D2 receptor as an agonist and as I said previously has been shown to lower prolactin, an effect consistent with agonist effects at that receptor subtype.
Vitex is used traditionally for females to suppress Prolactin and increase LH thereby lowering FSH which results in a favorable shift of the progesterone to estrogen ratio in favor of the former. This prolongs menstruation and improves fertility. The herb itself is not hormonal but rather acts on the hypothalamus to induce hormonal changes. This follows that the hormonal effects in men would be the same (lowering of prolactin, raising testosterone) though I've never used it for myself and cannot comment on it's efficacy.To put it very crudely vitex=nature's bromocriptine. A crude
Posted by Optimist on November 23, 2006, at 23:19:54
In reply to Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by aeon on November 21, 2006, at 5:46:35
Vitex has provided me the most complete relief out of any supplement or pharmaceutical I've tried, albeit it was very short lasting. If only I could figure out a way to prolong that effect it would be great.
Posted by linkadge on November 30, 2006, at 15:00:19
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by Optimist on November 23, 2006, at 23:19:54
I thought I'd give it a try myself. It seemed to decrease antisocial behavior somewhat, as well as improving mood.
Current dose, 900mg.
It also seemed to help headache.
I might try adding a little dong quai (bdz + 5-ht1a),
Posted by Cozzy on October 29, 2011, at 18:38:03
In reply to Re: Vitex - dopamine agonist, opiod, 5ht transporter, posted by Optimist on November 23, 2006, at 23:19:54
Hey, I've found this fascinating. I've been taking vitex since my early 20s for the past 15 years for hormone balance and I only just realised it raises dopamine. Perhaps this is the reason for my terrible insomnia over the past 7 years?
When I've gone off it the estrogen dominance comes back with terrible indigestion and even worse insomnia. But perhaps the vitex is pushing my serotonin down now I think, after reading these posts. I've tried 5HTP and Ziziphus and they do help sleep, a lot, whereas melatonin, GABA and valerian just make me relaxed but do not induce sleep.
I realise I'm low in zinc and copper so when these get back to 'normal' perhaps they'll fix my hormones and I can ditch the vitex and finally get some shut eye.
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