The focus of this research is the investigation of molecular mechanisms of opioid activity in an extract of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chasteberry), used to treat premenstrual syndrome. Chasteberry extract has been shown clinically to improve symptoms of PMS, possibly through binding to opioid receptors. Therefore, it seems prudent to investigate Vitex agnus-castus for relief of PMS symptoms through opioid activity. The purpose of this training grant is to educate the applicant in various identification and characterization techniques, which have particular usefulness in the field of botanical supplements. These techniques will be applied to determine the mechanism of opioid activity for Vitex agnus-castus and compare it to related Vitex species that are often found as common adulterants in a preparation of Chasteberry and will include the following: 1) Identification of the compound(s) that bind to opioid receptors through bioassay-guided fractionation using a cell-based opioid assay. 2) Determination if this compound activates or inhibits opioid receptors. 3) Formal documentation of a botanical, chemical, and biological comparison of Vitex agnus castus to three other species of Vitex that are most commonly found as contaminants.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
3F31AT002669-03S1
Application #
7668201
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-CP (17))
Program Officer
Khalsa, Partap Singh
Project Start
2005-03-01
Project End
2009-02-28
Budget Start
2007-03-01
Budget End
2009-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$13,708
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
098987217
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612
Webster, Donna E; He, Ying; Chen, Shao-Nong et al. (2011) Opioidergic mechanisms underlying the actions of Vitex agnus-castus L. Biochem Pharmacol 81:170-7
Webster, D E; Lu, J; Chen, S-N et al. (2006) Activation of the mu-opiate receptor by Vitex agnus-castus methanol extracts: implication for its use in PMS. J Ethnopharmacol 106:216-21