Monk’s pepper fruits exert a calming effect on hormonal balance. There is evidence that the positive effect of Agni casti fructus is due to a previously unknown compound in the fruit, which has a so-called dopaminergic effect on the pituitary gland (hypophysis), which ultimately results in the inhibition of the release of the hormone prolactin.
Effect of monk’s pepper: prolactin.
Prolactin is a hormone produced in the cells of the anterior pituitary gland. It is responsible for the growth of mammary glands in pregnant women and milk secretion during lactation. In addition, it suppresses ovulation and thus has a pregnancy-preventing effect.
Finally, prolactin is also thought to have a psychological component, for example triggering brood care behavior.
According to other authors, monk’s pepper fruit not only inhibits prolactin secretion but also balances prolactin levels. This means that the release of prolactin is inhibited when prolactin levels are elevated and promoted when prolactin levels are too low. This equalization results in normalization of the secretion of gonadotropins – hormones responsible for a regular menstrual cycle.
Monk’s pepper – possible side effects
Occasionally, itching exanthema (skin rash) may occur when taking monk’s pepper; headache and gastrointestinal complaints occur occasionally. No studies on toxicology are available to date.
Interactions with monk’s pepper
Due to the dopaminergic effect of monk’s pepper, there could be a reciprocal attenuation of effect when dopamine receptor antagonists (for example, neuroleptics or antiemetics, which are drugs used to suppress nausea and vomiting) are administered.
