Vitex agnus-castus L.: Main Features and Nutraceutical Perspectives
Eliana B. Souto, Alessandra Durazzo, Amirhossein Nazhand, Massimo Lucarini, Massimo Zaccardelli, Selma B. Souto, Amélia M. Silva, Patrícia Severino, Ettore Novellino, Antonello Santini
Abstract
Medicinal plants are used worldwide due to their lower risk of side effects and eco-friendly, cost-effective production when compared to chemical drugs, encouraging researchers to further exploit the therapeutic potential of the former. One of the most popular medicinal plants is Vitex agnus-castus L., grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, to which different health benefits have already been attributed. In this perspective article, the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic properties of V. agnus-castus L. have been analyzed and reviewed with a special focus on its health-promoting effects and potential nutraceutical applications.