The Impact of

Phytoestrogens enhance bone integrity through prevention of bone loss and stimulation of bone formation، and also facilitation of bone healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitex agnus castus extract، as a source of phytoestrogen on alkaline phosphatase and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and also callus formation in women with long bone fractures. In a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial، 32 women with long bone fracture، age 20-45 years old، were randomly divided into the VAC (vitex agnus castus)، receiving 1 Agnugol tablet (containing 4 mg dried fruit extract of vitex agnus castus) -daily for 8 weeks or a placebo group. Serum alkaline phosphatase and VEGF were measured at the beginning and the end point، and also callus formation was checked at the end of study. Serum alkaline phosphatase was increased in both groups compared to the baseline. Although the elevation of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) in placebo group was not significant، in treatment group، ALP was considerably increased (p=. 05). Comparison of the change of VEGF showed that، only in VAC group، VEGF level was significantly increased (p=. 01). The callus formation which revealed the fracture healing، in VAC and control groups was 71. 4% and 53. 8%، respectively. Treatment with vitex agnus castus extract for 2 months could enhance the VEGF level، however، further studies are need to show the effects of vitex agnus castus extract on alkaline phosphatase level and callus formation.