Preparation of standardized extracts from flowers, leaves and fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chasteberry) and investigation of biological effects

In this study, the flowers, leaves and fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L. with white and purple flowers collected from Balıkesir (Burhaniye) and V. agnus-castus with purple flowers collected from İstanbul (Zeytinburnu Medicinal Plants Garden) were separated and their essential oils were obtained. The chemical components of the essential oils were determined by GC-FD/MS, and then their chemotypes were determined. In line with the past uses of the plant, A549 and MCF-7 cell lines were selected and the cytotoxicity of the essential oils was evaluated. The results obtained showed that V. agnus-castus essential oils have high cytotoxicity. It was observed that the essential oils obtained from Balıkesir region (especially the purple flower essential oil) were more cytotoxic and these results were associated with the high amounts of α-pinene, caryophyllene and limonene compounds in the essential oils. Fruit, flower and leaf 70% ethanol extracts were prepared from purple flowered V. agnus-castus collected from Balıkesir and cytotoxicity of these extracts on A549 and MCF-7 cell lines were evaluated. V. agnus-castus fruit extract was analyzed to be more cytotoxic than leaf and flower extracts for both cell lines. 70% ethanol extracts and 100% water extracts were prepared from flowers, fruits and leaves of V. agnus-castus collected from Balıkesir and total phenolic, total flavonoid amounts and phenolic contents of each were determined by LC-HRMS analysis. Each of the extracts was tested for 7 weeks by including them in the diets of male Wistar albino rat groups with high fat diet induced obesity. As a result of the study; it was observed that 70% ethanol extract of chasteberry leaf, water extract of chasteberry leaf and 70% ethanol extract of chasteberry flower caused a decrease in body weight of obese rats and decreased serum LDL, triglyceride, leptin, lipase, TNF- and IL-1 levels and increased HDL and adiponectin levels when compared to the negative control group. It is thought that the richness of V. agnus-castus leaves and flowers in luteolin-7-glucoside and kaempferol compounds is effective in their beneficial effects on obesity. Within the scope of the thesis, in collaboration with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Aegean Agricultural Research Institute, the casticin contents of V. agnus-castus fruits collected from 95 different regions were evaluated using the HPLC device with PDA detector and the method in the Turkish Pharmacopoeia "Chasteberry, Fruit" monograph. In line with the results obtained, a native V. agnus-castus cultivar rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, primarily casticin compound, will be developed.