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Chaste Berry Fruit Extract

Q: Is Vitex agnus-castus safe?

Generally safe when used as directed, but caution is warranted for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Q: When should I take it?

It's best to take Vitex consistently, ideally once daily in the morning to help balance hormonal cycles.

Q: When can I expect results?

Improvement in PMS symptoms and breast pain may commonly be observed within a few menstrual cycles.

Q: Is it the same as hormone replacement therapy?

No, Vitex is not a hormone replacement; it supports hormonal balance indirectly through herbal mechanisms.

Also known as: Chaste Berry, Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper, Vitex agnus-castus

Overview

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as Chaste Berry, is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The fruit extract is primarily utilized for addressing women's health concerns, particularly related to menstrual cycle irregularities and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like casticin and diterpenes, which are believed to help modulate hormonal pathways. Research on Vitex agnus-castus is moderate, showcasing a collection of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews confirming its impact on various menstrual disorders. However, further high-quality studies are necessary to strengthen the existing evidence. Generally, the extract is well tolerated, although individuals are advised to consult healthcare providers, especially those with existing hormone-sensitive conditions.

Benefits

Vitex agnus-castus has several evidence-backed benefits, notably for alleviating PMS symptoms. A meta-analysis indicated women supplementing with Vitex were 2.57 times more likely to experience improvements in PMS symptoms compared to a placebo group (95% CI 1.52-4.35). Furthermore, significant reductions in psychological and physical PMS symptoms have been documented, with clinical trials highlighting notable improvements in breast pain and hormonal balance in women facing hyperprolactinaemia. These effects are most pronounced in women aged 20-40 years with no significant hormonal imbalances. The onset of effects typically occurs within several menstrual cycles, reinforcing its potential as an effective intervention for specific women's health issues.

How it works

Vitex agnus-castus primarily acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, rather than directly influencing ovarian function. The extract modulates dopamine and opioid receptors, leading to a reduction in prolactin secretion, which is critical for hormonal balance. This interaction helps regulate estrogen levels and impacts menstrual cycle regularity, thus alleviating symptoms associated with PMS and other female reproductive disorders.

Side effects

Vitex agnus-castus is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience common side effects including nausea, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, itching, and menstrual irregularities (occurring in over 5% of users). Less frequently reported adverse effects (1-5%) include acne and skin rashes. Though rare (<1%), significant side effects are not commonly documented. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions with oral contraceptives and medications for Parkinson’s disease or psychosis. Additionally, the extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions are recommended to consult healthcare practitioners prior to use to mitigate risks.

Dosage

For Vitex agnus-castus, the minimum effective dose typically ranges between 20-40 mg of standardized extract daily, often standardized for specific bioactive compounds like casticin. Clinical studies have utilized doses from 20 mg to 40 mg per day, or equivalently, up to 40 drops of tincture. While no maximum safe dosage is established, exceeding 40 mg daily is not common in studies. It is generally taken once daily, preferably in the morning to promote consistent hormonal regulation. Available in various forms (capsules, tablets, liquid extracts), standardized products are recommended to ensure consistent bioactive content, as absorption can be influenced by individual metabolic factors and formulation.

FAQs

Is Vitex agnus-castus safe?

Generally safe when used as directed, but caution is warranted for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with hormone-sensitive conditions.

When should I take it?

It's best to take Vitex consistently, ideally once daily in the morning to help balance hormonal cycles.

When can I expect results?

Improvement in PMS symptoms and breast pain may commonly be observed within a few menstrual cycles.

Is it the same as hormone replacement therapy?

No, Vitex is not a hormone replacement; it supports hormonal balance indirectly through herbal mechanisms.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780016/ – A meta-analysis conducted on 520 females showed that Vitex agnus-castus significantly improved PMS symptoms, with participants experiencing 2.57 times the likelihood of remission compared to the placebo group.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23136064/ – This systematic review of thirteen RCTs highlighted that Vitex agnus-castus was superior to placebo in alleviating PMS and featured findings equivalent to fluoxetine in some cases of PMDD.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chasteberry – Information regarding the efficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus indicated potential benefits for hormonal balance and symptom relief in female reproductive disorders.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chasteberry – The NCCIH provided evidence that Vitex extracts may be beneficial for hormonal irregularities, though they stress the need for caution in certain populations.
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0032-1327831.pdf – This study discusses the biological activities of Vitex agnus-castus, emphasizing its use in treating various female reproductive disorders based on preliminary clinical evidence.