Chasteberry Extract
Also known as: Vitex agnus-castus, Chasteberry, Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper
Overview
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a fruit extract from the chaste tree traditionally used for female reproductive disorders. It is primarily used to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and latent hyperprolactinemia, and to treat infertility and menstrual irregularities. The extract contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (e.g., casticin), diterpenes (e.g., clerodadienols), and linoleic acid, which interact with hormonal pathways. Research on chasteberry is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews suggesting overall benefits for specific conditions. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. The evidence varies in quality, with some studies having methodological limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneity in treated conditions. Standardized extracts are recommended to ensure consistency in active compound content.
Benefits
Chasteberry has several evidence-based benefits, primarily for women experiencing PMS. A meta-analysis indicated that women taking chasteberry were 2.57 times more likely to experience remission in PMS symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. Studies have also shown significant reductions in total PMS symptoms, psychological symptoms, and physical symptoms. Additionally, chasteberry has been found to reduce breast pain associated with menstruation and normalize the luteal phase in women with latent hyperprolactinemia. The majority of evidence supports its use in women aged 20-40 with intact ovarian function and no significant hormone imbalances. Benefits are typically observed within a few menstrual cycles, with studies often lasting 3-6 cycles.
How it works
Chasteberry acts on the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, influencing the release of luteinizing hormone and prolactin. It also has dopaminergic and opioidergic effects through compounds like clerodadienols and casticin. The extract contains phytoestrogens that interact with estrogen receptors, which can induce certain estrogenic and progestogenic activities. By modulating the hormonal balance, particularly affecting the levels of prolactin, progesterone, and 17β-oestradiol, chasteberry helps alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Estrogen receptors, dopamine receptors, and opioid receptors are among the molecular targets of chasteberry’s bioactive compounds.
Side effects
Chasteberry is generally considered safe, with mild and infrequent adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) include nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, itching, and redness/rash. Potential interactions with antipsychotics, antiparkinson agents, CYP450 substrates, hormonal therapies, and oral contraceptives have been suggested in preclinical studies, but the clinical relevance is yet to be determined. Patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult their physicians before using chasteberry due to its phytoestrogenic properties. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use chasteberry with caution due to limited data on its safety in these populations.
Dosage
Typical dosages range from 20-40 mg of standardized extract per day, taken once daily. Studies have used dosages ranging from 20-40 mg of standardized extract (often standardized for casticin) per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 40 mg per day are not commonly studied. The extract is often taken continuously throughout the menstrual cycle or started a few days before the expected onset of menses. Standardized extracts are recommended to ensure consistency in active compound content. There are no specific cofactors required for the efficacy of chasteberry extract.
FAQs
Is chasteberry safe to use?
Chasteberry is generally safe, but patients with hormone-sensitive cancers or those taking certain medications should consult their physicians before use.
How should I take chasteberry?
It is typically taken once daily, either continuously or starting a few days before the expected onset of menses, following the instructions on the product label.
When can I expect to see results?
Improvements in PMS symptoms, breast pain, and hormonal balance can be expected within a few menstrual cycles of consistent use.
Can chasteberry help with menopause symptoms?
Chasteberry does not alleviate menopausal symptoms and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment without consulting a healthcare provider.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780016/ – This meta-analysis of three studies (520 females) found that women taking chasteberry were 2.57 times more likely to experience a remission in PMS symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. The study highlights the potential benefits of chasteberry for PMS but notes the need for more trials following CONSORT recommendations to strengthen the evidence.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23136064/ – This systematic review of 106 articles (including 12 RCTs) found that chasteberry extracts were superior to placebo in reducing PMS symptoms, equivalent to fluoxetine in one study for PMDD, and superior to placebo in latent hyperprolactinemia. The review suggests that chasteberry is a promising treatment for various female reproductive disorders, but acknowledges limitations such as heterogeneity in treated conditions and small sample sizes in some studies.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chasteberry – This resource from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides a general overview of chasteberry, including its uses, potential benefits, and side effects. It serves as a reliable source for basic information on chasteberry and its traditional applications.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31155557/ – This quality assessment study of 11 chasteberry products (1 medicinal product and 10 dietary supplements) revealed significant variability in the quality of dietary supplements, with some lacking key markers or showing contamination. The findings underscore the importance of quality control and standardization in chasteberry products to ensure consistent and reliable therapeutic effects.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0032-1327831.pdf – This study likely provides detailed insights into the efficacy and mechanisms of action of chasteberry in treating PMS and other gynecological conditions. Further review of the full text would be needed to extract specific findings and methodological details.
