Chasteberry Extract Concentrate
Also known as: Vitex agnus-castus L., Chasteberry, Chaste tree, Monk's pepper, Vitex agnus-castus
Overview
Chasteberry extract, derived from the fruit of the Vitex agnus-castus plant, is a traditional herbal remedy primarily used for managing female reproductive health issues, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hormonal imbalances. Originating from Europe and Anglo-American herbal medicine, it's valued for alleviating menstrual symptoms and addressing mild hyperprolactinemia. The extract's efficacy is attributed to bioactive compounds like casticin and other phenolics. Research on chasteberry extract is well-established, featuring numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies generally support its benefits, although variations in study design and outcome measurements exist. Chasteberry is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, with encapsulated forms showing better stability of active compounds.
Benefits
Chasteberry extract demonstrates significant benefits in reducing PMS symptoms. A meta-analysis indicated that women taking Vitex agnus-castus extract were 2.57 times more likely to experience symptom improvement compared to placebo. It also shows positive effects on PMDD and moderate to severe PMS symptoms, particularly mood-related symptoms and water retention. Furthermore, it may help reduce latent hyperprolactinemia, which can affect menstrual regularity. Women with PMS or PMDD experience the most consistent benefits. Effect sizes suggest a moderate to strong clinical benefit in symptom reduction, although variability exists due to differing diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. Benefits are typically observed after several weeks of continuous use, consistent with hormonal modulation timelines.
How it works
Chasteberry extract primarily acts through dopaminergic pathways, inhibiting prolactin release from the pituitary gland, which may normalize hormonal imbalances contributing to PMS symptoms. It may also modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, influencing luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels. The bioactive flavonoids and diterpenoids, such as casticin, contribute to these effects. Absorption is influenced by formulation; encapsulated extracts maintain phenolic content and bioactive stability over time.
Side effects
Chasteberry extract is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and headache. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include allergic reactions and skin rash. Rare side effects, reported in less than 1% of users, include no serious adverse events in high-quality trials. Potential drug interactions exist with dopamine agonists/antagonists and hormonal therapies, so caution is advised. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Limited data exists for special populations, so use in adolescents or those with hormone-sensitive conditions should be cautious.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of chasteberry extract is approximately 20 mg of standardized extract daily. Optimal dosage ranges are between 20–40 mg/day of standardized Vitex agnus-castus extract, often standardized to 0.5% casticin or equivalent markers. The maximum safe dose is up to 40 mg/day, as shown safe in trials; higher doses lack sufficient safety data. Daily dosing is recommended, preferably at a consistent time each day, with benefits accruing over several weeks. Encapsulated extracts show better stability of active compounds over time. No specific cofactors are identified as required.
FAQs
Is chasteberry extract safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials up to several months show good safety; long-term data are limited but no major concerns reported.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Symptom improvement generally occurs after 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Can it be used with hormonal contraceptives?
Caution is advised due to potential hormonal interactions; consult healthcare providers.
Does it work for all PMS symptoms?
Most effective for mood symptoms and water retention; less evidence for other symptoms.
Is it effective for PMDD?
Evidence supports benefit, but fewer studies than for PMS.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780016/ – This meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found that women taking Vitex agnus-castus extract were 2.57 times more likely to experience PMS symptom reduction compared to placebo. The study included various sample sizes of at least 30 participants per group and highlighted the heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and outcome measures as a limitation, while maintaining high-quality meta-analysis standards.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5308513/ – This systematic review of RCTs demonstrated strong evidence for the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus in treating moderate to severe PMS, particularly mood and water retention symptoms. The review also noted effects on infertility-related symptoms, while acknowledging variability in extract preparations and outcome assessments as limitations, but maintaining good methodological quality.
- https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/chasteberry-for-pms-and-pmdd/ – This resource provides information on the use of chasteberry for PMS and PMDD, summarizing its potential benefits and usage. It serves as a general overview for patients and clinicians.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/23/3742 – This research article likely discusses the chemical composition, extraction methods, or pharmacological properties of Vitex agnus-castus. Further review of the full article is needed to provide a more detailed summary of its findings.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0032-1327831.pdf – This systematic review of 13 RCTs supports the efficacy of Vitex extracts in treating PMS, PMDD, and latent hyperprolactinemia, noting that it is generally safe and well-tolerated. The review included studies with at least 30 participants per group and assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane methods, although some studies lacked blinding or had small sample sizes.
