Chaste Berry

Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus castus) is native to Western Asia and Southwestern Europe. It is used as a common treatment for gynecological disorders due to its central dopaminergic activity. It has been used widely in Europe for gynecologic conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cyclical breast discomfort, menstrual cycle irregularities, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Major active constituents of Chaste berry are iridoid glycosides such as agnuside, aucubin and flavonoids such as casticin. Chaste berry acts as a hormonal modulator by increasing progesterone levels with the corresponding reduction in estrogen levels via the corpus luteum hormone effect. It shows central action at the pituitary gland that inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), promotes the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), and decreases prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland via dopamine antagonistic effect. It is also used for fibrocystic breast, insufficient lactation, corpus luteum insufficiency, prevention of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy in cases of progesterone insufficiency and acne vulgaris.

• Irregular menstruation
• Premenstrual syndrome (abdominal pain, sleep disturbance, cyclic mastalgia, acne, headache, mood swings)
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Mastodynia (breast pain)
• Fibrocystic breast
• Insufficient lactation
• Corpus luteum insufficiency
• Acne vulgaris

Chaste berry (Vitex agnus castus) is native to Western Asia and Southwestern Europe. It is used as a common treatment for gynecological disorders due to its central dopaminergic activity. It has been used widely in Europe for gynecologic conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cyclical breast discomfort, menstrual cycle irregularities, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Major active constituents of Chaste berry are iridoid glycosides such as agnuside, aucubin and flavonoids such as casticin.

Chaste berry acts as a hormonal modulator by increasing progesterone levels with the corresponding reduction in estrogen levels via the corpus luteum hormone effect. It shows central action at the pituitary gland that inhibits the release of FSH, promotes the release of LH, and decreases prolactin secretion via dopamine antagonistic effect.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily with water or as advised by the physician. Duration of treatment should be at least 3 months and a repeated course is feasible as advised by the physician.

Take 1-2 capsules daily with water or as advised by the physician.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Generally well-tolerated in recommended dose. Side effects are very rare occurring in only 1-2% of patients that may include:

• Nausea
• Rash
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Agitation
• Dry mouth
• Tachycardia
• Increased menstrual flow

• Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
• Consult a physician before use with hormonal medications.
• Caution required when using with dopamine agonists for hyperprolactinemia.

• Hypersensitivity to Chaste berry.

May interact with dopamine agonists or antipsychotic medications. Consult a physician before use with hormonal medications.

Can be taken with or without food.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

No known restriction during lactation. However, consult a physician before use.

Limited information is available regarding use in children.

Limited information is available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.

Limited information is available regarding use in patients with kidney or liver disease.

Information on overdosage is not available. Consult a physician if overdose is suspected.

Do not store above 30°C, protect from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Vitex agnus castus (Chaste Berry)