Chaste Berry 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Chaste Berry 100 g ($14.99), 50 g ($9.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients and Compounds  Agnus-castus contains iridoids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, progestins, essential oils, and ketosteroids. Iridoid glycosides have been isolated from the leaves and fruit of the plant and include agnuside and aucubin. Flavonoid content (including kaempferol, quercetagetin, and casticin) has been identified in chaste tree leaves, flowers, and fruits. Flavonoids were isolated from the root bark.

The alkaloid vitricine is present in the plant. Vitexlactam A, a labdane diterpene, has been isolated from the fruit of V. agnus-castus. In vitro studies show that labdane diterpenes have dopamine receptor affinity. Clerodadienols are potent inhibitors of prolactin release. Although present in only trace amounts, progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione have been isolated from the leaves and flowers of V. agnus-castus. Numerous fatty acids also have been found.

Female Reproductive System

Chaste berry is particularly known for its ability to improve conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system.

PMS  One of the most popular and well-researched attributes of Vitex agnus-castus is its ability to reduce symptoms of PMS.
These include:

• constipation
• irritability
• depressed mood
• migraines
• breast pain and tenderness

Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms (4). In one study, women with PMS took Vitex agnus-castus during three consecutive menstrual cycles. In total, 93 percent of those given vitex reported a decrease in PMS symptoms, including:

• depression
• anxiety
• cravings

However, the study didn’t include a control group, and placebo effects can’t be ruled out (5).

In two smaller studies, women with PMS were given 20 mg of Vitex agnus-castus per day or a placebo for three menstrual cycles. Twice as many women in the vitex group reported a decrease in symptoms including irritability, mood swings, headaches and breast fullness, compared to those given the placebo (6, 7). Better-designed studies may be needed before strong conclusions can be made. The widespread use of chaste tree extracts and the relatively safe profile of the preparations make data from animal studies largely irrelevant. The plant has been approved for this condition by the Complete German Commission E Monographs.(1)

A limited number of high-quality, controlled clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of V. agnus-castus preparations in treating symptoms associated with PMS (moderate to severe) 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 with most conducted in Germany and China.20 Despite a large placebo response observed in these trials (approximately 50%) and heterogeneity in trial conditions, a 2011 systematic review found that chaste tree extract demonstrated an overall benefit in reducing adverse physical symptoms and poor mood.14, 15 Several other systematic reviews published between 2014 and 2017 reported similar results usually with administration of 20 to 80 mg/day over 2 to 6 cycles. 16, 17, 18, 19 The number needed to treat for improvement in global symptoms score in 1 person was determined to be “4” in a quality controlled trial involving 104 women followed for at least 3 menstrual cycles.15, 13 Chaste tree has also been favorably compared with fluoxetine in the management of depression associated with PMS. 21 The clinical studies have found the preparations to be well tolerated with few adverse effects, although data from larger controlled trials are still needed.22, 23, 15

Menopause  The hormone-balancing effects of Vitex agnus-castus may also help relieve symptoms of menopause. In one study, vitex oils were given to 23 women in menopause. Women reported improved menopause symptoms, including better mood and sleep. Some even regained their period (14). In a follow-up study 52 additional pre- and postmenopausal women were given a vitex cream. Of the study participants, 33 percent experienced major improvements, and another 36 percent reported moderate improvements in symptoms, including night sweats and hot flashes (14).

However, not all studies have observed benefits. One recent and larger double-blind, randomized, controlled trial — the gold standard in research — gave women a placebo or a daily tablet containing a combination of vitex and St. John’s wort. After 16 weeks, the vitex supplement was no more effective than the placebo at reducing hot flashes, depression or any other menopausal symptoms (15).

Keep in mind that in many studies reporting benefits, women were provided with supplements that mixed Vitex agnus-castus with other herbs. Therefore, it’s difficult to isolate the effects of vitex alone (26). The widespread use of chaste tree extracts and the relatively safe profile of the preparations make data from animal studies largely irrelevant. With regard to menopausal symptoms, effects of chemical constituents of chaste tree on dopamine receptors, opioid receptors, and melatonin were described in animal experiments and in vitro studies. (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)

Few controlled clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of V. agnus-castus as a single agent in the management of menopausal symptoms. 29 Chaste tree was evaluated in combination with other natural products in the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause Trial. Other observational studies and pharmacological experiments suggest V. agnus-castus may be a suitable alternative to standard management, such as hormone replacement therapy, but quality clinical trials are required to support a definitive role in therapy. 29

Fertility  Vitex may improve female fertility due to its possible effect on prolactin levels (17). This may be especially true in women with luteal phase defect, or a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle. This disorder is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels and makes it difficult for women to become pregnant. In one study, 40 women with abnormally high prolactin levels were given either 40 mg of Vitex agnus-castus or a pharmaceutical drug. Vitex was as effective as the drug in reducing prolactin levels (18). In another study in 52 women with luteal phase defect, 20 mg of vitex resulted in lower prolactin levels and prolonged menstrual phases, while participants given a placebo saw no benefits (19).

Yet another study gave 93 women — who had unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant over the last 6–36 months — a supplement containing Vitex agnus-castus or a placebo. After three months, women in the vitex group experienced an improved hormone balance — and 26 percent of them became pregnant. In comparison, only 10 percent of those in the placebo group became pregnant (20).

Keep in mind that the supplement held a mix of other ingredients, making it difficult to isolate the effects of vitex.

Irregular periods can also hamper women in planning a pregnancy. Three additional studies report that vitex is more effective than a placebo in improving menstrual cycles in women with irregular periods (21, 22, 19).

There have been case reports for the reinstatement of regular cycles in amenorrhea; however, information from controlled clinical trials is limited.  32, 33, 15, 29   A 2017 systematic review of V. agnus-castus for use in premenstrual, postmenstrual, and infertility disorders identified a clinical trial that confirmed anti-infertility effects. Linoleic acid and phytoestrogens (ie, apigenin flavonoid) found in the fruits were identified in other studies as possessing estrogen receptor-specific activity. 34 Red clover was identified as one of the 4 most common herbs used for fertility by certified or licensed midwives in state-wide surveys conducted in California, Texas, and North Carolina. 35

Mastalgia/Cyclic Breast Pain

The widespread use of chaste tree extracts and the relatively safe profile of the preparations make data from animal studies largely irrelevant. The plant has been approved for this condition by the Complete German Commission E Monographs. 36  In vitro experimental studies suggest dopaminergic activity of the plant’s diterpenes, similar to bromocriptine, may result in decreases in serum prolactin. Additionally, estrogen receptor binding by phytoestrogens or linoleic acid from the fruits has been postulated as a possible mechanism for effect. 37, 15, 38

A limited number of controlled clinical trials have been conducted, and reviews of these trials are concordant in finding a benefit for treatment with V. agnus-castus. Decreased pain and shorter durations of pain have been demonstrated when chaste tree preparations are used for at least 2 cycles. 39, 40, 15, 29

Vitex agnus-castus also appears to help reduce cyclic mastalgia, a type of breast pain linked to menstruation. Research suggests that it may be as effective as common drug treatment — but with far fewer side effects (8, 9, 10).

Insect Bites  Vitex may also help keep a variety of insects at bay. In one study, an extract made from vitex seeds helped repel mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and fleas for about six hours (24). Another study revealed that a spray containing vitex and other plant extracts protected against head lice for at least seven hours (25).

Research further shows that vitex may kill lice larva and impede adult lice reproduction (25, 26).

Cancer  Ethanol extracts from the fruit of V. agnus-castus have shown in vitro cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines, including cervical, ovarian, breast, and gastric cancer, and small cell lung carcinoma. Numerous mechanisms of action may be involved in inducing apoptosis. 39, 41, 42

Vitex may also offer a range of additional benefits, including:
Headaches. In one study, women prone to migraines given vitex daily for three months reduced the number of headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycles by 66 percent (28). However, the study didn’t include a control group, making it impossible to know whether vitex was responsible for these benefits.

Antibacterial, Anti-fungal  Test-tube studies show that essential oils made from vitex may fight harmful fungi and bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Salmonella bacteria (29, 30). Keep in mind that essential oils should not be consumed, and vitex supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of infections.

Reduced Inflammation. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in vitex may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effects aren’t stronger than those of aspirin (31, 32).

Bone Repair. In one study, women with bone fractures given a combination of vitex and magnesium had slightly increased markers for bone repair than those given a placebo (35).

Epilepsy Prevention. Animal studies suggest that vitex may reduce the likelihood of epileptic seizures (36, 37). That said, research supporting these benefits is limited. More studies are needed before strong conclusions can be drawn. Vitex has been traditionally used to treat a wide variety of ailments. However, many of its uses are currently unsupported by scientific evidence due to a lack of study.

Breastfeeding. While an old study postulated that vitex may boost milk supply in nursing women, the overall evidence is weak and controversial (38).

Pain Reduction. Though research links vitex to numbed pain receptors in rats, no human studies have been done (39).

Treating endometriosis. Vitex may normalize hormonal imbalances, which could theoretically reduce symptoms of endometriosis, a female gynecologic disorder. However, no studies confirm this.

Baldness Prevention. The hormone-balancing effects of vitex are sometimes claimed to boost hair growth in men. However, no research can be found to support this claim.

Acne Treatment. Three studies assert that vitex may reduce acne faster than conventional treatments. However, these studies are decades old. Newer research hasn’t confirmed these effects (40).

Botanical Name: Vitex agnus castus
English: Vitex.
Also, known as: Renukaa, Harenukaa, Sambhaalu, Monk’s Pepper-tree, Hemp tree, Chaste tree, Abraham’s balm, Lilac Chastetree, Agni Casti, Agnocasto, Agnolyt, Agnus-Castus, Agneau du Moine, Agneau-chaste, Agni Casti, Agnocasto, Agnolyt, Agnus-Castus, Arbre au Poivre, Chaste Tree, Chaste Tree Berry, Chasteberry, Chinese Vitex, Gattilier, Herbe au Poivre, Mang Jing Zi, Petit Poivre, Pimiento del Monje, Poivre de Moine, Poivre Sauvage, Vitex rotundifolia, Vitex trifolia, Viticis Fructus, Konopice, Mrine e bardhe, Kaf marim, Ghar bari azraq, Viteks, Mai ya, Kuisboom, Monnikenpeper, Arbre au poivre, Gattilier, Poivre des moines, Mönchspfeffer, Abrahamsstrauch, Keuschlamm, Barátcserje, Szüzbariska, Szüzfa, Agnocasto, Pepe di Venere, Avraamovo derevo, Viteks, Munkpeppar, Nirgundi, five-leaved chaste tree, or horseshoe vitex, or nisinda , Nurgundi, Niragundi
Habitat: Mediterranean region.
Origin: Morocco
Harvested: Wild or Cultivated
Parts Used: Whole Berry

General Information:
Vitex agnus-castus tree is a shrub that is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The palmately compound leaves of Vitex agnus-castus are 3 – 4″ in diameter and with 5-7 lacelike leaflets. The foliage is aromatic and ranges from grey-green to dark green above and lighter underneath. The shrub has long, finger-shaped leaves, blue violet flowers, and dark purple berries. Flowers are quite attractive to butterflies. Fruits are a globose drupe. Each fruit has four cells that usually contain one seed per cell. Its peppery fruit has been used for over two thousand years.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.