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Chasteberry
(Vitex agnus-castus)
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| Introduction |
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| The chasteberry tree finds its origins in the Mediterranean. Its fruit is harvested and dried for medicinal purposes. It has a long folk history of use in women's health, especially for mild to moderate complaints associated with menstruation and menopause. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Although chasteberry is safe for use, its function in the body isn't fully understood. Studies suggest that chasteberry has a progesterone-like effect, which may account for its use in the support of women's health.(1, 2) Because of this activity, chasteberry has been recommended for a variety of female complaints, such as PMS.(3) The effectiveness of a chasteberry extract was studied in 50 patients with PMS.(4) At the conclusion of the study, PMS-related symptoms were reduced by treatment. Another study of 178 women taking a standardized chasteberry product reported improvement in PMS symptoms over three menstrual cycles when compared to placebo. Improved symptoms included mood alteration, anger, headache, breast fullness, and bloating.(5)
Several clinical studies have also reported beneficial results with using chasteberry in treating women with certain types of infertility,(6) menopausal symptoms, and endometriosis.(7, 8)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 200-400mg (standardized extract) daily. |
400mg (standardized extract) daily. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. |
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause minor side effects such as stomach upset or rash in rare instances.(9) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
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Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should be used with caution in women of child-bearing age and should not be used by pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant.(10) Animal studies have shown that some of the active compounds in chasteberry may prevent implantation of an embryo.(11)
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.
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Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Amann W. Elimination of Obstipation with Agnolyt. Ther Gegenew. 1965;104(9):1263-65.
2 Makwana HG, et al. General Pharmacology of Vitex leucoxylon Linn Leaves. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1994;38(2):95-100.
View Abstract
3 Hillebrand H. The Treatment of Premenstrual Aphthous Ulcerative Stomatitis with Agnolyt. Z Allgemeinmed. 1964;40(36):1577.
4 Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattstrom A. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet. Nov2000;264(3):150-3.
View Abstract
5 Schellenberg R. Treatment for the Premenstrual Syndrome with Agnus castus Fruit Extract: Prospective, Randomised, Placebo Controlled Study. BMJ. Jan2001; 322:134-137.
View Abstract
6 Propping D, et al. [Diagnosis and Therapy of Corpus Luteum Deficiency in General Practice]. Therapiewoche. 1988;38:2992-3001.
7 McGibbon D. Premenstrual Syndrome. CMAJ. 1989;141(11):1124-25.
8 Jarry H, et al. In Vitro Prolactin But Not LH and FSH Release Is Inhibited by Compounds in Extracts of Agnus castus: Direct Evidence for a Dopaminergic Principle by the Dopamine Receptor Assay. Exp Clin Endocrinol. 1994;102(6):448-54.
View Abstract
9 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:176.
10 Newall CA, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press;1996:19-20.
11 Misra AP, Mathad VT, Raj K, Bhaduri AP, Tiwari R, Srivastava A, et al. Modified iridoid glycosides as anti-implantation agents. Inhibition of cell adhesion as an approach for developing pregnancy interceptive agents. Bioorg Med Chem. Nov 2001;9(11):2763-72.
View Abstract
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Copyright © 2000-2009 NHIOnDemand All rights reserved.
www.nhiondemand.com
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
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