Generic Name: Vitex Agnus-Castus
Brand Names: Agnocasto, Femaprin
Drug Class: Herbals
Available Dosage Forms: Extract, capsule, and tincture
What is Vitex Agnus Castus?
Vitex Agnus-Castus is a plant known commonly as Chasteberry. It has been used as a remedy for several conditions of the female reproductive system.1
Post-menopausal women undergo an array of psychological and physical changes due to a rapid decline in the availability of the gonadal hormone estrogen. The use of Vitex Agnus-Castus in post-menopausal women regulates the levels of female reproductive hormones. Mental disturbances in response to insufficient estrogen levels can transform into depression and anxiety.
Reduced production of estrogen occurs:
-Post-delivery in pregnant women
-Before the beginning of menstrual bleeding (premenstrual syndrome- PMS)
-During and soon after menopause
Researchers suggest that estrogen promotes serotonergic neurotransmission in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. A lack of estrogen results in diminished serotonin and thus initiates the pathophysiology of depression. Chasteberry in depressed women modulates the neurotransmission of serotonin and promotes mood elevation. In a study conducted by Tayebi, Emamghoreishi, and Akbarzadeh, administration of the herb significantly decreased depressive episodes in post-menopausal women participants.2
Premenstrual syndrome can sometimes progress to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe psychohormonal condition that requires medical intervention. Phytoestrogens in Vitex Agnus-Castus mimic the function of steroid estrogen and hence aids in recovering the lack of the hormone.
Cerqueira et al. conducted a systematic review of the effects of Vitex Agnus-Castus on premenstrual syndrome and PMDD. The review analyzed eight different studies that examined the effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus versus placebo or active treatment. The results indicated that Vitex Agnus-Castus proved more effective than antidepressant Pyridoxine and placebo in treating physical symptoms of depression.3
How to use Vitex Agnus-Castus?
The fruit extract of Vitex Agnus-Castus can be added in juices or milk and taken before bedtime. The extract is only to be consumed once a day. Consumption should start six days before your period date. Consumption should stop once menstrual bleeding starts.
Vitex Agnus-Castus can also be taken in the form of capsules. The dosage of capsules depends on the advice from your health care professional. Dosages usually include 30-40 mg/day of the herb.
What are the side effects of Vitex Agnus-Castus?
Mild side effects include:
-Itching
-Skin rash
-Headache
-Hair loss
-Fatigue
-Increased heart rate
-Agitation
-Dry mouth
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Heavy menstrual bleeding
-Acne
Ovarian hyperstimulation can occur after acute toxicity.
Who should not use Vitex Agnus-Castus?
-Pregnant and breastfeeding women
-Children
-Women with hormone-sensitive conditions (endometriosis, uterine fibroids) and cancers affecting the uterus, breast, and ovaries
-People with hypersensitivity to the herb
-People undergoing the in vitro fertilization procedure
-People with Parkinson’s
-People with schizophrenia
-People undergoing treatment for psychosis
Chasteberry does not have any known interactions with other herbs and medications. However, caution should be practiced in individuals taking dopamine receptor antagonists.
References
- Vitex for PMS and PMDD. National University of Natural Medicine. https://nunm.edu/2019/05/chaste-tree-berry-pms/. Published January 4, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2021.
- Tayebi N , Emamghoreishi M , Akbarzadeh M. Effect of Vitex agnus-castuson Depression of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Shiraz E-Med J. 2021;22(6):e103381. doi: 10.5812/semj.103381
- Cerqueira RO, Frey BN, Leclerc E, Brietzke E. Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017;20(6):713-719. doi:10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0
