Agnus Castus

Agnus Castus

Latin Name:  Vitex agnus castus
Family: Verbenaceae

Part used: Fruit (berries)
Energetics: Bitter, pungent, astringent, cooling & warming
Iris: All types
Systems: Reproductive, Urinary
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy
  • Avoid with HRT or the Contraceptive pill
  • Under 18 years old
  • Oestrogen-sensitive cancers
  • Pituitary disorder
  • Anyone using dopamine agonists or antagonists, oestrogens and antioestrogens.

ACTIONS

  • Endocrine gland disorders
  • Pituitary balancer
  • Anti-androgenic
  • Ovarian balancer
  • Thyro-active
  • Increases melatonin secretion
  • Progesterone-like effect
  • Decreases prolactin
  • Increases dopamine
  • Galactagogue
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-fungal
  • Aphrodisiac & Anaphrodisiac
  • Dermatological agent

Main Constituents

Iridoid glycosides (agnuside, aucubin, erostoside- These compounds have been associated with the plant's potential effects on hormonal balance and menstrual cycle regulation).
Diterpene - Rotundifuran (binds to dopamine receptors in pituitary for a dopaminergic effect; decreases prolactin secretion), Monoterpenes.
Flavonoids (Vitexin: This is a flavonoid compound found in Agnus castus. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits.)
Alkaloid - vitticine in root bark. Phenol - salicin. Fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, stearic). Volatile oil. Vitamin C.

Main Uses

Rebalances progesterone and reduces symptoms of oestrogen dominance.
Endocrine System: Pituitary imbalance, Hyper-prolactinaemia.
Hot flushes/ night sweats/ palpitations. Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, PCOS, Endometriosis
Endocrine disorders: pituitary, ovary, androgen issues, hypothyroid.
Reproductive System: Cramping periods, PMS, Migraines, Corpus luteum deficiency (second half of menses). Inhibits oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells, vaginal dryness, infertility, loss of libido. Under- developed breasts, mastalgia and mastitis.
Skin: Acne (male and female).
Mental / Emotional: Depression, Mood swings.   
Infections:
Bacteria: E.coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Staphylococcus
Fungi: Candida

More About Agnus Castus

Agnus castus was called ‘agnos’ by the ancient Greeks, over 2000 years ago, then ‘Agnus castus’ throughout the middle ages.
The ancients attributed many magical powers to this plant and it was considered an important healing herb during the following centuries.
It is often used in the relief of all symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance such as depression, cramps, mood swings, water retention, weight gain associated with menses and PMS, due to its progesterogenic effect.
In Europe it is also used in cases of uterine fibroid cysts and in menopausal symptoms.
Also known as “Chasteberry”, or “Chaste Tree”, or even just “Vitex”, Agnus castus has been called many names , including “Monk’s pepper” due to the peppery and spicy flavour of the fruit, which would have been eaten in the monasteries to suppress carnal lust, due to its anaphrodisiac effect.

Other Traditional Uses:
Menstrual Disorders: Agnus castus has a long history of use in addressing menstrual irregularities and disorders. It has been employed to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate heavy or painful periods, and relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating.
Menopause Support: Some women use Agnus castus during the menopausal transition to help manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and irregular periods.
Fertility and Infertility: Agnus castus is sometimes used by women who are trying to conceive. It may help regulate ovulation and improve the chances of pregnancy in cases of irregular cycles.
Breast Milk Production: In traditional herbal medicine, Agnus castus has been employed to increase breast milk production in lactating women.
Acne and Skin Conditions: Some individuals have used Agnus castus for acne and other skin conditions related to hormonal imbalances. It's believed to help by working through the pituitary gland to reduce prolactin levels, which can alleviate acne symptoms.
Libido and Mood: There is a historical use of Agnus castus to improve libido and mood in women.

Recipes:


Agnus Castus/Chasteberry and Rose Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon rose petals
  • 1 teaspoon whole chaste tree berry, crushed (use a grinder or pestle and mortar) (where to buy)
  • 1 teaspoon hibiscus flowers1 teaspoon crushed star anise, about one star
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon chips
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, coconut nectar or 1 drop of stevia

Method: Steep all the herbs and spices for 10 minutes in approx. 948ml of hot water, add the sweetener and enjoy hot or cold.

References

PMS / PMDD

Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review
All eight studies were positive for VAC in the treatment of PMS or PMDD and VAC was overall well tolerated.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29063202/

PMS

The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Thirteen of 14 studies with placebo, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations as controls reported positive effects of Vitex agnus castus on total premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28237870/

PMS, post-menstrual, infertility disorders

Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus
Vitex agnus-castus was shown to contribute to the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Moreover, the result of the present study showed that this valuable plant is helpful in alleviation of pain resulting from postmenstrual disease. Furthermore, it was found that Vitex agnus-castus is beneficial in infertility disorder.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28243425/

PMS

Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome
Vitex agnus can be considered as an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of mild and moderate PMS
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359078/

Efficacy of Vitex in PMS

Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Patients with PMS can be treated successfully with Vitex agnus-castus extract Ze 440, as indicated by clear improvement in the main effect parameter during treatment and the gradual return after cessation of treatment. The main response to treatment seems related to symptomatic relief rather than to the duration of the syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11129515/

Phytopharmacological Review 

Phytopharmacological Review on Vitex agnus-castus: A Potential Medicinal Plant
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352055372_Phytopharmacological_Review_on_Vitex_agnus-castus_A_Potential_Medicinal_Plant

PMS

Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study
Dry extract of agnus castus fruit is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11159568/

PCOS

A comprehensive review of clinical studies with herbal medicine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
According to a multitude of studies, a wide spectrum of herbs can be used to improve various aspects of PCOS. Herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus can impact on menstrual and ovulatory dysfunctions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31741280/

Menopause

A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms
The results of the study showed that the medicinal plants…….Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)were effective in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome with different mechanisms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29403626/

Bone Fracture Healing

Effects of “vitex agnus castus” extract and magnesium supplementation, alone and in combination, on osteogenic and angiogenic factors and fracture healing in women with long bone fracture
Our results suggest that administration of vitex agnus castus plus magnesium may promote fracture healing.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963316/

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