Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is an herb commonly used for various women’s health conditions. The action and spectrum of chasteberry are related to its ability to interact with the hormonal system in the body, specifically by influencing the activity of the pituitary gland. 

The active compounds in chasteberry stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibit the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which can help regulate estrogen levels and progesterone in the body. This activity can benefit various conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility. 

chasteberry has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which might help to reduce symptoms of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This may benefit a range of conditions, including acne, fibrocystic breast disease, and menopause-related symptoms. 

Overall, the action and spectrum of chasteberry are broad and may be helpful for a range of women’s health conditions. However, further research studies are needed to understand its effects and mechanisms of action fully. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using chasteberry, especially if you are pregnant condition, nursing, or taking any medications, is essential. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Gastrointestinal upset 

Tiredness 

Itching 

Alopecia 

Agitation 

Headache 

Intramenstrual bleeding 

Allergic reactions 

Acne 

Urticaria 

Rash 

Dry mouth 

Nausea 

Tachycardia 

Menstrual flow changes 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

While chasteberry is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, there are some contraindications. 

chasteberry should not be used by individuals taking dopamine agonist medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, as it may interfere with their activity. Additionally, individuals undergoing treatment for hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, should use chasteberry with caution, as it may affect hormone levels in the body. 

chasteberry may also interact with certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for mental health conditions like the schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using chasteberry if taking any medications is essential. 

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also avoid using chasteberry, as its effects on these populations have not been well studied. 

Caution 

There are several cautions to consider when using chasteberry, an herb commonly used for various women’s health conditions. Some of the most important ones: 

• Hormone-sensitive conditions: chasteberry may affect hormone levels in the body and should be used cautiously in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, like breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. 
• Dopamine agonist medications: chasteberry should not be used by individuals taking dopamine agonist medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, as it may interfere with their activity. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The effects of chasteberry on pregnancy condition and breastfeeding have not been well studied, and therefore it should be avoided during these periods. 
• Medications: chasteberry may interact with certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. Speaking with a healthcare provider before using chasteberry if taking any medications is essential. 
• Surgery: chasteberry may interfere with blood clotting and should be discontinued nearly two weeks before any scheduled surgery. 
• Side effects: While chasteberry is generally safe for most people, some individuals might experience side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, or skin rash. It is key to discontinue use if you experience any adverse effects. 

Overall, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before using chasteberry, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking any drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: Unsafe 

Lactation: Unsafe 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• <b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, has yet to be entirely understood. However, research has shown that chasteberry has several pharmacological effects, including: 

• Dopamine receptor activity: chasteberry may act as a dopamine receptor agonist, stimulating dopamine activity in the brain. This may help regulate hormone levels and alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and other menstrual disorders. 
• Progesterone receptor activity: chasteberry may also act as a progesterone receptor agonist, stimulating progesterone activity in the body. This may help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and improve fertility. 
• Anti-inflammatory activity: chasteberry has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which might help reduce pain and inflammation associated with PMS and other menstrual disorders. 
• Antioxidant activity: chasteberry has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which might help protect the body from oxidative stress and cell damage. 
• Anti-androgen activity: chasteberry may also have anti-androgenic effects, meaning it may reduce the activity of male hormones in the body. This may help reduce acne in women and improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms. 

Overall, the pharmacology of chasteberry is complex and not fully understood. Further research studies is needed to determine its exact mechanism of action and potential therapeutic uses. It is key to speak with a healthcare provider before using chasteberry or any other herbal supplement, especially if you have any specific medical condition, are taking any drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: By decreasing the release of FSH, this mechanism of action can increase the progesterone ratio to estrogen. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

Studies suggest that compounds found in chasteberry, such as agnuside and casticin, are well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the absorption rate may vary depending on the formulation and delivery method of the herb. 

Distribution 

There is lesser information available on the distribution of chasteberry in the body. However, some studies have shown that compounds found in the herb can cross the blood-brain barrier and have central nervous system effects. 

Metabolism 

The metabolism of chasteberry needs to be better understood. However, studies have suggested that some compounds found in the herb may be metabolized by liver enzymes such as cytochrome P450. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The excretion of chasteberry and its compounds needs to be well-documented. However, some studies have shown that compounds found in the herb can be excreted in urine and feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

chasteberry is an herb commonly used for various women’s health conditions. It can take several forms, including capsules, tinctures, teas, and extracts. The appropriate dosage and administration method may vary depending on the form, strength of the product, as well as the individual’s age, health status, and other factors. 

Here are some general guidelines for the administration of chasteberry: 

• Capsules: chasteberry capsules are a convenient way to take the herb, and dosage recommendations typically range from 300 to 1000 milligrams per day. It is best to follow the dosage instruction on the product label or consult a healthcare provider to determine the dosage for your needs. 
• Tinctures: chasteberry tinctures are alcohol-based herb extracts, and dosage recommendations typically range from 30 to 60 drops, two to three times per day. It is best to follow the dosage instruction on the product label or consult a healthcare provider to determine the dosage for your needs. 
• Teas: chasteberry teas are made by steeping the herb in hot water, and dosage recommendations typically range from 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water, two to three times per day. It is best to follow the dosage instruction on the product label or consult a healthcare provider to determine the dosage for your needs. 
• Extracts: chasteberry extracts are concentrated herb forms, and dosage recommendations typically range from 1 to 2 milliliters per day. It is best to follow the dosage instruction on the product label or consult a healthcare provider to determine the dosage for your needs. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: chasteberry 

Why do we use chasteberry? 

chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is an herb used for centuries to address various women’s health concerns. Some of the most common uses of chasteberry include: 

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): chasteberry may help alleviate symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating. 
• Menstrual irregularities: chasteberry may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding. 
• Menopause: chasteberry may help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause. 
• Infertility: chasteberry may help improve fertility in women by regulating ovulation and hormone levels. 
• Acne: chasteberry may help reduce acne in women by regulating hormone levels. 
• Breast milk production: chasteberry may help stimulate breast milk production in breastfeeding women. 

While chasteberry is generally considered safe for most people, it is crucial to speak with a physician before using it, mainly if you have a medical condition, are taking any drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.