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Complete Chasteberry / Vitex
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IN STOCK - YES
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What is Complete Chasteberry / Vitex?
Known by several names, chasteberry, chaste berry, chaste tree berry and vitex (or more properly Vitex agnus-castus: Agni casti fructus), this product works exceptionally well for PMS symptoms. Chasteberry has an excellent track record in relieving complaints collectively referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome. Specifically, it is effective in relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum (luteal phase defect) which occurs when progesterone secretion is abnormally low. Chasteberry seems to stimulate the production cycle of progesterone.
Why Is Our Complete Chasteberry / Vitex Better?
Our Chasteberry product is a combination of a 4:1 chasteberry extract plus whole ground chasteberry which ensures that all the naturally occurring compounds of chasteberry are present in our product. This combination is encapsulated in a gelatin-free 100% vegetarian capsule.
Who Should Consider Complete Chasteberry / Vitex?
Women looking to ease PMS symptoms.
To be sure you never run out of your favorite products, we now offer our exclusive
Convenience Plan. This plan guarantees delivery of our
high quality products directly
to your door exactly when you need them. Additionally, you receive our lowest price on
each order. It is simple, convenient and free! And, you can change, add to, suspend or
cancel shipments at any time!
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How well does Chasteberry / Vitex work?
Vitex works exceptionally well. Let's look at two of the more notable studies. A survey study conducted in Germany looked at 1,542 women diagnosed with PMS.3 These patients were tried on a liquid extract of Vitex (Agnolyt), 40 drops a day over a period of 166 days (on average). Over 90% of the subjects experienced complete symptom remission!
In 1997 a study evaluated Vitex against vitamin B6 in 175 women diagnosed with PMS.5 24% of the Vitex patients reported "excellent" results as compared to 12% of the B6 patients. Fortunately, you can combine the two! (If you plan to use B6, we strongly recommend using the full B complex, since B6 supplementation can mask a folic acid deficiency.
A brief history of Chasteberry / Vitex Agnus Castus
Vitex is one of the oldest phytomedicines. The ancient Greek physicians Hypocrates, Theophrast, and Dioscorides all made reference to it as did Greek historian Pliny The Elder. Both Dioscorides and Pliny reported its use in suppressing the libido. The Greeks' use closely resembled modern indications; they recommended it as an aid in external wound healing, complaints of the spleen, and for use in child birth. English use followed the belief that it would suppress the libido as did the Catholic church, which had it placed in the pockets of neophyte monks to help in their vow of chastity. Early American physicians used it to stimulate lactation and as an emmenagogic. There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido. It does, however, have an excellent track record in relieving complaints collectively referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome. Specifically, it is effective in relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum (luteal phase defect). More on this below.
How does Chasteberry / Vitex Agnus Castus work?
The corpus luteum is a bit of glandular tissue in the ovary that forms monthly at the site of a ruptured graafian follicle. This is a mature follicle that contains an oocyte (the first meiotic division has occurred and fertilization will complete the second meiotic division to create an ovum). The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which prepares the uterus for implantation. Unless the oocyte is fertilized, this is where the monthly cycle stops. The problem that is known as luteal phase defect occurs when progesterone secretion is abnormally low. This is considered a normal condition in pubescent and menopausal life phases, but during child bearing years it produces undesirable effects. These effects can include heavy or frequent periods, lack of ovulation, ovarian cysts, and sometimes lack of period. Vitex seems to stimulate the production of leutinizing hormone, which in turn results in an increase in progesterone production, hence it mimics corpus luteum function. Interestingly, Vitex has no direct hormonal activity; it is therefore, NOT a phytoestrogen.1,2,8
Lastly, hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin production) is a common comorbidity in women diagnosed with luteal phase defect (about 70% of the time.)8 It is therefore, thought to have some association with luteal phase defect. Conveniently, Vitex also inhibits prolactin release, providing a corrective action for hyperprolactinemia as well.6
How is Chasteberry / Vitex Agnus Castus taken?
The key to getting results from Vitex is to STAY ON IT.7,8 You will notice tremendous relief around your third or fourth menstrual cycle after you begin taking the Vitex. Recommended supplementation: 2 capsule per day.
Side Effects
Rare side effects (fewer than 2% of those taking it) include itching, rashes, gastrointestinal distress, and early menstruation. Vitex should not taken during pregnancy, and is generally not recommended for use during lactation.1,2,4 Vitex should not be taken with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). PLEASE NOTE: If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your breasts, see a physician for a proper diagnosis IMMEDIATELY, whether or not this pain is associated with your period.
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Label Facts
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings per container: 60 |
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Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
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| Chasteberry Extract 4:1 (Vitex agnus-castus) |
60mg |
† |
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| Chasteberry Powder (Vitex agnus-castus) |
140 mg |
† |
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Other ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), magnesium stearate (vegetable source), silicon dioxide.
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Dietary Restrictions
 Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
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References
Vitex / Chaste Tree Berry References & Additional Resources
- Blumenthal, Mark; Goldberg, Alicia; Brinckmann, Josef, Eds,; Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, 2000.
- Blumenthal, Mark; Busse, Werner R; Goldberg, Alicia; Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Hall, Tara; Riggins, Chance W.; Rister, Robert S., Eds, Klein, Sigrid, PhD; Rister, Robert S, Trans, Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Dittmar FW, Bohnert KJ, et al. Premenstrual syndrome: treatment with a phytopharmaceutical. TW Gynakol 1992; 5: 60-8.
- Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Brendler, Thomas, BA; Jaenicke, Christof, MD. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company, 1998.
- Murray, Michael, ND; Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, second ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin. 1999.
- Pizzorno, Joseph, ND; Murray, Michael T, Eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine, second ed. Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials
- Halaska, M. et al. 1998. [Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an extract of Vitex agnus castus: results of a double-blind comparison with a placebo] [In Czech]. Ceska Gynekol 63(5):388-392.
- Lauritzen CH, Reuter HD, Repge R, et al. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: controlled, double-blind study versus pyridoxine. Phytomed 1997; 4: 183-9.
- Milewicz A, Gejdel E, et al. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to hyperprolactinemia: results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1993; 43: 752-6.
- Turner, S. and S. Mills. 1993. A double blind clinical trial on a herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome; a case study. Complimentary Therapies in Medicine (1):73-77.
- Tschudin, S. and R. Huber (2000). "[Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract: Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Breast 1999;8:175-181]." Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 7(3): 162-4.
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