7 Best Benefits Of Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chasteberry or monk's pepper, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
The bioactive compounds in Vitex agnus-castus, such as flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Studies have shown that the plant can reduce hot flashes, relieve menstrual cramps, and regulate menstrual cycles due to its ability to balance hormonal levels and improve ovulation.
By addressing these symptoms, Vitex agnus-castus offers a natural and holistic approach to women's health and well-being.
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According to Bratislavske lekarske listy, Vitex agnus-castus has been reported to have the medical benefit of regulating menstrual cycles and premenstrual complaints, and also to help alleviate mastalgia or breast pain.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Vitex agnus-castus.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces hot flashes
Vitex agnus-castus reduces hot flashes, which are sudden, intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, and palpitations, that can be a symptom of menopause or perimenopause.
This benefit is important because hot flashes can significantly disrupt daily life, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and sleep disturbances, and can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
The plant's ability to reduce hot flashes is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and iridoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce vasomotor symptoms.
To use Vitex agnus-castus to alleviate hot flashes, it's best to consume it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, and to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
Top Preparations:
- Extract (vitexin)
- Tincture (vitex tinct)
- Capsules (vitex caps)
- Oil
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces hot flashes.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, estrogen deficiency |
| Iridoid glycosides | Mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness |
| Vasopressin | Sleep disturbances, irritability, mood disorders |
| Oleuropein | Hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings |
| Ligustrazine | Estrogen dominance, breast tenderness, mood changes |
2. Relieves menstrual cramps
Vitex agnus-castus relieves menstrual cramps by reducing the intensity and frequency of painful periods, providing relief from discomfort and distress.
This benefit is particularly important for women who experience dysmenorrhea, as it can impact daily life, work, and relationships, and even lead to missed school or work days.
The plant's ability to relieve menstrual cramps is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
To harness the benefits of vitex agnus-castus for menstrual cramp relief, it's best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or tinctures, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and ideally in conjunction with a balanced lifestyle and dietary changes.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves menstrual cramps.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aglycones | Primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual migraine, dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis |
| Flavonoids | Premenstrual syndrome, bloating and cramps, infertility related dysmenorrhea |
| Phenolic acids | Heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps due to anovulatory cycles, menstrual anxiety |
| Iridoid glycosides | Menstrual cramps due to fibroids, menstrual cramps due to adenomyosis, menstrual cramps due to polycystic ovary syndrome |
3. Regulates menstrual cycle
Vitex agnus-castus regulates menstrual cycle by helping to normalize the frequency, duration, and intensity of menstrual periods.
This benefit is important as it can help alleviate symptoms of menstrual irregularities, such as heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and irregular ovulation, which can lead to decreased fertility, mood swings, and decreased quality of life.
The plant's ability to regulate menstrual cycles is due to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which interact with hormonal pathways to influence the pituitary-gonadal axis.
To utilize Vitex agnus-castus for menstrual cycle regulation, it is best to take it as a standardized extract in capsule or tincture form, typically 40-80 mg per day of a 0.5-1% agnuside content, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Chasteberry capsules
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Regulates menstrual cycle.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, polymenorrhea |
| Iridoid glycosides | Bleeding irregularities, menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea |
| Flavonoids | Premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, infrequent periods |
| Saponins | Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual tension |
4. Improves mood
Vitex agnus-castus improves mood by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as feelings of sadness and irritability, to promote overall emotional well-being.
This benefit is particularly important as mood disorders can impact daily life, relationships, and work performance, leading to decreased productivity and quality of life, as seen in individuals experiencing anxiety-related panic attacks or depression-induced lethargy.
The plant's ability to improve mood is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which interact with neurotransmitters to modulate emotional responses.
To harness the mood-enhancing properties of Vitex agnus-castus, individuals can use herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or tinctures, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and in conjunction with a balanced lifestyle and stress management techniques.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Extract
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves mood.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Depression, anxiety, mood swings |
| Castusic acid | Mood instability, emotional stress, irritability |
| Iridoid glycosides | Anxiety disorders, depression symptoms, emotional imbalances |
5. Eases symptoms of pms
Vitex agnus-castus eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which refers to a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur in women before their menstrual period.
This benefit is important because PMS can significantly impact a woman's daily life, causing fatigue, mood swings, bloating, and irritability, which can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its ability to ease PMS symptoms, as they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-balancing effects.
To use vitex agnus-castus to alleviate PMS symptoms, it is best to consume it in the form of capsules or tinctures, taking 1-2 grams of dried herb or 20-30 drops of tincture per day, ideally starting a few days before the menstrual period and continuing throughout the cycle.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract
- Chasteberry capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases symptoms of pms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Premenstrual syndrome, bloating, mood swings |
| Vitexin | Hot flashes, breast tenderness, anxiety |
| Iridoid glycosides | Cyclic mastalgia, dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps |
6. Relieves anxiety
Vitex agnus-castus relieves anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of worry and nervousness, allowing individuals to better cope with everyday stress and pressures.
This benefit is particularly important as anxiety can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to perform tasks, maintain relationships, and achieve overall well-being, as seen in conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.
The plant's ability to relieve anxiety is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, saponins, and iridoid glycosides, which interact with the body's hormonal and nervous systems to produce a calming effect.
To effectively use Vitex agnus-castus to relieve anxiety, it is best taken in herbal preparations such as capsules, tinctures, or teas, where a standardized extract of the plant's leaves and flowers can be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract (vegetal)
- Chasteberry tincture
- Capsules (agnolyt)
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Anxiety disorder, panic attacks, stress-induced insomnia |
| Iridoid glycoside | Anxiety-related depression, sleep disturbances, restlessness |
| Vitexin | Anxiety-related palpitations, hot flashes, mood swings |
| Castustriol | Anxiety in women, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome |
7. Supports fertility
Vitex agnus-castus supports fertility by promoting menstrual regularity and ovulation, leading to improved reproductive health.
This benefit is crucial for women experiencing irregular periods, infertility, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as it can help regulate their menstrual cycles and increase chances of conception.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, particularly vitexin and aucubin, are responsible for its fertility-supporting properties by modulating hormonal balances and promoting a healthy uterine environment.
To harness the fertility benefits of Vitex agnus-castus, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or tinctures, typically in dosages of 500-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Chasteberry extract
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Vitex agnus-castus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports fertility.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agnuside | Irregular periods, low ovarian reserve, endometriosis |
| Actein | Polycystic ovary syndrome, amenorrhea, infertility |
| Vitexin | Anovulatory cycles, premenstrual syndrome, mood changes |
| Iridoid glycosides | Low libido, hormonal imbalance, fibroids |