Chasteberry Extract Powder | Vitex agnus-castus | Clinical Series™

Clinical Series™ Organic Chasteberry Extract Powder — Vitex agnus-castus (Monk’s Pepper)

Derived from the dried fruit of Vitex agnus-castus — known variously as Chasteberry, Vitex, Chaste Tree, or Monk’s Pepper — our Clinical Series™ extract is standardised for its key bioactive compounds including diterpenes (casticin, rotundifuran), iridoid glycosides (agnuside, aucubin), and flavonoids. These compounds act primarily on dopamine D2 receptors and prolactin pathways, making Chasteberry one of the most clinically validated botanical remedies for female hormonal health.

Key Benefits & Clinical Evidence

• PMS & PMDD Relief
  Reduces breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, headaches, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome, with relief typically observed within 1–3 menstrual cycles.
  Clinical evidence: A landmark double-blind RCT published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ, 2001) involving 178 women found that Vitex agnus-castus extract (Ze 440, 20mg/day) was significantly superior to placebo in reducing PMS symptoms across all five primary endpoints. A further meta-analysis in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017) reviewed 8 RCTs and concluded chasteberry was more effective than placebo for PMS and PMDD, with a favourable safety profile compared to SSRIs such as fluoxetine.
• Cycle Regularity & Fertility Support
  Helps normalise menstrual cycles in cases of luteal phase defect, elevated prolactin, amenorrhoea, and PCOS-related irregularity, with evidence of improved progesterone activity and pregnancy rates.
  Clinical evidence: A prospective study in Gynecological Endocrinology (2006) found that Vitex agnus-castus supplementation over 3 months significantly reduced elevated prolactin levels and restored normal luteal phase length in women with latent hyperprolactinaemia. A separate RCT in Fertility and Sterility reported increased pregnancy rates in women with infertility secondary to luteal phase defect following 3 months of chasteberry treatment.
• Cyclic Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
  Multiple RCTs confirm significant reduction in cyclical breast pain within 2–3 cycles, attributed to prolactin suppression via dopamine D2 receptor agonism.
  Clinical evidence: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Women’s Health (2003) demonstrated that Vitex agnus-castus extract (Mastodynon®) significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores for cyclic mastalgia compared to placebo over two menstrual cycles, with no significant adverse effects reported.
• Menopause & Hormonal Imbalance
  Used to alleviate menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, and mood instability through modulation of oestrogen receptor activity.
  Clinical evidence: A study in Maturitas (2007) found that a combination preparation containing Vitex agnus-castus significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes and improved mood scores in perimenopausal women over 16 weeks. The mechanism is linked to the binding of casticin and other flavonoids to oestrogen receptor-β (ER-β).
• Endometriosis & Oestrogen Dominance Support
  Traditionally used to reduce oestrogen dominance and associated inflammation; preliminary research supports its role in modulating oestrogen-progesterone balance.
  Clinical evidence: In vitro studies published in Planta Medica demonstrated that diterpene compounds in Vitex agnus-castus inhibit oestrogen receptor-α (ER-α) activity while activating ER-β, producing a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like effect that may help counteract oestrogen dominance in conditions such as endometriosis.
• Mood, Anxiety & Sleep Support
  Secondary hormonal modulation may contribute to improvements in anxiety, restlessness, and sleep quality, particularly in the premenstrual phase.
  Clinical evidence: A sub-analysis of the BMJ (2001) RCT found statistically significant improvements in mood and sleep disturbance scores in the Vitex group versus placebo. The mechanism is attributed to the binding of agnuside and rotundifuran to GABA-A receptors and opioid receptors, producing mild anxiolytic and sedative effects.
• Insect Repellent Activity
  Seed extract has demonstrated mosquito and tick repelling properties in controlled laboratory studies.
  Clinical evidence: Research in the Journal of Vector Ecology confirmed that aerosol preparations of Vitex agnus-castus seed extract provided significant repellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and Ixodes ricinus ticks for up to 4 hours, attributed to the volatile monoterpene content including 1,8-cineole and sabinene.

Suggested Use

Take 1–2 teaspoons (approx. 3–5g) daily in water, smoothies, or herbal teas. For hormonal and cycle support, consistent daily use over a minimum of 3 menstrual cycles is recommended for optimal results. Best taken in the morning.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use. Best before: 6 months after opening.

Quality Assurance

100% pure Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract. No fillers, binders, additives, or preservatives. Net Weight: 50g. The Herbal Remedies, Manchester, UK.

This product is a food supplement. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or alongside hormonal contraceptives or dopamine-related medications without medical supervision. Consult a healthcare professional before use.