Chasteberry Fruit

Chasteberry Fruit (0.5% extract)

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-catus), also known as vitex, monk’s pepper, or monk’s berry, is a small brown berry fruit of the chaste tree, which is a member of the mint family. For centuries, chasteberry fruit has been used in the treatment of a wide array of diseases and improving overall health. Chasteberry comes in numerous forms, from supplements in pill and capsule form to the raw extract and tinctures, which are available in many health food stores.

Benefits of Chasteberry Fruit

The following are some of the well-known health benefits of chasteberry fruit that are backed by strong scientific studies:

Relieves Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS refers to physical and emotional symptoms that women experience one to two weeks before their period. Common unpleasant symptoms include acne, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, extreme fatigue, and mood changes. Interestingly, a review of several clinical trials conducted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the University in Australia found that women who took chasteberry fruit extract experienced a significant reduction in PMS symptoms compared to those who took placebo.[1] The researchers also reported that five out of six studies found chasteberry fruit extracts to be superior to a placebo for treating debilitating symptoms of PMS.

Reduces Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus caused by hormonal imbalance, which often leads to pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding. According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, chasteberry can help reduce uterine fibroids by balancing the levels of estrogen and progesterone.[2]

Improves Female Fertility

Chasteberry fruit has been shown to improve fertility, particularly in women who are having difficulty getting pregnant. In one clinical trial assessing the effects of 3-month chasteberry supplementation on female fertility, researchers found that 14 of the 53 women in the chasteberry-treated group got pregnant (26%) compared to 4 of the 40 women in the placebo-treated group.[3]

Clears Up Acne

Hormone imbalances and fluctuations are the main culprit of acne breakouts. Since chasteberry can help maintain proper hormone balance, loading up on this powerful fruit can also prevent acne. In fact, one study revealed that chasteberry fruit consumption significantly improved premenstrual acne by maintaining proper hormonal balance.[4]

Treats Amenorrhea

Most women experience amenorrhea, an abnormal absence of menstruation. A 2013 study reported that infertile women with amenorrhea can take chasteberry fruit supplements for 12-18 months to help normalize their menstrual cycle, unless pregnancy occurs during the course of the treatment.[5]

Accelerates Bone Healing

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that women with long bone fractures who took 4 mg dried fruit extract of chasteberry fruit per day for 8 weeks had faster recovery than those who took placebo.[6]

Fights Cancer

According to a 2003 laboratory study published in the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, chasteberry fruit extract prevented the growth and reproduction of several lines of human cancer cells, including cervical, breast, ovarian, colon, and lung cancer.[7] Researchers found that the chasteberry fruit extract induced programmed cell death of cancer cells.

References:

1. Van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ, Bone KM. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta medica. 2013; 79(7):562-75.
2. Logo of jccaLivdans-Forret AB, Harvey PJ, Larkin-Thier SM. Menorrhagia: A synopsis of management focusing on herbal and nutritional supplements, and chiropractic. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2007;51(4):235-246.
3. Westphal LM, Polan ML, Trant AS. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Fertilityblend: a nutritional supplement for improving fertility in women. Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology. 2006; 33(4):205-8.
4. Roemheld-Hamm B. Chasteberry. American family physician. 2005; 72(5):821-4.
5. Rani A, Sharma A. The genus Vitex: A review. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2013;7(14):188-198. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.120522.
6. Eftekhari MH, Rostami ZH, Emami MJ, Tabatabaee HR. 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. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 2014;19(1):1-7.
7. Ohyama K, Akaike T, Hirobe C, Yamakawa T. Cytotoxicity and apoptotic inducibility of Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract in cultured human normal and cancer cells and effect on growth. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 2003; 26(1):10-8.