AGNUS CASTUS
Agnus Castus (also known as Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, and Monk’s Pepper) is native to the Mediterranean region and to central Asia. It is a deciduous bush or small tree belonging to the vervain family (verbenaceae). The dried fruit have a pepper like flavour and aroma and have been used for 2,500 years in many aspects of maintaining a healthy female reproductive system. The use of Agnus Castus in female health was recorded by Hippocrates (460-377 BC) who is known as the father of modern medicine and his name is still honoured today in the Hippocratic oath taken by doctors.

The Benefits of Agnus Castus

Premenstrual syndrome – Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as irritability, mood swings, anger, headache and breast fullness have been shown to significantly improve after taking Agnus Castus. In a German study of 1,542 women, 90% reported relief from symptoms after treatment averaging 25.3 days.
Menopause – Women approaching the menopause can experience a reduction in the luteal phase (second half) of menstruation when progesterone is produced, upsetting the balance with oestrogen. Agnus Castus can help restore this balance, regulating the cycle.
Abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles - Too frequent periods and spotting between periods can be caused by high oestrogen levels. Agnus Castus can help correct this by boosting progesterone levels, balancing the oestrogen.
Period pains - Agnus Castus has been used to treat dysmenorrhoea (painful and difficult menstruation).
Premenstrual water retention – Agnus Castus has a dopamine like effect. Dopamine is a hormone required for correct fluid balance.
Infertility – Agnus Castus has been used with some success in treating infertility in cases of established luteal phase defect (short second half of the menstrual cycle) and high prolactin levels.
Acne – Agnus Castus can help control acne in teenagers, young women and men as it inhibits the action of male androgens (sex hormones) which can worsen acne.

Properties

Agnus Castus acts on the pituitary gland where one of its effects is to stimulate the production of the luteinising hormone. The luteinising hormone is involved in the development of a small gland in the ovary called the corpus luteum where progesterone is made. If the corpus luteum does not develop properly, the luteal phase (second half) of the cycle is reduced and too little progesterone is produced resulting in premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding, period pains and acne. By normalising the function of the corpus luteum, these unpleasant effects are avoided.
Agnus Castus has been used successfully for over 2,500 years, but persistence is sometimes required as the effect can take up to three months to develop.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Medical Advice should be sought before taking Agnus Castus with endocrine therapies such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oral contraceptives and diabetic medication. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.

Why Choose Natures Aid Agnus Castus?

Each Natures Aid Agnus Castus tablet contains 100mg of standardised extract equivalent to 1000mg of Agnus Castus fruit and guaranteed to contain 600μg aucubin.
SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS.

This information has been provided to inform and educate trade customers and professionals only. It is not intended for use to diagnose, treat or cure disease; nor to provide medical advice. If in doubt consult a qualified practitioner.
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