Other Names:
Chasteberry, Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper
What is Agnus Castus?
Agnus castus is a shrub native to the Mediterranean with aromatic leaves and spiky clusters of purple or blue flowers. This plant contains several bioactive plant compounds such as flavonoids, diterpenoids and iridoid glycosides (including agnuside and aucubin) that contribute to its hormone-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits:
Balances Hormones
Agnus castus can support the healthy balance of female hormones, primarily by influencing the pituitary gland to reduce prolactin, which subsequently helps regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels. Furthering this, one study found that follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were increased following administration of agnus castus extract to mice.
Supports Women's Health
The benefits for women's health provided by agnus castus are well recognised and largely attributed to the plants powerful hormone balancing capabilities. Agnus castus has long been used to treat menstrual complaints and recent research has provided evidence supporting this use. One study found that agnus castus could reduce symptoms of menopause including overall menopausal disorder, feelings of anxiety and vasormotor dysfunction which is linked to hot flushes and night sweats. A further study evidenced that treatment with agnus castus fruit extract was associated with reductions in irritability, mood alteration, headaches and menstrual symptoms such as bloating for women with premenstrual syndrome.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Agnus castus can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects through the reduction of inflammatory cells and inflammatory markers and therefore shows potential as a natural treatment for inflammatory diseases. One study found that treatment with the extract of agnus castus fruit led to significant inhibition of both inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice.
History:
Angus castus has a long history of use dating back thousands of years to support women's health. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was associated with chastity and was used by women to manage reproductive health. Additionally, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly used in European herbal medicine for menstrual complaints and was cultivated in monastery gardens. Its traditional use has been well preserved and it is now used as an ingredient for modern supplements with supporting clinical research, particularly in the context of PMS and hormonal regulation.
Typical Use:
Agnus Castus is often used in the form of capsule or tablet supplements, as well as tinctures and liquid extracts. Such products are typically aimed at supporting women's health, and relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Angus castus is typically not intended for immediate symptom relief and is largely used as part of a longer-term hormonal support approach.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6887765/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC26589/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1726490116301484
