Last update: Oct. 28, 2014

Vitex Agnus-Castus

High Risk for breastfeeding


Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully.
Use safer alternative or interrupt breastfeeding 3 to 7 T ½ (elimination half-lives).
Read the Comment.

Ripe fruits are used. It contains heterosidic iridoid, estrogen-like flavonoids, terpenes and linoleic acid.

Although traditionally used as a galactagogue, it contains diterpenes that have a dopamine-like effect which is inhibitory of prolactin release and milk production.

Indications approved by the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health are: Irregularity of menses, pre-menstrual syndrome, mastodinia.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Vitex Agnus-Castus.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Vitex Agnus-Castus is also known as Chasteberry. Here it is a list of alternative known names::


Group

Vitex Agnus-Castus belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Vitex Agnus-Castus in its composition:

  • Ginevítex™. Contains other elements than Vitex Agnus-Castus in its composition
  • Mastodynon™. Contains other elements than Vitex Agnus-Castus in its composition
  • Mastodynon (Мастодинон)™. Contains other elements than Vitex Agnus-Castus in its composition
  • Pascofemin™. Contains other elements than Vitex Agnus-Castus in its composition

References

  1. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015 Mar 22;3:4. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Eglash A. Treatment of maternal hypergalactia. Breastfeed Med. 2014 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013 Sep;132(3):e796-809. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013 Abstract
  5. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 4. WHO monographs. 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Abstract
  8. Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000 Abstract

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