Clinical Benefits

• Maintain a normal healthy balance of hormones for regular menstruation: Vitex agnus-castus has been shown in several clinical trials to assist in the healthy balance of oestrogen and progesterone via central actions on the pituitary gland. By inhibiting Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and promoting the release of Luteinising Hormone (LH), there is an increase in progesterone levels with a corresponding reduction in oestrogen.¹ Through this modulating action, Vitex agnus-castus has also been shown to normalise menstrual cycle irregularities including oligomenorrhea (a cycle longer than 35 days) and polymenorrhea (cycle shorter than 26 days).⁵
• For the relief of PMS: The combination of traditional Chinese herbs and nutrients helps to relieve both emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms.³ In a study of women with premenstrual tension, vitamin B6 was shown to significantly reduce PMS associated headaches in 87% of women. Vitamin B6 also considerably reduced oedema, bloating and irritability. Ginger has been clinically shown to be effective in relieving dysmenorrhea via its anti-prostaglandin effects.⁶ Vitex agnus-castus helps to relieve both physical and emotional symptoms associated with PMS.³
• A clinical trial of 178 PMS patients has reported a significant reduction in symptoms with Vitex agnus-castus over three menstrual cycles (Figure One).³ In a separate trial of 1634 PMS patients taking Vitex agnus-castus, 51% reported a decrease in symptoms with 42% reporting complete cessation of PMS. The premenstrual symptoms tested included cravings, bloating, moodiness, fluid retention and breast tenderness.⁷