14-03-2010, 12:05 PM
INFO-Chastburry/ Agnus castus/Vitex
March 5 2007 at 7:04 PM gingerD (Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-castus
is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its aromatic foliage and flowers. It grows to a height between 1-5 metres. It requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.
It is sometimes used for the treatment of PMS. It is believed to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name "chaste tree", and is used as a medicinal plant by many herbalists. The parts used include the chaste tree's leaves, flowers, and berries. The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves have the same effect, but to a somewhat lesser degree. It is used in some supplements for male bodybuilders as a secondary component, as some studies suggested that it may decrease the prolactin levels, which, in turn, increases LH (luteinizing hormone)and testosterone levels. It has been assumed to not have the same effect on the female hormonal balance, but recent studies contradict this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-castus
http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/chasteberry.htm
Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Native to: Mediterranean Region
Part Used: Seed
In a Word: Female Hormone Regulator
Uses: Menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, and PMS
In any event, PMS is a hormonal problem, and the only way to improve the situation is to balance the hormones. The Western medical community seems to agree, slapping women with PMS on the birth-control pill as a last-ditch effort to achieve this hormonal balance. This works, but not without side effects – an increased risk of cancer, infertility, and heart disease to mention a few.
The beauty of our next plant is that instead of adding hormones to the body, it encourages the body to achieve its own natural hormonal balance. Going back to our roller-coaster analogy, taking hormone pills is like loading the individual cars with cement bags to slow the ride down. When you take chasteberry, it is like getting the guy with his hand on the accelerator to turn it to a lower setting.
The chasteberry tree is a Mediterranean native, a small deciduous shrub producing lovely, gray, down-covered leaves. The plant blooms lavishly in early summer and produces a bounty of seeds in early fall. The seeds are blackish and look somewhat like peppercorns. In fact, they even have a peppery scent. Apparently Athenian women strewed them about their rooms during the sacred rites to Ceres as a symbol of chastity. The plant gets its name from this association with chaste living, and people trapped in temple life are said to have used chasteberry to subdue their raging hormones.
Most of the commentary we have today on chasteberry’s use in the past comes to us from European sources. Our friend Gerard writing in the 16th century had something to say on the matter:
Agnus castus is a singular medicine and remedie for such as would willingly live chaste, for it withstandeth all uncleannesse, or desire to the flesh, consuming and drying up the seed of generation, in what fort forever it be taken, whether in pouder onely, or the dection frunke or whether the leaves be carried about the body, for which cause it was called castus, that is to say, chaste, cleane, and pure.
Though it is somewhat doubtful that chasteberry would remove a woman’s desire to have sex, if a man took the herb, we could be talking about another story. Chasteberry is considered to be highly estrogenic, and the addition of this hormone would be antagonistic to the hormone causing male randiness. It wouldn’t be nice to put your husband on it as an experiment. Women need not be concerned, but men should steer clear of it. Gerard goes on to say:
The decoction of the here and seen is good against pain an inflammations about the matrix, if women be caused to sit and bath their privy parts therein; the seed drunke with pennyroyal bringeth down the menses, as it doth also doth in a fume, and in a pessiary, in a pultis is cuerth the headache, the phrenticke, and those that have the lethargie are woont to be bathed herewith, oile and vinegar being added thereto.
His comments that chasteberry is good for headaches, frantic feelings, or lethargy should be of interest to the PMS sufferer as all are common symptoms of the disorder. While modern herbalists have not concluded that chasteberry does much to the female libido, it has been found to be very effective in leveling out the mood swings that sometimes attend the monthly cycle.
This herb’s power is said to be due to its ability to regulate the action of the pituitary gland. By normalizing the hormones that are produced in the pituitary gland, it effectively treats all sorts of menstrual problems. Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, premenstrual tension (PMS), menopause, and irregularities resulting from coming off the birth-control pill are all sorted out with the use of chasteberry. It has been proven that chasteberry has the ability to balance the estrogen-progesterone levels necessary for what might be called average menstruation.
It also has been proven that women who suffer from PMS experience some sense of relief within a few weeks and a definite improvement within the second menstrual cycle after starting on the herb. Herbalists have found that the improvement is best felt after six months on the herb. Chasteberry is perfectly safe and has no recorded side effects, so there is no problem with being on the herb over a long period of time. Though you will notice some improvement straightaway, it takes time before you will feel chasteberry’s ultimate impact. Like a number of other herbal medicines, it doesn’t act immediately, but it acts substantially, and there is a difference.
The part we use medicinally is the ripe seeds or berries, which the plant produces in copious quantities. They contain iridoid glycosides including aucbin and agnoside, flavonoids including casticin, isovitixin, orientin, and essential oil. The essential oil is so abundant that the seeds are quite aromatic. If you ever have the chance to harvest the seed you will find that your hands carry the characteristic smell for sometime.
Practitioners’ Advice
When hormone imbalance is wrecking havoc with your life, be it in the form of mood swings, acne, or irregular periods, Chasteberry is the first herbal port of call. Practitioners agree that most cases of hormone irregularity are cleared up with its use. It works and it works well.
Practically speaking, it has to be used for three cycles for it to show its effect. That means one has to be willing to use it for three months before seeing a notable change. It’s a long time to persevere without having any encouragement, but women who stick with Chasteberry swear by it. So do those that live around them! Fortunately, very small doses are effective. One only has to take 40 drops each morning to experience its balancing action. It must be said that regularity is the issue here. It must be taken each morning the way one takes the birth control pill. There really is no need to suffer from the effects of erratic hormone function when Chasteberry is so readily available.
http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/chasteberry.htm
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree berry) is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries in Europe for hormonal imbalances in women.
It may be helpful for women with PCOS who do not have a normal menstrual cycle and thus don't ovulate or menstruate. A large percentage of these menstrual problems are related to insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is called a luteal phase defect or corpus luteum insufficiency. A corpus luteum insufficiency is defined as an abnormally low progesterone level 3 weeks after the onset of menstruation. Insufficient levels of progesterone may result in the formation of ovarian cysts.
In addition, some PCOS women have too much prolactin, which can inhibit fertility. Vitex may help with both of these problems
How does Vitex Work?
Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone.
Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea) that is caused by a lack of ovulation, and therefore a lack of progesterone production, should result in menses when progesterone is taken. Progesterone-induced menses indicates an intact reproductive system that just isn't going through its cycle.
It suggests that the body is producing enough FSH to stimulate the ovaries, and that the ovaries can develop follicles. It also indicates that follicular production of estrogen is sufficient to cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow and that the sloughed endometrium is able to pass through the cervical opening and the vagina. Therefore it's possible that the problem is a dysfunction in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands. The ability of chaste tree to modulate the hypothalamus or pituitary then makes this herb a good candidate for treating amenorrhea (infertility). For a further discussion of this topic, we refer you to Dr. Tori Hudson's Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
High levels of the hormone prolactin are commonly found with corpus luteum insufficiency. Vitex is useful for reducing high prolactin levels. It inhibits prolactin release by the pituitary gland, especially when you are under stress.
The Evidence for Vitex Agnus Castus
Here are some vitex studies relating to the use of the chasteberry:
Vitex and Fertility. In this study, a chasteberry preparation was used in a study of 3,162 women to assess the effectiveness of vitex for corpus luteum insufficiency. 77.4% had menstrual cycle disturbances of various types and the others suffered from a range of gynecological problems which included symptoms of corpus luteum insufficiency. The average length of treatment was 5 months. Hormone cytology and symptoms were used to assess the treatment.
The women reported the treatment as completely effective (33%), significant improvement (55%), and no change (7%). Their doctors reported very good results in 68% of cases, adequate in 22%, and no change in 7%. (1)
In another study, 20 women with secondary amenorrhea took a chasteberry extract for 6 months. Lab testing was done to measure progesterone, FSH, and LH, and pap smears were done at the beginning of the study, at 3 months, and at 6 months. At the end of the study, the researchers were able to evaluate 15 of the women. Ten out of the 15 women had a return of their menstrual cycles. Testing showed that values for progesterone and LH increased, and FSH values either did not change or decreased slightly.(2)
In a third study, 18 women with abnormally low progesterone levels were given vitex daily. After 3 months of treatment, 13 showed increases in progesterone and 2 became pregnant.(3)
Vitex and hyperprolactinemia. In this study, 52 women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) were given either vitex or a placebo. Prolactin levels were normalized after 3 months in the treatment group and deficits in luteal progesterone production were eliminated. Two of the women became pregnant.(4)
In another study, 13 women with high prolactin levels and irregular cycles were given a vitex compound. Their prolactin levels fell, and a normal menstrual cycles returned to all of the women.(5)
Vitex and acne. In this study, a chasteberry preparation was used in women with menstrual cycle abnormalities. Acne was either eliminated or improved during treatment.(6)
In another study, 117 women with four different types of acne were treated with a chasteberry preparation for 1-2 years. Improvement was seen after 6 weeks and by 3 months, about 70% were free of acne. Some treatment relapses were observed after 3-6 weeks.(7)
Taking Vitex
When using chaste tree berry, don’t expect immediate results. It may not have much effect until it is taken for at least 3-6 months.
It’s not the same as taking progesterone. You don’t give it, stop it, and then expect a withdrawal bleed a few days later as you would if you were taking progesterone or synthetic progestins.
Vitex Risks & Side Effects
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
Top
How Much Should You Take?
Every women is unique, so the amount and form of vitex you need won't be the same as for someone else.
We recommend you seek guidance from a licensed naturopathic physician, who would have extensive knowledge of herbs and botanical medicines. Or, consult with Dr. Nancy Dunne, who is a naturopathic physician specializing in the treatment of PCOS.
As a general guideline, your daily dose could be:
* 60 drops of vitex tincture, standardized to contain 0.6% agusides.
* 175 mg. or more of standardized vitex extract, standardized to contain 0.6% agusides.
Chasteberry can be taken daily for up to 18 continuous months, unless pregnancy occurs. Vitex is usually taken in the morning as a single daily dose.
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chasteberry/
What the Science Says
* A few studies of chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have found a benefit. However, most of these studies were not well designed, so firm conclusions about chasteberry for PMS cannot be drawn.
* Small studies suggest that chasteberry may help with breast pain and some types of infertility, but there is not enough reliable scientific evidence to determine whether chasteberry has any effect on these conditions.
* NCCAM is funding studies on chasteberry. Recent projects have explored how chasteberry works in the body and how it might affect symptoms of PMS.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chasteberry/
HOPE THIS LOT HELPS PLEASE ADD IF YOU CAN FIND MORE INFO
March 5 2007 at 7:04 PM gingerD (Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-castus
is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions for its aromatic foliage and flowers. It grows to a height between 1-5 metres. It requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.
It is sometimes used for the treatment of PMS. It is believed to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name "chaste tree", and is used as a medicinal plant by many herbalists. The parts used include the chaste tree's leaves, flowers, and berries. The berries are considered a tonic herb for both the male and female reproductive systems. The leaves have the same effect, but to a somewhat lesser degree. It is used in some supplements for male bodybuilders as a secondary component, as some studies suggested that it may decrease the prolactin levels, which, in turn, increases LH (luteinizing hormone)and testosterone levels. It has been assumed to not have the same effect on the female hormonal balance, but recent studies contradict this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-castus
http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/chasteberry.htm
Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Native to: Mediterranean Region
Part Used: Seed
In a Word: Female Hormone Regulator
Uses: Menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, and PMS
In any event, PMS is a hormonal problem, and the only way to improve the situation is to balance the hormones. The Western medical community seems to agree, slapping women with PMS on the birth-control pill as a last-ditch effort to achieve this hormonal balance. This works, but not without side effects – an increased risk of cancer, infertility, and heart disease to mention a few.
The beauty of our next plant is that instead of adding hormones to the body, it encourages the body to achieve its own natural hormonal balance. Going back to our roller-coaster analogy, taking hormone pills is like loading the individual cars with cement bags to slow the ride down. When you take chasteberry, it is like getting the guy with his hand on the accelerator to turn it to a lower setting.
The chasteberry tree is a Mediterranean native, a small deciduous shrub producing lovely, gray, down-covered leaves. The plant blooms lavishly in early summer and produces a bounty of seeds in early fall. The seeds are blackish and look somewhat like peppercorns. In fact, they even have a peppery scent. Apparently Athenian women strewed them about their rooms during the sacred rites to Ceres as a symbol of chastity. The plant gets its name from this association with chaste living, and people trapped in temple life are said to have used chasteberry to subdue their raging hormones.
Most of the commentary we have today on chasteberry’s use in the past comes to us from European sources. Our friend Gerard writing in the 16th century had something to say on the matter:
Agnus castus is a singular medicine and remedie for such as would willingly live chaste, for it withstandeth all uncleannesse, or desire to the flesh, consuming and drying up the seed of generation, in what fort forever it be taken, whether in pouder onely, or the dection frunke or whether the leaves be carried about the body, for which cause it was called castus, that is to say, chaste, cleane, and pure.
Though it is somewhat doubtful that chasteberry would remove a woman’s desire to have sex, if a man took the herb, we could be talking about another story. Chasteberry is considered to be highly estrogenic, and the addition of this hormone would be antagonistic to the hormone causing male randiness. It wouldn’t be nice to put your husband on it as an experiment. Women need not be concerned, but men should steer clear of it. Gerard goes on to say:
The decoction of the here and seen is good against pain an inflammations about the matrix, if women be caused to sit and bath their privy parts therein; the seed drunke with pennyroyal bringeth down the menses, as it doth also doth in a fume, and in a pessiary, in a pultis is cuerth the headache, the phrenticke, and those that have the lethargie are woont to be bathed herewith, oile and vinegar being added thereto.
His comments that chasteberry is good for headaches, frantic feelings, or lethargy should be of interest to the PMS sufferer as all are common symptoms of the disorder. While modern herbalists have not concluded that chasteberry does much to the female libido, it has been found to be very effective in leveling out the mood swings that sometimes attend the monthly cycle.
This herb’s power is said to be due to its ability to regulate the action of the pituitary gland. By normalizing the hormones that are produced in the pituitary gland, it effectively treats all sorts of menstrual problems. Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, premenstrual tension (PMS), menopause, and irregularities resulting from coming off the birth-control pill are all sorted out with the use of chasteberry. It has been proven that chasteberry has the ability to balance the estrogen-progesterone levels necessary for what might be called average menstruation.
It also has been proven that women who suffer from PMS experience some sense of relief within a few weeks and a definite improvement within the second menstrual cycle after starting on the herb. Herbalists have found that the improvement is best felt after six months on the herb. Chasteberry is perfectly safe and has no recorded side effects, so there is no problem with being on the herb over a long period of time. Though you will notice some improvement straightaway, it takes time before you will feel chasteberry’s ultimate impact. Like a number of other herbal medicines, it doesn’t act immediately, but it acts substantially, and there is a difference.
The part we use medicinally is the ripe seeds or berries, which the plant produces in copious quantities. They contain iridoid glycosides including aucbin and agnoside, flavonoids including casticin, isovitixin, orientin, and essential oil. The essential oil is so abundant that the seeds are quite aromatic. If you ever have the chance to harvest the seed you will find that your hands carry the characteristic smell for sometime.
Practitioners’ Advice
When hormone imbalance is wrecking havoc with your life, be it in the form of mood swings, acne, or irregular periods, Chasteberry is the first herbal port of call. Practitioners agree that most cases of hormone irregularity are cleared up with its use. It works and it works well.
Practically speaking, it has to be used for three cycles for it to show its effect. That means one has to be willing to use it for three months before seeing a notable change. It’s a long time to persevere without having any encouragement, but women who stick with Chasteberry swear by it. So do those that live around them! Fortunately, very small doses are effective. One only has to take 40 drops each morning to experience its balancing action. It must be said that regularity is the issue here. It must be taken each morning the way one takes the birth control pill. There really is no need to suffer from the effects of erratic hormone function when Chasteberry is so readily available.
http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/chasteberry.htm
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree berry) is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries in Europe for hormonal imbalances in women.
It may be helpful for women with PCOS who do not have a normal menstrual cycle and thus don't ovulate or menstruate. A large percentage of these menstrual problems are related to insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is called a luteal phase defect or corpus luteum insufficiency. A corpus luteum insufficiency is defined as an abnormally low progesterone level 3 weeks after the onset of menstruation. Insufficient levels of progesterone may result in the formation of ovarian cysts.
In addition, some PCOS women have too much prolactin, which can inhibit fertility. Vitex may help with both of these problems
How does Vitex Work?
Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone.
Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea) that is caused by a lack of ovulation, and therefore a lack of progesterone production, should result in menses when progesterone is taken. Progesterone-induced menses indicates an intact reproductive system that just isn't going through its cycle.
It suggests that the body is producing enough FSH to stimulate the ovaries, and that the ovaries can develop follicles. It also indicates that follicular production of estrogen is sufficient to cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow and that the sloughed endometrium is able to pass through the cervical opening and the vagina. Therefore it's possible that the problem is a dysfunction in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands. The ability of chaste tree to modulate the hypothalamus or pituitary then makes this herb a good candidate for treating amenorrhea (infertility). For a further discussion of this topic, we refer you to Dr. Tori Hudson's Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
High levels of the hormone prolactin are commonly found with corpus luteum insufficiency. Vitex is useful for reducing high prolactin levels. It inhibits prolactin release by the pituitary gland, especially when you are under stress.
The Evidence for Vitex Agnus Castus
Here are some vitex studies relating to the use of the chasteberry:
Vitex and Fertility. In this study, a chasteberry preparation was used in a study of 3,162 women to assess the effectiveness of vitex for corpus luteum insufficiency. 77.4% had menstrual cycle disturbances of various types and the others suffered from a range of gynecological problems which included symptoms of corpus luteum insufficiency. The average length of treatment was 5 months. Hormone cytology and symptoms were used to assess the treatment.
The women reported the treatment as completely effective (33%), significant improvement (55%), and no change (7%). Their doctors reported very good results in 68% of cases, adequate in 22%, and no change in 7%. (1)
In another study, 20 women with secondary amenorrhea took a chasteberry extract for 6 months. Lab testing was done to measure progesterone, FSH, and LH, and pap smears were done at the beginning of the study, at 3 months, and at 6 months. At the end of the study, the researchers were able to evaluate 15 of the women. Ten out of the 15 women had a return of their menstrual cycles. Testing showed that values for progesterone and LH increased, and FSH values either did not change or decreased slightly.(2)
In a third study, 18 women with abnormally low progesterone levels were given vitex daily. After 3 months of treatment, 13 showed increases in progesterone and 2 became pregnant.(3)
Vitex and hyperprolactinemia. In this study, 52 women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) were given either vitex or a placebo. Prolactin levels were normalized after 3 months in the treatment group and deficits in luteal progesterone production were eliminated. Two of the women became pregnant.(4)
In another study, 13 women with high prolactin levels and irregular cycles were given a vitex compound. Their prolactin levels fell, and a normal menstrual cycles returned to all of the women.(5)
Vitex and acne. In this study, a chasteberry preparation was used in women with menstrual cycle abnormalities. Acne was either eliminated or improved during treatment.(6)
In another study, 117 women with four different types of acne were treated with a chasteberry preparation for 1-2 years. Improvement was seen after 6 weeks and by 3 months, about 70% were free of acne. Some treatment relapses were observed after 3-6 weeks.(7)
Taking Vitex
When using chaste tree berry, don’t expect immediate results. It may not have much effect until it is taken for at least 3-6 months.
It’s not the same as taking progesterone. You don’t give it, stop it, and then expect a withdrawal bleed a few days later as you would if you were taking progesterone or synthetic progestins.
Vitex Risks & Side Effects
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
Top
How Much Should You Take?
Every women is unique, so the amount and form of vitex you need won't be the same as for someone else.
We recommend you seek guidance from a licensed naturopathic physician, who would have extensive knowledge of herbs and botanical medicines. Or, consult with Dr. Nancy Dunne, who is a naturopathic physician specializing in the treatment of PCOS.
As a general guideline, your daily dose could be:
* 60 drops of vitex tincture, standardized to contain 0.6% agusides.
* 175 mg. or more of standardized vitex extract, standardized to contain 0.6% agusides.
Chasteberry can be taken daily for up to 18 continuous months, unless pregnancy occurs. Vitex is usually taken in the morning as a single daily dose.
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chasteberry/
What the Science Says
* A few studies of chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have found a benefit. However, most of these studies were not well designed, so firm conclusions about chasteberry for PMS cannot be drawn.
* Small studies suggest that chasteberry may help with breast pain and some types of infertility, but there is not enough reliable scientific evidence to determine whether chasteberry has any effect on these conditions.
* NCCAM is funding studies on chasteberry. Recent projects have explored how chasteberry works in the body and how it might affect symptoms of PMS.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chasteberry/
HOPE THIS LOT HELPS PLEASE ADD IF YOU CAN FIND MORE INFO