Chaste Tree Berry Powder (Nirgundi; Vitex agnus castus) 8 oz: B

Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Chaste tree fruit for 'Irregularities of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual complaints. Mastodynia [breast pain].' 'Daily dosage: aqueous-alcoholic extracts corresponding to 30 - 40 mg of the drug. Mode of Administration: Aqueous-alcoholic extracts (50 - 70 percent v/v) from the crushed fruits taken as liquid or dry extract.' Chaste tree fruit contains iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Clinical trials have shown significant reduction of the whole range of PMS symptoms resulting from prolonged use of Chaste tree berry extract, from irritability and headaches to cramping and breast pain. Other trials have shown genuine effectiveness for women suffering from infertility and irregular periods. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': '...the berries somewhat like peppercorns, dark purple, halfcovered by their sage-green calyxes, yellowish within, hard, having an aromatic odour; taste warm, peculiar. The seeds were once held in repute for securing chastity, and the Athenian matrons in the sacred rites of Ceres used to string their couches with the leaves.' 'The fresh ripe berries are pounded to a pulp and used in the form of a tincture for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, weakness, etc.' Chaste Tree Berries are ancient in European tradition for hemorrhage following childbirth and menstrual regulation, discussed at length by Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Theophrastus. Contemporary research supports these ancient physicians, showing that the whole fruit is medicinally active. Vitex causes the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman's cycle, re-establishing the normal balance between estrogen and progesterone. The underproduction of progesterone can cause PMS and other related problems. This glandular balancing can be profoundly helpful during menopause. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check. The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with premenstrual syndrome. A double-blind study, confirming other studies, showed Vitex to be more effective than vitamin B6 in controlling PMS symptoms. This is not a fast acting remedy, and will not give immediate symptomatic relief. It is safe to use over long periods. http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb135.htm: Clinical Trials Women with fertility disorders benefited from V. agnus-castus obtaining more pregnancies then the placebo group Gerhard 1998 1.8 ml/d (60 drops) Vitex extract for 3 months to 48 women reduced menstrual associated breast pain Halaska 1998 Prolactin increased in men taking 120 mg/d but decreased with 480 mg/d Merz 1996 20 mg/d V. agnus castus to hyperprolactinaemia patients reduced prolactin release, shortened lut