Chasteberry Extract

What it is

Chasteberry Extract is produced from the dried ripe fruits of Vitex agnus-castus, a Mediterranean shrub long valued in traditional herbalism. Standardized supplement preparations contain active diterpenes (rotundifuran), flavonoid aglycones (casticin), and iridoid glycosides (agnuside). When formulated alongside microencapsulated probiotic strains in Velobiotics supplements, chasteberry supports pituitary dopaminergic signaling to promote progesterone-to-estrogen balance and comfortable menstrual cycles.

Also known as: Vitex agnus-castus, Vitex, Chaste Tree

Key benefits

• Alleviates premenstrual symptoms including irritability, mood swings, and fluid retention.
• Reduces PMS-associated mastalgia (breast tenderness) by modulating prolactin secretion.
• Supports regular menstrual cycle duration and healthy luteal phase dynamics.
• Promotes natural hormonal balance via pituitary dopamine D2 receptor interaction.

Amplified by probiotics

Chasteberry Extract contains lipophilic diterpenes and iridoid glycosides (such as agnuside) that require gastrointestinal enzymatic processing for maximal bioavailability. Gut microbial populations, boosted by microencapsulated Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, produce esterases and glycosidases that convert agnuside into active, easily absorbable aglycones. Furthermore, probiotics influence estrobolome metabolism by regulating bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity, preventing the reabsorption of unwanted conjugated estrogens. This dual microbial action—enhancing phytochemical absorption while modulating circulating steroid hormone recycling—synergistically stabilizes the progesterone-to-estrogen ratio and reinforces pituitary-ovarian axis feedback mechanisms.

Typical dose

20–40 mg/day (standardized extract)

The evidence

Multiple randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrate that Vitex agnus-castus extract significantly reduces premenstrual syndrome symptom scores, mastalgia, and mood disturbances compared to placebo. Dose-ranging trials confirm high therapeutic consistency and low side-effect profiles across menstrual cycles. (Schellenberg 2001, BMJ) (Schellenberg 2012, Phytomedicine) (Zamani 2012, Acta Med Iran)

1. Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322(7279):134-137. PubMed ↗
2. Schellenberg R, et al. Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012;19(14):1325-1331. PubMed ↗
3. Zamani M, et al. Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Acta Med Iran. 2012;50(2):101-106. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Well tolerated in clinical trials; mild headache, nausea, or altered menstrual flow may occasionally occur. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or concurrently with dopamine agonists, oral contraceptives, or HRT without medical consultation.