chasteberry
Patient Counselling
Chasteberry may be considered as an alternative therapy in reducing PMS symptoms such as headache, cramps, water retention, swelling, mood, breast fullness and tenderness, as well as food cravings.1 Chasteberry is usually standardized and is commercially available as alcoholic extracts, tinctures, dried extracts and dried fruit standardized to casticin or agnuside content.1 Chasteberry fruit extract is usually taken in doses 20 to 40mg daily, up to dosages of 1800mg per day in two to three divided doses.1 It may be taken every day of the month, but some studies have demonstrated effectiveness with cyclic use as well.2,3 It is best to consult the doctor or the pharmacist on the exact dosage and treatment regimen as it will differ depending on the preparation used as well as the symptoms that are being treated.
Overall chasteberry products are well tolerated by patients but side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash, and dry mouth.1 Chasteberry is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those who have hormone sensitive cancers.1 It may interact with dopamine receptor agonists and possibly with hormonal products and should be used with caution.1,3 Chasteberry should not be used in children as studies are lacking in this area.1 It may take up to three months of continued use for patients to see beneficial effects.1
Overall chasteberry products are well tolerated by patients but side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash, and dry mouth.1 Chasteberry is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those who have hormone sensitive cancers.1 It may interact with dopamine receptor agonists and possibly with hormonal products and should be used with caution.1,3 Chasteberry should not be used in children as studies are lacking in this area.1 It may take up to three months of continued use for patients to see beneficial effects.1
References
1. Natural Standard. Natural Standard Professional Monograph <Chasteberry>. 2013. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib. uwaterloo.ca/databases/herb supplements/all/chasteberry.asp?. Last updated 07/07/13. Accessed 07/06/13.
2. Schellenberg, R, Zimmermann, C, Drewe, J, Hoexter, G, Zahner, C. Dose-dependent Efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012; 19:1325-1331. http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.proxy. lib.uwaterloo.ca/tmp/7063361011606461221.pdf. Accessed 07/07/13.
3. Zamani, M, Neghab, N, Torabianm S. Therapeutic Efffect of Vitex Agnus Castus in Patients with Premenstrual Syndrome. Acta Medica Iranica. 2012; 50(2): 101-106. http://journals.tums.ac.ir/upload_files/pdf/_/20208.pdf. Accessed 07/07/13.
4. Whelan, AM, Jurgens, TM, Naylor, H. Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: a Systematic Review. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2009; 16(3). http://www.jptcp.com/. Accessed 07/07/13.
1. Natural Standard. Natural Standard Professional Monograph <Chasteberry>. 2013. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib. uwaterloo.ca/databases/herb supplements/all/chasteberry.asp?. Last updated 07/07/13. Accessed 07/06/13.
2. Schellenberg, R, Zimmermann, C, Drewe, J, Hoexter, G, Zahner, C. Dose-dependent Efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012; 19:1325-1331. http://journals1.scholarsportal.info.proxy. lib.uwaterloo.ca/tmp/7063361011606461221.pdf. Accessed 07/07/13.
3. Zamani, M, Neghab, N, Torabianm S. Therapeutic Efffect of Vitex Agnus Castus in Patients with Premenstrual Syndrome. Acta Medica Iranica. 2012; 50(2): 101-106. http://journals.tums.ac.ir/upload_files/pdf/_/20208.pdf. Accessed 07/07/13.
4. Whelan, AM, Jurgens, TM, Naylor, H. Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: a Systematic Review. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2009; 16(3). http://www.jptcp.com/. Accessed 07/07/13.