Vitex agnus-castus Extract

Vitex agnus-castus Extract

1. Introduction

Vitex agnus-castus extract, also known as chaste tree berry extract, comes from the dried fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L. It has a long history in European and Mediterranean herbal practice for women’s reproductive health, especially for relieving premenstrual symptoms, supporting cycle regularity, and easing cyclic breast discomfort. Modern pharmacological and clinical studies suggest that standardized Vitex extracts can modulate prolactin and other pituitary hormones, and may help balance symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.

2. What Is Vitex agnus-castus Extract?

• Botanical Source

Vitex agnus-castus Extract is produced from Vitex agnus-castus L., a shrub of the Lamiaceae/Verbenaceae family widely distributed around the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. Its fruits (“chaste berries”) are the medically used part in both traditional and modern applications.

• Extracted Part

According to the product specification, the fruit is used as the raw material for extraction.

• Typical Test Methods

a) Identification: TLC

b) Heavy metals & specific elements: Atomic Absorption

c) Solvent residues: Gas Chromatography

d) Physical tests (mesh size, appearance, odor, taste): Organoleptic & sieve analysis

e) Microbiology: Standard plate count and pathogen detection methods

Additional testing (HPLC profiling, polyphenol content, iridoid marker analysis) can be applied according to customer requirements and pharmacopeial standards.

3. Key Health Benefits & Mechanisms of Action

1) Relief of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms

Vitex agnus-castus is best known for its use in PMS. Standardized fruit extracts have been evaluated in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

l In a large RCT of 170 women with PMS, a dry extract of Vitex agnus-castus fruit (Ze 440) significantly reduced core PMS symptoms (irritability, mood swings, breast fullness, headache, bloating) compared with placebo over three cycles, with a responder rate (≥50% symptom reduction) of 52% vs 24%.

l Subsequent RCTs and a meta-analysis of double-blind trials concluded that Vitex preparations are more effective than placebo in reducing overall PMS symptom scores, though effect sizes and formulations vary among studies.

Mechanism (PMS):

Vitex fruit extracts appear to act partly via dopaminergic activity at pituitary D₂ receptors, leading to reduced prolactin secretion, which may improve luteal function and alleviate PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, mood disturbance, and bloating.

2) Support for Cyclic Mastalgia (Cyclic Breast Pain)

Cyclic mastalgia (breast pain linked to the menstrual cycle) is another key indication for Vitex in gynecological practice.

l A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that Vitex agnus-castus significantly improved cyclic mastalgia in many women, with higher response rates than placebo or some conventional comparators in several studies.

l Earlier clinical and observational work, summarized in review papers, reports reductions in pain intensity and frequency when standardized Vitex extracts are used for several cycles.

Mechanism (mastalgia):

Cyclic mastalgia is often associated with mild hyperprolactinaemia. Vitex’s prolactin-lowering effect and dopaminergic activity likely contribute to reduced breast tenderness and swelling.

3) Modulation of Prolactin & Pituitary Hormones (Hormonal Balance)

Preclinical and clinical evidence shows that Vitex agnus-castus exerts dopaminergic and endocrine-modulating effects relevant to female hormonal balance:

l In vitro studies using rat pituitary cells showed that Agnus castus extracts significantly inhibit prolactin release without suppressing LH or FSH, indicating a selective dopaminergic principle.

l A recent clinical review on Vitex and hyperprolactinaemia summarized case series and small trials where Vitex use was associated with reduced prolactin levels, improved luteal insufficiency, and normalization of menstrual disturbances in some patients.

4) Antioxidant & Phytochemical Support

Vitex fruits and leaves are rich in flavonoids, iridoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity:

l A classic study demonstrated strong free-radical scavenging activity of water and ethanol extracts of Vitex agnus-castus leaves and fruits using the ABTS assay.

l More recent work on Vitex extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic) confirmed high total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and robust antioxidant capacity in multiple in-vitro models, supporting their role as natural antioxidant ingredients.

Antioxidant and phytoprotective properties complement the endocrine actions of Vitex and may contribute to long-term vascular, tissue and skin support when used in comprehensive women’s health or beauty-from-within formulas.

4. Applications of Vitex agnus-castus Extract

• Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Suitable for:

PMS and menstrual comfort formulas

Cyclic mastalgia / breast comfort blends

Women’s hormonal balance products (often combined with magnesium, vitamin B₆, evening primrose oil, etc.)

Menstrual cycle regularity and luteal phase support complexes

Common dosage forms:

Hard capsules, softgels, tablets

Powdered drink mixes, functional beverages

Tinctures or drops (where regulations permit)

• Gynecological & Clinical Nutrition Products

Vitex agnus-castus may be featured in:

a) Evidence-based gynecological nutraceuticals used under professional guidance

b) Complementary formulations for mild hyperprolactinaemia-related complaints and functional menstrual disorders, in line with regional regulations and EMA/monograph guidance.

• Cosmetics & Beauty-from-Within

Thanks to its:

a) Antioxidant phytochemical profile, and

b) Potential estrogen-receptor-related and skin-relevant bioactivities (from flavones and other constituents),

Vitex extract can be conceptually positioned in:

a) Oral “beauty & balance” supplements for women

b) Formulas that link hormonal comfort with skin wellness and anti-oxidative protection.

(Topical use should follow local cosmetic regulations and safety assessment.)

5. How to Choose a High-Quality Vitex agnus-castus Extract

• Extraction Quality

Prefer standardized extracts produced by controlled water or hydro-ethanolic extraction with validated processes.

• Safety & Purity Testing

High-quality suppliers must provide:

heavy metal analysis (As, Cd, Pb, Hg)

microbial tests (TAMC, yeast/mold, pathogens)

pesticide residue limits

solvent residue compliance

aflatoxin and PAH testing

• Certifications

Products should comply with:

GMP

ISO

COA with full test results

Allergen-free, GMO-free, additive-free status

• Stability & Quality Assurance

Ensure:

proper packaging

batch traceability

validated shelf life (typically 36 months)

6. About Us — Why Choose GreenSky Biological Technology?

With 21 years of experience in natural plant extracts, Hangzhou GreenSky Biological Technology is a trusted manufacturer supplying global food, supplement, and cosmetic brands. Established in 2004, we operate two professional factories -- a fermentation plant in Hangzhou and an extraction plant in Jiangxi — supported by a 3000+ sqm production base and a 1000 sqm fully equipped R&D center.

Our Advantages:

• Professional Expertise

Over two decades of focus on botanical extracts, delivering stable and high-grade ingredients such as Milk Thistle Extract and other functional actives.

• Reliable Quality

Strict HPLC testing, GMP-grade facilities, complete traceability, and multiple international certifications including HALAL, KOSHER, SGS, ISO, ECOCERT, BRCGS, and ISO22000.

• Flexible Customization

Support for various concentrations, purities, ratios, and particle sizes, including water-soluble forms and OEM/ODM services.

• Strong Supply Capacity

Annual output of 1000+ tons, ensuring stable and continuous supply from our Jiangxi production base and Hangzhou headquarters.

• Dedicated R&D Support

A complete laboratory system for quality testing, product development, and technical support.

7. Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Vitex agnus-castus Extract is a science-supported botanical ingredient for modern women’s health products. Clinical and preclinical research suggests benefits in PMS symptom relief, cyclic mastalgia, prolactin modulation and antioxidant support, making it an attractive choice for PMS, breast comfort, hormonal balance and beauty-from-within formulations.

Looking to upgrade your product line? Discover the quality of our premium Milk Thistle Extract.

Contact us now for a FREE SAMPLE and a competitive quotation. Our expert team will guide you toward the perfect ingredient solution.

References

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Martin ME, Grao-Cruces E, Millan-Linares MC, Montserrat-de la Paz S. (2020). Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry. Foods, 9(10), 1360. PMID: 32992712

Nayak BS, Ramdath DD, Marshall JR, et al. (2011). Wound-healing properties of the oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpon. Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), 1201–1208. PMID: 21305631

Harbeoui H, Dakhlaoui S, Wannes WA, et al. (2019). Does unsaponifiable fraction of grape seed oil attenuate nitric oxide production, oxidant and cytotoxicity activities? Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(8), e12940. PMID: 31368539

Specification