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| Product Name | Chaste Berry Extract |
| Botanical Name | Vitex trifolia L |
| Part Used | Seed |
| Appearance | Brownish Yellow Powder |
| Specification | 4:1 10:1 Straight Powder 5% Vitexin 1%-10% Isovitexin |
| Storage Period | 24 Months |
| Package | 1kg/bag 25kg/drum |
| Storage Conditions | Store in cool and dry places. Keep away from strong light and heat. |
| Description Chasteberry is a common name for Vitex agnus-castus, a species of flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is also known by other common names such as Abraham's Balm, Chaste Tree and Monk's Pepper. Chasteberry has been known since antiquity and was described by the Greek botanist Theophrastus in the 4th century BC. Chasteberry is widely cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout the world, primarily due to its value as foliage. The fruits and seeds of the chasteberry are also edible, usually as a subsistence food. It produces lavender flowers that grow in spikes and produce a delicate aroma that attracts butterflies. Chasteberry trees can grow to a height of more than 30 feet, especially in full sun and well-drained soil. They can grow as far north as Nantucket under ideal conditions. Agnuside is one of the most significant active ingredients in chasteberry and is described chemically as an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and aucubin. Agnuside's greatest areas of benefit involve female reproductive cycles, which researchers believe is due to its effect on the pituitary gland. One study has also shown that extracts of chasteberry fruit bind to the opiate receptors in the brain, which would explain its use in relieving discomfort. Health Benefits Supports Female Reproductive Health Chasteberries interact with the pituitary gland and have two separate effects on hormones: first, they inhibit the body's production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which lowers estrogen levels. Second, along with dopamine, chasteberries stimulate luteinizing hormon (LH), which increases levels of the hormone progesterone. In this way, chasteberries can help your body balance estrogen and progesterone levels. This is good news for you, because unbalanced hormones can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms-and sometimes, chronic diseases. Prolonged elevated estrogen levels (caused by either environmental exposure to substances that mimic estrogen, or by biological issues) can cause serious health problems, including bloating, headaches, mood swings, irregular periods, and even some cancers. By lowering FSH and estrogen levels, chasteberry helps alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Chasteberry for PMS and Menopause Relief Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman's life, causing PMS, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms. Chasteberry might alleviate all three - in fact, in Germany, it is approved as a medication for PMS symptoms. Specifically, it reduces breast tenderness, mood swings, and headaches (common complaints during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause). In combination with St. John's Wort, chasteberry could ease PMS symptoms, according to the Journal of Alternate and Complementary Medicine. The combination is especially effective for easing anxiety and mood swings. Try mixing black cohosh with Vitex to soothe hot flashes and night sweats -research shows the combination significantly reduces some of the worst menopause symptoms. Vitex also eases symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a painful, debilitating form of PMS. Women suffering from PMDD may not be able to work, or otherwise live normally, in the week before menstruation. Chasteberry supplements may work better than fluoxetine (Prozac) to relieve symptoms of PMDD. It could also help treat uterine fibroids, which worsen when estrogen levels increase. Taking vitex (which lowers estrogen) helps lessen fibroid symptoms and could even prevent their formation. Women suffering from endometriosis may also benefit from taking chasteberry, which can relieve pain and cramping. It also reduces the amount of prolactin released by the pituitary gland. Too much prolactin could cause infertility and irregular menstrual bleeding-meaning Vitex could prove helpful in improving fertility. Prostate Support Chasteberry supplements aren't just for women; they could help improve prostate health in men. Vitex slows down the proliferation of prostate cells and reduces the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. Research is ongoing, but it may also kill prostate cancer cells. Stops Acne Breakouts Constant acne breakouts? Blame hormones. If your hormones are out of whack, your skin can go nuts; thankfully, vitex can help by balancing out your hormones. If you decide to take chasteberry for acne, only take it for a short time until the breakouts clear-otherwise, it may raise your progesterone levels, which can also cause acne (fun, right?). When taken in the right dosage, however, it can vastly improve the appearance of your skin. | |
