Vitex agnus-castus dosage and efficacy
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Vitex agnus-castus Dosage for PMS, Mastalgia, and Reproductive Health
Effective Dosage for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Mastalgia
Research consistently shows that Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is effective in treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). The most studied and recommended dosage is 20 mg per day of a standardized extract, such as Ze 440, which has been shown to significantly reduce PMS symptoms compared to placebo and lower doses. Increasing the dose to 30 mg did not provide additional benefits, making 20 mg the preferred daily dose for PMS relief . Systematic reviews and meta-analyses also support the use of 20–40 mg per day for cyclic mastalgia, with typical treatment durations of about three months. VAC was found to be as effective as some pharmaceutical therapies and was associated with only mild, reversible side effects 459.
Hormonal Effects and Mechanisms of Action
VAC has demonstrated the ability to influence hormone levels, including increasing plasma progesterone and total estrogen, while reducing luteinizing hormone and prolactin. These hormonal changes are believed to underlie its effectiveness in treating PMS, mastalgia, and other reproductive disorders 28. The plant’s dopaminergic activity is particularly important for lowering prolactin levels, which is beneficial for women experiencing breast pain and other symptoms related to elevated prolactin 489.
Efficacy in Other Female Reproductive Disorders
Beyond PMS and mastalgia, VAC has shown potential benefits for menstrual irregularities, corpus luteum insufficiency, and latent hyperprolactinemia. Clinical trials indicate that VAC can normalize shortened luteal phases and improve mid-luteal progesterone and estradiol levels. It has also been found to be comparable to pharmaceutical treatments like bromocriptine for reducing serum prolactin and alleviating cyclic mastalgia 589.
Additional Health Benefits and Safety
VAC exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, and has been shown to mitigate certain drug-induced toxicities in animal studies. Doses up to 650 mg/kg in animal models have been used to reduce hematotoxicity, though lower doses were sometimes more effective for specific blood parameters 36. In human studies, VAC has also been found to improve overall sexual function in women of reproductive age when taken daily for 16 weeks, though the effect on individual domains of sexual function was less clear .
VAC is generally well tolerated, with adverse effects being mild and reversible. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but use during pregnancy is not recommended due to its hormonal effects .
Conclusion
The most effective and well-supported dosage of Vitex agnus-castus for PMS and cyclic mastalgia is 20 mg per day of a standardized extract, with evidence supporting its safety and efficacy for up to three months of use. VAC also shows promise for other reproductive health issues, primarily through its effects on hormone regulation. While VAC is generally safe, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its benefits for a wider range of conditions and to establish optimal dosing for other uses 145789.
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