I am surprised to find very little mention of Agnus Castus on this site. For me it transformed my life. I had terrible cramps and was prescribed morphine and tried various pills, the Minera coil and considered hysterectomy, before stumbling across it after reading a newspaper article.
Been taking 20mg a day for the last six years.
Really annoyed that neither GPs nor Gynaecological Consultants can prescribe it, even though when I raise it they admit they have heard good things about it- but drug companies control what we are prescribed not clinical expertise (and it is all about profits for patented drugs). My opinion of course.
Clinical evidence for Agnus Castus
Quote:
Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study.
BMJ. 2001. Schellenberg R. Institute for Health Care and Science, 35625 Hüttenberg, Germany.
Dr. R. Schellenberg compared the efficacy and tolerability of agnus castus fruit (Vitex agnus castus L extract Ze 440) with placebo for women with the premenstrual syndrome. Vitex agnus castus (dry extract tablets) one tablet daily or matching placebo, given for three consecutive cycles. Dry extract of agnus castus fruit is an effective and well tolerated treatment for the relief of symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome.
Quote:
He et al (2009) In this prospective, double-blind, placebo- controlled, parallel group, multicentre clinical trial 217 Chinese women suffering from moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome were randomly assigned into the VAC treatment group (n=108) or the placebo group (n=109). Each tablet of the investigational drug BNO 1095 contains 4.0 mg of dried ethanolic extract (70%) of VAC (8.5 – 12.5:1; corresponding to 40 mg of herbal drug). The mean total Premenstrual Syndrome Diary (PMSD) score decreased from 29.23 at baseline to 6.41 at the termination of the 3rd cycle for the treatment group and from 28.14 at baseline to 12.64 at the termination of the 3rd cycle for the placebo group. The total PMSD score of 3rd cycle was significantly lower than the baseline in both groups (p<0.0001). The difference in the mean scores from the baseline to the 3rd cycle in the treatment group (22.71±10.33) was significantly lower than the difference in the placebo group (15.50±12.94, p<0.0001). According to the results of this study, VAC is a safe, well-tolerated and effective drug for the treatment for women with moderate to severe PMS.
And in a study comparing Prozac with Agnus Castus, it was found to be as equally effective (particularly for physical symptoms) but with none of the side effects (such as loss of libido, which effects 80% of women).
Vitex agnus and PMS
Quote:
Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2003. Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan E. Firat University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Elazig, Turkey.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and the extract of Vitex agnus castus are effective for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no study comparing the efficacy of the SRIs with Vitex agnus castus extract. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), with that of the Vitex agnus castus extract extract. Forty patients with PMS were randomized to fluoxetine or Vitex agnus castus extract for 2 months. A similar percentage of patients responded to fluoxetine (68) and Vitex agnus castus extract (58). This preliminary study suggests that patients with PMS respond well to treatment with both fluoxetine and Vitex agnus castus extract. However, fluoxetine was more effective for psychological symptoms while the extract diminished the physical symptoms.
Anyone else tried it? The dose must be 20mg or above to be effective.
Unfortunately, new EU regulations forcing all herbal medicines to be licensed has led to a reduction in dosage from 20mg to 4mg per tablets (based on traditional use for Traditional Herbal Registration) – with a recommended daily intake of 4-8mg. This renders the drug ineffective. For more on the effect of these regulations I have a blog ‘Juliet O’Callaghan Writes’.
Really shocked that women are going through hysterectomies for PMT, without first trying 20-40mg standardised extract of Agnus Castus a day. So many women I know in the real world and that come to my blog have found it effective for emotional and physical symptoms.
Really want to know if NAPS are doing any research on it and how we get it to be offered as one of the first line treatments GPs and Gynae consultants suggest. Minimal side effects and been used safely for hundreds of years, the same cannot be said for anti-depressants or other medical interventions.
Just to be clear. I do not work for a herbal company. I am a teacher in a secondary school, with no vested interest. I am however angry at the restrictions on dosage, which will deprive many women a safe and effective treatment for PMS.Love to hear about peoples experience with Agnus Castus. For me it really was the answer.
It is listed in the guidelines as a beneficial treatment for PMS but as with all treatments, one size doesn't fit all unfortunately. Hope it continues to work well for you.