Last update Jan. 12, 2024

Chasteberry

Limited compatibility

Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.

The ripe fruits of the plant are used. Contains: Heteroidic iridoids, flavonoids, essential oil with monoterpenes such as limonene and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), diterpenes with dopaminergic effect and fatty acids (linoleic and oleic) (Fitoterapia.net, WHO 2009). Indications approved by the European Medicines Agency and Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, mastodynia (EMA 2018, Tesch 2003, Hardy 2000, Blumenthal 1998).

It has been used in some traditional medicines as a galactogen and also to decrease milk production (Eglash 2014). There is no published scientific evidence for either of these two purported properties.(Dugoua 2008).

Five compounds have been found in this plant that strongly coupled to the estrogen receptor, potentially acting as hormone disruptors (Powers 2015). There is no evidence for the safety of this plant.(Sachs 2013).

Some authors consider it compatible with breastfeeding.(Amir 2011).

If used during lactation, very moderate consumption of this plant is recommended, observing possible changes in milk production.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Chasteberry.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
DONATE NOW

Other names

Chasteberry is also known as


Chasteberry in other languages or writings:

Group

Chasteberry belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Chasteberry in its composition:

  • Chasteberry Plus™. Contains other elements than Chasteberry in its composition
  • Ginevítex™. Contains other elements than Chasteberry in its composition
  • Mastodynon™. Contains other elements than Chasteberry in its composition
  • Mastodynon (Мастодинон)™. Contains other elements than Chasteberry in its composition
  • Pascofemin™. Contains other elements than Chasteberry in its composition

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. Fitoterapia.net. 1992 - - Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Consulted on Dec. 21, 2023 Abstract
  2. EMA. European Union herbal monograph on Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2018 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015 Mar 22;3:4. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Eglash A. Treatment of maternal hypergalactia. Breastfeed Med. 2014 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013 Sep;132(3):e796-809. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  7. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Sep;40(9):684-90. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 4. WHO monographs. 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Dugoua JJ, Seely D, Perri D, Koren G, Mills E. Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e74-9. Epub 2008 Jan 18. Review. Abstract
  10. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Abstract
  11. Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000 Abstract
  12. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. The American Botanical Council. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Integrative Medicine Com; Boston, MA, USA: 1998

Total visits

11,787

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2015 of United States of America

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM