Infertility is defined as a couple not being able to conceive after a full year of trying. It can be both emotionally and financially taxing to treat with traditional medical interventions. As a result, many couples turn to herbs that have had reported success. Chasteberry is one such herb that has been used to improve certain aspects of infertility.
What Is Chasteberry?
Chasteberry, also known as vitex agnus castus, has been used medicinally for over 2,500 years. It is a large flowering shrub native to Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. It has been traditionally used to treat hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities and infertility in women. Chasteberry has demonstrated positive results clinically in the treatment of disorders such as premenstrual syndrome, luteal phase defect, anovulation, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea
How Does Chasteberry Promote Fertility?
One cause of infertility is called luteal phase defect; otherwise known as an insufficient amount of time between ovulation and the next menstrual cycle. This defect is associated with low progesterone levels. Adequate amounts of progesterone are necessary in order for a fertilized egg to successfully implant in the uterine wall. Chasteberry appears to indirectly increase progesterone levels during the luteal phase. The mechanism of action is not completely understood, but chasteberry is thought to act on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus causing an increase in luteinizing hormone, which subsequently raises progesterone levels. This rise in low progesterone to normal levels enhances the possibility of a successful implantation of the fertilized egg. Additionally, infertility can also be associated with high prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates milk production for breastfeeding. Continued high levels of prolactin when a woman is no longer breastfeeding, or due to some other cause, can interfere with fertility. Chasteberry reportedly suppresses the release of prolactin, thus enhancing fertility.
Is Chasteberry Clinically Effective?
The scientific literature for the effectiveness of chasteberry is relatively sparse compared to other traditional interventions for infertility. However, there are a few clinical studies that show promising results. In regards to infertility treatment, a small pilot study published in the July 2006 "Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology" investigated a commercial supplement containing chasteberry as a key ingredient. The study demonstrated an increase in midluteal phase progesterone levels and longer luteal phases. More women became pregnant in the experimental group vs. the placebo group. Chasteberry has also been clinically shown to lower prolactin levels to the normal range, thereby increasing fertility. Wuttke and colleagues in May 2003 reported in "Phytomedecine" that patients with high prolactin did indeed show a reduction in prolactin levels after taking a chasteberry extract. Finally, several studies have also shown chasteberry's ability to reduce symptoms of PMS, which suggests improvement in menstrual irregularities and thus a potential improvement in fertility.
How Much Should Be Taken?
Vitex has been shown to be relatively safe with few side effects. It is offered in both capsule and tincture form. Effective clinical dosages remain to be investigated. Suggested dosages range from 500 mg to 1500 mg capsules per day. It is important to note that the effects of chasteberry occur over time. It generally has to be taken for at least three months before its positive effects are observed. One note of caution, vitex should not be taken with clomiphene as they may counteract one another. As with any new treatment, consult your health care practitioner first.
References
- "Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology," Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Fertility Blend: a nutritional supplement for improving fertility in women; Westphal L, Polan M, Trant A; July 2006
- "Phytomedicine," Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications; Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová-Wuttke D; May 2003
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Chasteberry
