Chasteberry Extract

What it is

Chasteberry Extract comes from the dried berries of the Vitex shrub, a Mediterranean plant long valued for women's health. It contains natural plant compounds that help support a comfortable menstrual cycle.

When combined with friendly gut bacteria in Velobiotics products, chasteberry helps balance female hormones so your monthly cycle runs smoothly.

Also known as: Vitex agnus-castus, Vitex, Chaste Tree

Key benefits

• Eases monthly PMS symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and fluid retention.
• Reduces monthly breast tenderness so you feel more comfortable before your period.
• Supports a regular menstrual cycle length and smooth hormonal balance.
• Promotes female reproductive wellbeing by balancing oestrogen and progesterone levels.

Amplified by probiotics

Chasteberry contains active plant compounds that need help from your gut to work properly. Good bacteria, boosted by probiotic strains, break down these plant compounds into active forms your body can easily absorb. Probiotics also help your body process and clear used hormones through the gut. This dual action helps keep female hormones in healthy balance throughout your monthly cycle.

Typical dose

20–40 mg/day (extract made to a consistent strength)

The evidence

Multiple well-controlled human studies demonstrate that Vitex agnus-castus extract significantly reduces premenstrual syndrome symptom scores, breast tenderness, and mood disturbances compared to placebo. Dose-ranging trials confirm high helpful consistency and low side-effect profiles across menstrual cycles. (Schellenberg 2001, BMJ) (Schellenberg 2012, Phytomedicine) (Zamani 2012, Acta Med Iran)

1. Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322(7279):134-137. PubMed ↗
2. Schellenberg R, et al. Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012;19(14):1325-1331. PubMed ↗
3. Zamani M, et al. Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Acta Med Iran. 2012;50(2):101-106. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Chasteberry is generally well tolerated, though mild headache or stomach upset can occur. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking birth control, or using hormone therapy.