Chasteberry is a safe fertility-enhancing herb

The chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is used in traditional medicine to enhance the fertility of women. Iranian researchers tested its efficacy on patients with premature ovarian aging, a condition where the quantity and quality of the eggs produced by a woman decreases.

The researchers received support from the Shahrekord University of Medical Science. They published the results of their study in the Journal of Herbal Medicine.

• Female patients with premature ovarian aging were divided into two groups. The control group underwent a four-day-long treatment period with letrozole that started on the third day of their menstrual cycle. The chasteberry group was given 40 drops of chasteberry-derived extract for four months.
• Researchers evaluated the ovulation days, the thickness of the endometrium lining, estradiol levels during ovulation, and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSM), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and estradiol. They also measured the average time it took to conduct a serum positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) test, as well as the rates of chemical and clinical pregnancy.
• AMH levels increased in both groups. However, FSH and estradiol levels dropped for the chasteberry group.
• Participants who took chasteberry supplements showed much lower estradiol levels during ovulation day. The average time for their serum positive beta-HCG test was also shorter.
• The chasteberry group demonstrated improvements in their ovulation days. Their endometrium linings were much thicker and they showed far higher chemical and clinical pregnancy rates than the control group.

The results of the Iranian experiment indicated the efficacy and safety of chaste berry extract as a natural means of improving fertility in women with premature ovarian aging.

Read more articles about the fertility-boosting effects of chasteberry at Herbs.news.

Journal Reference:

Hossein-Rashidi B, Nemati M. EFFECTS OF VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS EXTRACT ON THE SECRETORY FUNCTION OF PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS AND PREGNANCY RATE IN PATIENTS WITH PREMATURE OVARIAN AGING (POA). Journal of Herbal Medicine. 27 October 2017;10:24–30. DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2017.10.003