Evidence supporting the use of: Agnusides
For the body system: Pituitary

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Agnusides are iridoid glycosides found in the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree). The use of Vitex agnus-castus to support the pituitary body system is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Mediterranean regions. Historically, the herb has been used to address various gynecological issues, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, and symptoms of menopause. The traditional rationale is based on the observation that the plant’s constituents, including agnusides, appear to influence hormonal balance, which is governed by the pituitary gland.

Some modern studies suggest that Vitex agnus-castus extracts can impact prolactin secretion by acting on dopamine receptors, thereby indirectly modulating pituitary function. However, most clinical research focuses on reproductive hormone modulation rather than direct, comprehensive pituitary support. Evidence specifically linking agnusides (as opposed to the whole plant extract) to pituitary health is limited.

Overall, the rating reflects a moderate level of traditional use with some emerging mechanistic understanding, but robust scientific validation—particularly for agnusides alone and for general pituitary support beyond prolactin modulation—is lacking.

More about Agnusides
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Products containing Agnusides

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