Evidence supporting the use of: Agnuside
For the body system: Pituitary (anterior)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Agnuside is an iridoid glycoside found primarily in the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree. This herb has a long history of traditional use in supporting reproductive health, particularly in women. Traditional European herbal medicine has used chaste tree extracts for symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances, which are believed to relate to the pituitary gland's regulatory effects on reproductive hormones. The pituitary, especially its anterior portion, secretes hormones such as prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH), both of which are central to the menstrual cycle. Historical references and herbal texts cite Vitex agnus-castus as a galactagogue (promoting lactation) and as a remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), believed to be due in part to its influence on pituitary hormone output. However, while there is some preliminary scientific data suggesting that extracts of the whole fruit (not isolated agnuside) may affect prolactin levels, direct clinical evidence for agnuside specifically acting on the anterior pituitary in humans is limited. Most support for its use comes from tradition and observational reports rather than robust, controlled clinical trials. Therefore, the use of agnuside to support the anterior pituitary is grounded primarily in historical and traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation.
Other ingredients that support Pituitary (anterior)
alfalfaashwagandha
bovine
l-arginine
hypothalamus
Agnuside
D-Aspartic Acid
Other body systems supported by Agnuside
BreastsEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Hypothalamus
Ovaries
Pituitary
Pituitary (anterior)
Progesterone
Reproductive System
Specific Hormones
Uterus