Agnus Castus Brand And Generic Names

Agnus castus agent description

Agnus castus is the name of a shrub or small trees up to four meters. Agnus castus (Chaste tree) grows in the Mediterranean coastal areas, in Provence, Greece. Agnus castus belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Flowers have a tubular shape. The plant has a dry globular fruit with diameter of 3-4 mm. Outside, the fruits are of black or dark brown colour. From inside, the fruits are yellow, half enclosed in a green cup. Fruits are edible and taste like pepper. The drug is prepared from extract of ripe berries.

In the Middle Ages monks drank the infusion of fruit plants to suppress erotic desires. Agnus castus was known in ancient Greece. It is mentioned by Hippocrates and Galen. According to Dioscorides, the infusion of Agnus castus fruit cures dropsy, inflammation of the testicles and female organs, cracks of the rectum. Athenian women used Agnus castus at religious ceremonies, adorning themselves with flowers of Agnus castus. Ibn Sina made extensive use of Agnus castus on the testimony given by Dioscorides. It contributes to the emergence of milk in nursing women. It is a good cure for snake and insect bites.

Agnus castus was forgotten for a long time and has not been applied in medicine. Only in 1831 it was remembered by Dr. Stapf who began to use it in homeopathy.

Various tests showed the following action of the drug:

• A depressing effect on the reproductive system, both in men and women;
• A depressing effect on the psyche which is reflected in the appearance of thoughts about the proximity of death, the impermanence of existence;
• Agnus castus contributes to the appearance of olfactory illusions;
• Agnus castus activates specific odors - herring or musk;
• Agnus castus causes headache and drowsiness.

Clinico-pharmacological group

Homeopathic drug.

Composition, structure and packing

Agnus castus is mostly used in homeopathic homogeneous granules of spherical shape, white with gray or cream color, odorless, with sweet taste.

Pharmaceutical form

Homeopathic granules D3, C3, C6 and more. Drops D3, C3, C6 and more.

Pharmacological action

Homeopathic medicine. Agnus castus is one of the oldest herbal remedies, which has a balancing effect on female hormones. Its "normalized" features make it useful in a number of problems as a result of hormonal imbalance/menopause, premenstrual syndrome, irregular or too heavy menstruation, infertility.

Agnus castus helps correct hormonal imbalances, maintaining normal levels of prolactin. The agent relieves the symptoms of menopause and helps during premenstrual syndrome. It can help prevent irregular menstruation or menorrhagia/heavy menstruation.

Extract of Agnus castus has dopaminergic properties, blocking the synthesis of prolactin and decreasing the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Preparations containing Agnus castus are used by gynecologists in the treatment of mastitis, mastalgia, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual and menopausal syndromes.

Impact on the human body

Agnus castus has a depressing effect on sexual function in men and women. Its use stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland in the body, which in turn contributes to generating progesterone.

Indications for use

Males use Agnus castus capsules in sexual disorders and itching in the genital area. Women are prescribed in the absence of sexual desire. Sometimes Agnus castus is used when there is insufficient production of milk or its absence during the initiation of breastfeeding. Agnus castus is also prescribed for itching in the area of varicose leg ulcers and other parts of the body. Agnus castus is used to treat nervous disorders, such as depression, memory loss, distortion of the sense of smell, as well as in obsessive thoughts of impending death, sexual depression, sad mood with a presentiment of imminent death, strange smells. Agnus castus has the most pronounced effect on the reproductive system, reducing sexual activity due to mental depression and loss of nervous energy. The drug affects both sexes, but the most profound impact has on men. Agnus castus is given to persons with various diseases, but it is especially shown in persons having sexual excesses.

In homeopathy, Agnus castus is used by following major indications:

Mental symptoms: depression, memory loss, obsessive thoughts about death. Perversion of smell.

Digestive system: feeling of tightness in the lower abdomen, rectum. Deep cracks of anus with itching and burning pain.

Urogenital system in Men: complete impotence, testicular tenderness, genital itching, chronic gonorrhea, isolation of prostatic juice when straining. Swelling and hardening of the spleen.
Unmarried people suffering from nervous debility.

Urogenital system in Women: lack of sexual desire, scanty menstruation, infertility, leucorrhea (leaves yellow stains on clothes), itching of the vulva. Inadequate separation of milk after childbirth.

Joints: gout, inflammatory rheumatism in the joints, with the tumor. Night sweats.

Agnus castus is a perfect remedy for sprains and dislocations, tachycardia due to smoking in neurotic young men, hysterical palpitation with epistaxis in women, itching in all parts of the body, especially in the eyes, headache, photophobia and numerous nerve symptoms fit into the diagnosis of neurasthenia, aberration and self-abasement. Agnus castus is good to use for PMS, menopause, irregular menstruation. Agnus castus in homeopathy is recommended in men to raise the tone; in women – to support reproductive function.

Dosage

The drug should be placed under the tongue until complete dissolving, 15 minutes before meals or in between meals, 8 granules 4 times a day for 5-7 days.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Do not use as a substitute for a varied diet.

Overdose

Agnus castus overdose cases have not been registered to date.

Drug interactions

The simultaneous use of other drugs and Agnus castus is not recommended.

Side effects

Allergic reactions are possible.

Storage conditions and terms
Keep at a temperature not above 25°C in a dry, dark place. Keep out of reach of children. Shelf life - 5 years.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Cautions

In the absence of therapeutic effect within 3-5 days of admission, as well as in the appearance of side effects that are not described in the instructions of the drug, patients should consult a doctor.

Agnus castus agents do not affect the ability to drive and use machines.