Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

Vitex agnus‑castus, commonly called chaste tree or chaste‑tree berry, is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Its ripe fruits contain a complex mixture of phytochemicals that have been studied primarily for their ability to modulate the female endocrine system and support hormonal balance.

• Bioactive Constituents: The primary bioactive constituents are flavonoid glycosides (e.g., vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin‑7‑O‑β‑D‑glucoside) and diterpenoid acids (e.g., vitexic acid, agnuside).
• Vitexin Formula: Vitexin’s formula is C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀ (IUPAC: 5,7‑dimethoxy‑2‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxy‑phenyl)‑4H‑chromen‑4‑one‑7‑O‑β‑D‑glucoside).
• Flavonoid Backbone: The flavonoid backbone features a 2‑phenyl‑chromone core with hydroxyl and methoxy substituents that confer antioxidant and receptor‑binding properties.
• Diterpene Structure: The diterpenes (e.g., vitexic acid, C₂₀H₂₈O₃) contain a labdane skeleton with a C‑13‑hydroxy group, contributing to the plant’s bitter taste and possible anti‑inflammatory activity.
• Extract Composition: The overall extract contains > 20 % flavonoids (by weight) and ≤ 1 % essential oils (e.g., α‑pinene, β‑caryophyllene).
• Standardization: The standardization to 20 % flavonoids ensures batch‑to‑batch consistency in clinical studies.

• Cultivation: Vitex agnus‑castus is cultivated primarily in Greece, Turkey, and the North African Maghreb, where the climate mimics its native Mediterranean environment.
• Harvesting: Commercial supplements typically use dried, ripe fruit harvested after full maturation, then dried under controlled temperature (< 45 °C) to preserve flavonoid integrity.
• Extraction Methods: Extraction methods include ethanol‑water (70 % ethanol) maceration or super‑critical CO₂ extraction; the former yields higher flavonoid content, whereas CO₂ methods preserve volatile diterpenes.
• Quality Control: Quality‑control standards (e.g., USP, EMA) require verification of flavonoid content (≥ 20 % total flavonoids) via HPLC‑UV, and testing for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial load.
• Preferred Sources: Certified organic or GMP‑certified sources are preferred to minimize contamination and ensure consistent pharmacological potency.