Phytotherapy

Chasteberry

Vitex agnus-castus

Mechanism

Inhaltsstoffe der Mönchspfeffer-Früchte wirken dopaminerg. In der Praxis wird Mönchspfeffer adjuvant im Kontext von PPID (Equines Cushing) sowie bei Stuten mit zyklusbedingten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten eingesetzt. Die equine Evidenz ist begrenzt und ersetzt keine tierärztliche PPID-Diagnostik/Therapie (Pergolid).

Cautions

· No substitute for PPID diagnosis/therapy (pergolide)
· Affects hormone balance — consult a vet in breeding mares

Sources

EVJVitex agnus-castus in equine PPID — limited evidence

PMID:15783241Daniele et al. 2005 (Drug Saf) — Systematischer Sicherheits-Review Vitex agnus-castus

EMA/HMPC Agni casti fructusEMA/HMPC — Mönchspfeffer-Monographie (Vitex agnus-castus L.)

Equiterna Score

59/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific (standardised extract)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

Evidenceemerging

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

PPID (Equine Cushing's Syndrome) →discussed as adjuvant — no substitute for pergolide, evidence limited; hormonally active, check FEI/rule status before competition

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Chasteberry a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Chasteberry as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Chasteberry allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Chasteberry is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Chasteberry?

Stated in the profile: product-specific (standardised extract). This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Chasteberry?

The profile cites: EVJ, PMID:15783241, and EMA/HMPC Agni casti fructus.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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