Is Chasteberry compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Chasteberry?

Chasteberry

October 28, 2014 (High Risk)

Ripe fruits are used. It contains heterosidic iridoid, estrogen-like flavonoids, terpenes and linoleic acid.

Although traditionally used as a galactagogue, it contains diterpenes that have a dopamine-like effect which is inhibitory of prolactin release and milk production.

Indications approved by the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health are: Irregularity of menses, pre-menstrual syndrome, mastodinia.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Chasteberry.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Chaste Tree
  • Monk´s Pepper
  • Vitex
  • Vitex Agnus-Castus

Drug trade names

References

  1. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Eglash A. Treatment of maternal hypergalactia. Breastfeed Med. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013Abstract
  4. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Amir LH, Pirotta MV, Raval M. Breastfeeding--evidence based guidelines for the use of medicines. Aust Fam Physician. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 4. WHO monographs. 2009 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003Abstract
  8. Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000Abstract