Vitex agnus castus & equine reproduction

[cadeby]

Am wondering if any breeders have used Vitex agnus castus commonly known as Chaste Tree Berry/Monks Pepper to assist their mares to conceive?

New blue roan pone who I bought as being "barren" has been examined by the vet and does not appear to have any physical problems with her reproductive system. Preliminary tests are indicating an oestrogen imbalance which would cause Corpus Luteum Insufficiency and suppress the release of sufficient progesterone necessary for her to stop cycling after conception, thus losing the embryo round about day 15-18.

Studies by a German doctor (Rudolph Weiss) are suggesting that Vitex agnus castus is more effective than artificial hormonal treatments. My vet is keen to try it and as it's 100% natural with no documented adverse side effects in horses, I'm thinking of giving it a go.
The ancient Greeks have been using it since 400BC for female reproductive problems and to increase lactation.
Pagan would need to take it daily for 3 months, prior to the Spring.

Just wondering if anyone else has tried it or heard anything about it - good or bad?

It's apparently good for moody mares and riggy geldings and for women with PMS. On that basis, perhaps I should be the lab rat myself

[mickey]

I know nothing about this- but it's very interesting!! Need to have a read up on the menstrual cycle and pregnancy to figure out what happens when again.
I've found this info: Studies have shown that extracts of Agnus castus can stimulate the release of Leutenizing Hormone (LH) and inhibit the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This suggests that the volatile oil has a progesterone-like effect. Its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone.

I will have another look later- need to go out as I've a meeting at a nursing home soon

[Debbie]

Absolutely no experience with it whatsoever, but I'm rather keen to hear if you try it with Pagan and how it goes.

LOL, sounds like I could have used this chasteberry when I was back in college ;D Time has mellowed me somewhat ;D

[maggie]

Strangely enough Helen...........

after gigantic vets bills followed by much research, this is exactly what I put Pagan's Mum, Kilmond Jean on! I think I didn't start her early enough (we'd already had a couple of failed attempts that season), but it would appear that she took almost immediately after going to Charlie and Gina and being covered by Regent. I got mine through Hilton Herbs, what nice people to deal with!

Obviously, didn't take it myself as I'm still a right grumpy old cow!

[harveydales]

I had Quest on this - not to assist him to conceive obviously. It is used with considerable success on horses with certain types of Cushings Disease. My own vet was very sceptical over it's use in cushings or for hormonal mare problems but there is now good scientific evidence, a lot in Germany I think (can't remember exactly now). I got mine from the metabolic horse website. There is quite a diference between the pure herbs, water based tinctures and alcohol based tinctures and I believe the alcohol based ones are the strongest/most effective. Worth trying.......

[cadeby]

Oct 22, 2009 21:16:24 GMT -1 maggie said:

Strangely enough Helen...........

after gigantic vets bills followed by much research, this is exactly what I put Pagan's Mum, Kilmond Jean on!

Lol Maggie - small world!
That's recommendation enough for me. Like mother, like daughter 'eh?
Did you use the dry herb form or one of the liquid derivatives?

Pam - I have been reading up on this plant and have found several articles about it's use with Cushings - all very promising.

..and I am definitely going to try it myself

[Debbie]

Indeed like mother, like daughter... I'm very keen to hear how this works for Pagan.

How interesting that it also works for certain types of Cushings.

[valerie n scout]

oh all the best she is super looking pony xx

[maggie]

I used the dry herb Helen, just a daily scoop in Jean's feed. I also used it for another mare that I bought as 'barren' and she went on to have a superb colt foal.

By the way, I've been told it got its name (chaste berry or monk's pepper) as it used to be taken by monks and priests to help them keep their vows of chastity - it is reputed to suppress the male libido!

Make sure you keep it in a safe place

[cadeby]

Oct 27, 2009 13:41:59 GMT -1 maggie said:

.... it is reputed to suppress the male libido!

I'd better not get Pagan's dinner mixed up with Wilf's then!

Maybe I'll slip some into Martin's tea if he's annoying me.
Such power

[mickey]

Debbie- I think this is the key to it helping with cushings:

Its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland

[mickey]

I know I'm bringing an old thread back up but did you have any joy with it Helen? Thinking of trying it as a last resort with Becky.

[cadeby]

Emily - I had no joy using the agnus castus for Pagan (turns out she has an auto-immune problem so destroys her foetuses within 2 weeks of conception - only hope for her would be embryo transfer which is too expensive for us).

However, I also used agnus castus on my 10 year old mare Becky who had failed to conceive over a 3 year period, despite veterinary intervention, regumate, etc... She was mated once, at the end of her cycle, and hey presto beautiful Storm foal 11 months later.

Obviously I can't say it was the herb that did the trick but I would certainly try it as you have nothing to lose and it's relatively inexpensive. Good luck x

[mickey]

Thanks it was mentioned when we were at roandale stud last week so thought I'd have a look into it

[mickey]

How long did you use if for before success Helen? Going to try Becky on some as a last ditch attempt. Though zan will be happier if it doesn't work as it means he'll get a few goes