Chaste Tree Berry

Vitex agnus-castus

Evidence: AFamily: Lamiaceae

Dopaminergic berry that modulates pituitary function; flagship herb for equine PPID (Cushing's disease) and hormonal regulation in dogs and horses with strong clinical evidence.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Cats

Use Caution

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Horses

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Rabbits

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Birds

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Guinea Pigs

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogsglycerin tincture0.25-0.5 ml /kgtwice dailyPer 10kg body weight; best given long-term for hormonal conditions.
Horsesdried herb15-30 gramsonce dailyFor PPID support; typically top-dressed on feed for 450kg horse.
Catsglycerin tincture0.1-0.2 ml /kgtwice dailyPer 5kg body weight; start low and monitor for behavioral changes.

Active Compounds

Agnuside(glycoside)
Aucubin(glycoside)
Casticin(flavonoid)
Vitexin(flavonoid)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Surgery Warning

Do not use in pregnant, nursing, or breeding animals. Monitor equines on pergolide concurrently.

Essential Oil Form

Research-supported for equine PPID; clinical trials show cortisol and ACTH improvements.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Parts Used

berry, fruit

Available Forms

dried herb, glycerin tincture, alcohol tincture, capsule

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