Renuka (Renuka (Rajaputri, Nandini, Kapila, Dvija, Rajaputrika, Harenuka))
Renuka, known botanically as Vitex agnus-castus, is an herb traditionally used in Ayurveda for various women's health concerns, including menstrual irregularities and PMS. Modern research supports these uses, highlighting its potential to balance hormones and alleviate related symptoms.
Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus. Also known as: Renuka, Rajaputri, Nandini, Kapila, Dvija, Bhasma Gandha, Panduputri, Kaunti, Harenuka, Renuk, Harenu, Renuka Beej, Athalak, Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm, Lilac Chastetree, Monk's Pepper, Nochi, Bile Nochi, Vavili, Karinochi, Keuschbaum, Gattilier.
Properties
Dopamine receptor agonist activity, Prolactin modulation, Hormone balance regulation
Dosage
Dosage can vary based on the form of Vitex agnus-castus used: * Fruit Extract Capsules: Standardized to 0.6% agnuside, the typical dose is 200–400 mg daily in the morning on an empty stomach, providing 20–40 mg of agnuside. The German Commission E recommends 30-40 mg/day of extract of dried fruit standardized to 0.6% casticin. * Tincture (1:5 in ethanol): 20–40 drops (approximately 1 ml) daily, diluted in water or herbal tea, preferably in the morning. * Powder: Dried fruit powder, 300–600 mg twice daily mixed into a smoothie or honey. * Tea Infusion: 1 tsp crushed berries in hot water for 10 minutes, 1–2 cups daily. Reported doses for specific conditions: * Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): 20-40 mg of vitex agnus-castus extract daily for 8 weeks. * Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Various specific extracts have been studied, such as BNO 1095 (4 mg daily), Ze 440 (20 mg daily), or Femicur (6.4-12 mg daily in two divided doses) for three menstrual cycles. Agnolyt capsules (3.5-4.2 mg daily) have been used on days 16-35 over three menstrual cycles. * Aging Skin: 400 mg PO qd. * Mastalgia: 3.2-40 mg extract PO qd. * Menopausal Symptoms: 15 mg extract PO bid; Alt: 1000 mg dried fruit PO qd; 400 mg PO qd.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Artavajanana (emmenagogue)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
- Stanyashodhana (galactagogue purifier)
Traditional uses
- Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea)
- Anartava (amenorrhea)
- Stanya Dosha (lactation issues)
- Mastalgia (breast pain)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Extracts: The seeds, leaves, and extracts of Vitex agnus-castus are used therapeutically. Extracts are often standardized to specific compounds like agnuside or casticin.
- Tinctures: Prepared using ethanol as a solvent.
- Powder: Dried berries can be ground into a powder.
- Infusion/Tea: Crushed berries can be steeped in hot water to make tea.
- Decoction: The leaves, flowers, and berries can be consumed as a decoction.
- Other Preparations: Traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, or elixir.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
- Parkinson's disease
- Mental health conditions (with liver disease or bipolar disorder)
- Medication interactions (Effexor, MAO inhibitors, dopaminergic antagonists)
- Allergy/Hypersensitivity
- Children (safe use not established)
Side effects
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Increased acne
- Headache
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Menstrual disorders
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
Interactions
- Dopaminergic Antagonists: Vitex agnus-castus may theoretically interfere with dopaminergic antagonists. Caution is advised for individuals taking medications that affect dopamine pathways.
- Hormonal Medications: Vitex agnus-castus may interact with hormone-containing medications like oral contraceptives, progesterone preparations, or hormone replacement therapy. It may bind to estrogen and dopamine receptors, potentially affecting the efficacy or leading to additive effects when combined with these medicines.
- Birth Control Pills: Vitex agnus-castus might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. If taken together, an additional form of birth control is recommended.
- Medications for Parkinson's Disease (Dopamine Agonists): Taking vitex agnus-castus with medications for Parkinson's disease might increase the effects and side effects of those medications.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Vitex agnus-castus should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential hormonal interactions.
- Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries should avoid vitex agnus-castus.
- In Vitro Fertilization: Vitex agnus-castus can interfere with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show Vitex agnus-castus is effective in reducing PMS symptoms, potentially as effective as fluoxetine for PMDD physical symptoms, and may normalize menstrual cycles. It demonstrates effectiveness in relieving breast pain and may improve menopause symptoms, but not consistently across all studies.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Artavajanana (emmenagogue)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
- Stanyashodhana (galactagogue purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea)
- Anartava (amenorrhea)
- Stanya Dosha (lactation issues)
- Mastalgia (breast pain)