Chaste berry for horses

Chasteberry is primarily used to address hormonal mares, reproductive health issues and support metabolic conditions. In humans; clinical studies have explored its efficacy in treating conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hyperprolactinemia.  Study link: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1verywellhealth.com+1  

How does Chaste Berry work?

  • Potential mode of action of Chaste Berry for horses

    • The active compounds Chasteberry contains diterpenes, which are believed to interact with dopamine D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary gland. This interaction can inhibit the secretion of prolactin, a hormone that, when elevated, may disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone
    • The effect of reducing prolactin levels may help restore the balance between estrogen and progesterone, leading to improvements in conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and certain reproductive issues.
    • Progesterone Support: By influencing luteinizing hormone (LH) release, chasteberry may promote progesterone production, supporting the luteal phase of mare cycling.
    • Estrogen Modulation: Through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, chasteberry may help normalize estrogen levels, contributing to hormonal balance.

How Chaste berry may support your horse

  1. Reduce mare moods   Clinical studies show chasteberry extracts can significantly alleviate PMS symptoms (in humans) compared to the placebo, with some studies showing it to be as effective as alternative drugs.  Many horse owners who feed their horses chaste berry report improvement in mood and behaviour during oestrous cycles when supplemented on a daily basis (with chaste berry). 

  2. Normalise hormones Chasteberry has been found to reduce elevated prolactin levels (in humans), which may help normalize menstrual cycles and improve fertility.

  3. Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) Chasteberry is considered a natural alternative to medications like pergolide for horses. A holistic approach may be beneficial to help manage some milder symptoms of PPID. While some anecdotal reports suggest improvements in coat condition and energy levels, it should not be used to replace serious PPID symptoms such as laminitis. Chasteberry supplementation did not reduce ACTH levels, a key marker of PPID. But horses owners do report improvement in some of the minor symptoms related to PPID which may support equine wellness. 

  • 🧪 Study findings for Chaste berry in Cushing’s disease

    1. Dr. Eleanor Kellon’s Field Trial (1999)
    An 11-month observational study involving 10 horses with early-stage PPID demonstrated improvements in: ecirhorse.org+1newrider.com+1

    However, as the study progressed into the fall season, horses with more advanced PPID began to exhibit a return of clinical signs. The study concluded that while chasteberry might offer symptomatic relief in mild cases, it is not a substitute for pergolide in advanced stages.  soundadvice.shop+1ecirhorse.org+1ecirhorse.org+1soundadvice.shop+1

    2. University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center Study (2002)
    This study compared chasteberry extract to pergolide in horses with advanced PPID. Findings indicated that chasteberry did not effectively control ACTH levels or improve clinical signs, suggesting limited efficacy in advanced cases ecirhorse.org+1drkhorsesense.wordpress.com+1

    3. UK Laminitis Trust Study (2001–2004)
    A 12-month trial observed symptomatic relief, such as improved coat condition and energy levels, in horses treated with chasteberry. However, there was no consistent control of ACTH levels, indicating that while symptoms may improve, the underlying disease progression might continue.ecirhorse.org

    Conclusion for Chaste Berry use in Cushing’s Disease for horses

    Chasteberry may offer symptomatic relief in horses with early-stage PPID, improving aspects like coat condition and energy levels. However, its inconsistent impact on ACTH levels and potential interactions with standard treatments like pergolide limit its utility. Veterinary consultation and careful monitoring are essential when considering chasteberry as part of a PPID management plan.ecirhorse.org

Conclusion for the use of Chaste berry in horses

While chasteberry has a well-documented role in managing certain hormonal disorders in humans, its use in horses still requires further research. Equine applications are largely based on anecdotal reports and traditional herbal medicine. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian for conditions like PPID where established treatments are available. However, as a natural herbal remedy it may provide supportive care in the management of mare health during cycling which may improve behaviour. It may also improve coat shedding, energy levels and improve mood for horses and ponies in the early stages of Cushing’s disease.

NPC Health offers a high-quality chaste tree berry supplement as a natural herbal remedy for horses, click here for more information   Chaste Berry for horses pure | Top-quality