Casticin

PhytochemicalFlavonoidBest in the morning

What is it

Casticin is a methoxylated flavonoid found in chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), Artemisia species, and some other plants. It is one of several bioactive compounds in chasteberry and has attracted research interest for anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and hormone-modulating effects.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

PMS and menstrual cycle (via chasteberry)

Good Evidence

Whole chasteberry extract has good evidence for PMS symptom reduction. Casticin contribution is not isolated.

Antiproliferative (preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

In vitro cancer cell studies. Human evidence absent.

How it works

Casticin shows in vitro and animal evidence of anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of NF-kB, COX-2), antiproliferative effects in cancer cell lines, and modulation of various signaling pathways. Some research suggests dopaminergic activity that may contribute to chasteberry's effects on prolactin and PMS symptoms. Human clinical evidence specifically for purified casticin is essentially absent; most data come from whole chasteberry extracts.

Dosage

No standardized human dose for purified casticin. Chasteberry extracts standardized to casticin and other compounds typically provide 4 to 40 mg per day.

When and how to take it

Chasteberry is typically taken once daily in the morning.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Chasteberry extract (containing casticin)

Standard form for clinical use.

Standardized to casticin and other compounds.

Safety

Casticin-rich chasteberry extracts are generally well tolerated. Mild GI symptoms and skin rash are occasional.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal effects. Caution in people on antipsychotics, levodopa, or hormone-sensitive conditions.

Interactions

Through chasteberry's dopaminergic effects, may interact with dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics, metoclopramide) and hormonal medications (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement).

Frequently asked questions

Is casticin the same as chasteberry?⌄

Casticin is one bioactive compound found in chasteberry. Chasteberry extract contains casticin plus many other compounds.

Does casticin alone treat PMS?⌄

Most clinical evidence is for whole chasteberry extracts, not isolated casticin.

References

Casticin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Casticin (ChEBI:69355) — ChEBI link

Casticin (PubChem CID 5315263) — PubChem link

Casticin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Casticin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.