# Renuka

> Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) family. European Union herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC) established for premenstrual syndrome treatment; European Pharmacopoeia monograph exists; German Commission E approved; not in specific WHO monograph.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Vitex agnus-castus L.
- **Family:** Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** European Union herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC) established for premenstrual syndrome treatment; European Pharmacopoeia monograph exists; German Commission E approved; not in specific WHO monograph

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Renuka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Vitex agnus-castus L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Diterpenes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diterpenes) of clerodane type (rotundifuran, vitexilactone)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([casticin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#casticin), penduletin, chrysoplenetin - 20 identified)
- [Iridoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iridoids) ([agnuside](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#agnuside), [aucubin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#aucubin) - 10 identified)
- Essential oils ([sabinene](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sabinene), 1,8-[cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), alpha-pinene, [limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene))
- Phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
- Diterpene [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)

## How does it work?

- Prolactin suppression via clerodane diterpene-mediated dopamine D2 receptor agonism on pituitary lactotrope cells
- Phytoestrogenic modulation through flavonoid binding to estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta) with selective effects
- Opioidergic activity through binding to mu-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors, contributing to menstrual pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory action via casticin-mediated inhibition of NF-kB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Menstrual regulation and PMS relief - strongly validated through multiple clinical trials showing significant PMS symptom reduction
- Prolactin lowering (Stanya-shodhana) - confirmed through clinical studies demonstrating prolactin reduction via dopamine D2 receptor mechanism
- Menopausal symptom management - validated in clinical studies showing reduction of vasomotor symptoms, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances
- Female reproductive health (Stri-roga) - broadly validated through clinical evidence supporting menstrual cycle normalization and fertility support

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sopjani M, Murati V, Mataj-Berisha D and others 2026. [Vitex agnus-castus in Menopause: Phytochemistry, Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Applications, and Safety Perspectives](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41630367/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [41630367](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41630367/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.70237](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.70237)  
  Comprehensive review of VAC in menopause management documenting phytoestrogenic, dopaminergic, and opioidergic mechanisms; reviewed clinical evidence for vasomotor symptom reduction and hormonal balance.
- Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G 2023. [Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38075075/). *Frontiers in endocrinology*. PMID [38075075](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38075075/) · [doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781](https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781)  
  Demonstrated that VAC extract inhibits prolactin release through interaction with dopamine D2 receptors; clinical evidence supports efficacy in treating hyperprolactinemia-related conditions.
- Reinhardt JK, Schertler L, Bussmann H and others 2024. [Vitex agnus castus Extract Ze 440: Diterpene and Triterpene's Interactions with Dopamine D2 Receptor](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39519010/). *International journal of molecular sciences*. PMID [39519010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39519010/) · [doi:10.3390/ijms252111456](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111456)  
  Identified specific diterpene and triterpene compounds that interact with dopamine D2 receptors; molecular docking studies confirmed binding mechanisms for prolactin suppression.

## Recent safety updates

- Well-tolerated in clinical trials; common mild side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and skin reactions; rare cases of liver toxicity signal noted in rat studies but no corresponding human reports
- Potential interactions with dopamine agonists/antagonists, estrogens, anti-estrogens, and oral contraceptives; not recommended during pregnancy; may reduce efficacy of in vitro fertilization treatments

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Diterpenes
- Flavonoids
- Casticin
- Iridoids
- Agnuside
- Aucubin
- Sabinene
- Cineole

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (oil), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder twice daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Vitex agnus-castus (Renuka/[Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/)-related species) contains agnuside and casticin with moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Diterpene compounds (rotundifuran, vitexilactone) show variable absorption. The dopaminergic compounds that mediate prolactin-lowering effects have adequate bioavailability for hormonal activity at standard doses. Lipophilic flavonoids benefit from fat co-administration. Note: Some Ayurvedic texts identify Renuka as Vitex negundo seed; verify species identity for accurate phytochemical profile.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for hormonal effects. Continuous daily use for at least 3 menstrual cycles recommended for PMS/menstrual regulation. Take consistently at the same time daily.

**Standardized Extract:** Renuka seed extract (10:1) standardized to casticin >0.5% and agnuside >0.2% (if V. agnus-castus). Total diterpenes >1%. BNO 1095 or Ze 440 are clinically validated extract specifications (European Vitex standards).

**Shelf Life:** Seeds: 18-24 months; Seed powder: 18-24 months; Extract: 24-36 months; Capsules: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Seeds and powder: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry. Store away from heat sources.

**Marker Compounds:** Casticin, Agnuside, Rotundifuran, Vitexilactone, Aucubin, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Penduletin

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid and iridoid profiling
- Supercritical CO2 for diterpene fraction
- Cold-press oil extraction from seeds

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (menstrual regulation and hormonal balance)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (female reproductive health combination)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (gynecological health synergy)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (immune modulation with hormonal support)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (endocrine [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) combination)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/renuka/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.