Renuka

Names and identification

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

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Diterpenes of clerodane type (rotundifuran, vitexilactone)
• Flavonoids (casticin, penduletin, chrysoplenetin - 20 identified)
• Iridoids (agnuside, aucubin - 10 identified)
• Essential oils (sabinene, 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, limonene)
• Phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)
• Diterpene 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. Phytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 41630367 · doi: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. Frontiers in endocrinology. PMID 38075075 · doi: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. International journal of molecular sciences. PMID 39519010 · doi: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-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, 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 (menstrual regulation and hormonal balance)
• Shatavari (female reproductive health combination)
• Lodhra (gynecological health synergy)
• Guduchi (immune modulation with hormonal support)
• Ashwagandha (endocrine adaptogenic combination)