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As the start of the equine breeding season draws near, one might wonder why anyone would want to feed their mare chasteberry. But this natural product is named not for keeping mares virtuous, but rather chaste, as in behaving calmly and agreeably, leaving behind all traces of “mareishness.”

“True to its name, chasteberry is purportedly useful for making mares a little more cheerful and easier to handle, supporting hormone levels, and promoting balanced behavior,” relayed Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research (KER).

But what is chasteberry, and is there any evidence to support chasteberry supplementation in horses?

“First, chasteberry is an extract of the fruit and seeds of the chaste tree, which is also called Vitex agnus-castus, and its relative plants. Second, there is very little published literature to support the use of chasteberry in horses, but chasteberry extracts have long been used as herbal remedies in China, Japan, India, and other countries,” Crandell noted.

According to one recent review article*, chasteberry contains bioactive compounds with multiple benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, insecticidal, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporotic, hepatoprotective, and anti-hyperglycemic properties.

Following review of more than 100 referenced articles on about 120 different compounds found in chasteberry, researchers concluded, “All the reported data lead us to conclude that Vitex negunda has convincing medicinal potential. However, further research is needed to explore its bioactive constituents, the structure-activity relationship, and their molecular mechanisms of action.” Vitex negunda is related to Vitex agnus-castus, though more shrub-like.

In addition to behavior modification in mares, chasteberry is also a relatively common dietary supplement for horses with equine Cushing’s disease, even though preliminary equine research with chasteberry extract has not demonstrated any improvement in symptoms as compared to treatment with pergolide mesylate, a traditional medication.

“Having a nutritional supplement capable of helping horses with reproductive and endocrine issues such as insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome or chronic pain due to inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis would be a valuable asset to the industry but only after more research has been conducted,” explained Crandell.

For those horse owners suspect of natural products derived from plants, recall that phenylbutazone or “bute”—one of the most widely used pharmaceutical drugs in equine medicine and surgery—is based on acetylsalicyclic acid, or aspirin, which is derived from the bark of willow trees.

Recall, too, the potential dangers associated with introducing a new component to equine diets, including drug-nutrient interactions. Consider seeking the advice of an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian prior to changing your horse’s treatment plan or introducing a new product.

*Zheng, C.J., H.Q. Li, S.C. Ren, et al. 2015. Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Vitex negundoPhytotherapy Research. 29(5):633-647.

 

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