Ethanol extraction of Vitex agnus castus

摘要

A Vitex agnus castus extract wherein said extract is obtainable by extracting dried and pulverized fruits of the plant Vitex agnus castus with a 90-100% ethanol solvent, separating the extraction solution from the rest of the plant material, removing the solvent from the extraction solution and recovering the extract. Also disclosed is a dietary supplement comprising a Vitex agnus castus extract having a linoleic acid content of at least 10wt% and a calcium source and the use of the extract and dietary supplement to treat conditions particularly affecting women, including prementrual syndrome (PMS), and perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal disorders including coronary heart disease (CHD) and osteoporosis.