Chaste Tree
Scientific names: Vitex agnus-castusCommon names: Chaste tree also is known as chasteberry, vitex, Monk's pepper, agnus castus, Indian spice, sage tree hemp, and tree wild pepper.
Efficacy rating:
●●●...Positive clinical trials
Safety rating:
●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.What is Chaste Tree?
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The chaste tree is a small tree or shrub that grows in moist river banks in southern Europe and in the Mediterranean region. The plant is cultivated in the Jiangsu Province and Shanghai City of China. The plant has light purple flowers, and dark brown to black fruits the size of a peppercorn. These fruits have a pepperish aroma and flavor, and can be collected in autumn. It is this dried pepper corn-like fruit that is used medicinally.
What is Chaste Tree used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical usesThe plant has been recognized since antiquity and has been described in works by Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus. In Homer's epic, The Iliad, the plant was featured as a “symbol of chastity, capable of warding off evil.” Early physicians recognized its effect on the female reproductive system, suggesting its use in controlling hemorrhages and expelling the placenta after birth. The English name “chaste tree” derives from the belief that the plant reduces unwanted libido. Monks have chewed its parts to decrease sexual desire.
Female hormone balanceThe chaste tree is a popular European plant that is used even today in the management of disorders of the female reproductive tract. Chaste tree has been used in females to balance progesterone and estrogen production and regulate menstruation. It has been used for breast pain, ovarian insufficiency and uterine bleeding, vaginal dryness, low libido, PMS, and to increase breast milk production. Chemical analysis indicates the presence of components that can affect the function of these systems, and the results of preliminary clinical investigations indicate that extracts of the plant have measurable pharmacologic activity. This plant should be further investigated for its potential medicinal effects. The German Commission E has approved the plant for treatment of mastodynia (pain in breast) and menstrual irregularities.
What is the dosage of Chaste Tree?
Daily doses of chaste tree typically are 30 to 40 mg of crushed fruit or 1.6 to 4.2 mg of dried extract. Chaste tree fruit is available in several different standardized extracts, with casticin content used for standardization. Agncaston is standardized to 1 casticin, while PreMens contains 0.6 casticin. Other products include Agnolyt (3.5 to 4.2 mg extract/pill), Femicur (1.6 to 3 mg extract corresponding to 20 mg drug), Strotan, Mastodynan, and Ze 440. Fluid extracts and tinctures are among the most common dosage forms for this product.
Is Chaste Tree safe?
ContraindicationsDo not use chaste tree to promote normal ovarian function.
Pregnancy/nursingDocumented adverse effects. Emmenagogue (to increase menstrual flow) effects. Avoid use.
InteractionsChaste tree has dopamine agonist activity and, thus, may increase activity of other dopamine agonists (eg, bromocriptine, levodopa). It also may reduce the effectiveness of birth control.
Side EffectsMinor side effects include GI reactions, itching, rash, headaches, fatigue, alopecia, acne, and increased menstrual flow.
ToxicitiesThe safety of the plant has not been determined in children.
References
- Chaste Tree. Review of Natural Products. factsandcomparisons4.0 [online]. 2006. Available from Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Accessed April 23, 2007.
Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health
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