Chaste tree
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a Mediterranean shrub whose dried fruit, called chasteberry, is used in herbal preparations, mainly for premenstrual symptoms.
Also listed as Chaste Tree Berry, Chasteberry, Vitex Agnus-castus, Chaste Tree Fruit
A positive PMS finding with a product boundary
A 2019 meta-analysis retained three placebo-controlled trials of clearly described extracts from 21 candidate trials. Symptoms improved more often with the extracts, but poor reporting excluded most trials. The evidence supports particular preparations rather than every product labeled vitex. 1
Positive PMS results apply to characterized extracts; generalization is limited. 1
A proposed mechanism
Laboratory findings suggest effects on brain hormone-regulating pathways and prolactin production. EMA notes that the mechanism is not fully understood. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Women's Hormones4 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Fertility1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sexual Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Chaste tree, newest first.
Sources
- Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019 · Study record
- Agni casti fructus European Medicines Agency