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Home > SUPPLEMENT RESEARCH > Vitex Chaste Berry
Untitled Document

Vitex Chaste Berry Products

Vitex Chaste Berry from Herbal Powers

Vitex Chaste Berry

     
 

Botanical name:

Vitex agnus-castus

 

Common
name:

Chasteberry, chaste tree berry, monk's pepper
 

Part(s) used:

Berries
 
 

Vitex is a pink-violet flowering shrub native to southern Europe and the countries in the Mediterranean Basin. The round, black berry of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used by women since ancient times to balance the female reproductive system. Nearly 2000 years ago, the Greek physician Dioscorides noted that its Latin name (agnus castus) means chaste lamb and supposedly referred to the ability of its seeds (when prepared as a drink ) to weaken male libido, earning it the nickname "monk's pepper". The leaves were strewn at the feet of novices as they entered the monastery. However neither modern science nor practical experience supports this particular use of the plant!

The combined results from three extensive studies performed in Germany found that chaste tree berry completely relieved premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms for nearly one-third of the 4,500 participants, while as many as one-half of the participants reported marked improvement. Additional testing showed more than just relief from PMS. In one particular test with only 45 participants, seven women who previously had difficulty conceiving became pregnant.

How it works

German researchers suggest the berries increase production of luteinizing hormone and prolactin. Another study adds the increase of the hormone progesterone to the list. The benefits of chaste berry stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland. Chaste berry keeps prolactin secretion in check. The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some women with breast tenderness associated with PMS. Chaste berry may also be helpful in menopause and cyclic mastalgia. New research indicates that certain compounds in chasteberry may have activity similar to the brain chemical dopamine. 

Benefits

In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are higher before ovulation and progesterone levels are higher following ovulation. A lack of balance in these two hormones can lead to the entire range of symptoms associated with PMS and menopause! Vitex nourishes and supports the endocrine system, helping it find its own balance.

Symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle which can be treated with this plant include:

  • cramps
  • flooding
  • headaches
  • depression
  • water retention
  • constipation
  • acne
  • breast tenderness
  • irritability  

Traditional uses

  • Reduce PMS symptoms. Before their periods, many women find themselves irritable, depressed, and bloated. These typical PMS symptoms may occur because of an insufficient production of progesterone in the two weeks prior to menstruation. Chasteberry helps to normalize the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, thus providing relief from these monthly discomforts. In a recent study of premenstrual women, 90% of those who took the herb reported that they experienced a reduction in PMS symptoms. Chasteberry may be as effective as another common PMS supplement--vitamin B6, which clears excess estrogen from the body--in controlling symptoms. While a German study actually found chasteberry to be superior to vitamin B6 for resolving PMS symptoms, it's worth trying the two together for maximum relief.
  • Minimize fibrocystic breast symptoms. Many women suffer from the premenstrual breast tenderness and pain associated with fibrocystic breasts. Chasteberry's ability to lower prolactin concentrations as well as to restore the estrogen-progesterone balance may offer significant relief.
  • Regulate ovulation and promote fertility. A woman with too much prolactin and too little progesterone in her body may not ovulate regularly. Obviously, it would be difficult to become pregnant under these conditions. Chasteberry can help to lower prolactin levels and aid in the normal functioning of the ovaries, thus providing opportunities for conception. The herb works best for women whose progesterone levels are mildly or moderately low. High prolactin levels can also cause amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycles). In such cases chasteberry may be useful in reestablishing a normal monthly cycle. Women suffering from infertility due to not only to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone but also to high prolactin levels may benefit from chasteberry, too. In a 1988 study, 48 women (ages 23 to 39) with infertility and this type of condition--called a luteal phase defect--were given chasteberry once a day for three months. Of the 45 women who completed the study, seven became pregnant during the study. And in 25 of the women, progesterone levels returned to normal, a situation that improved the chances for future conception.
  • Treat menopausal difficulties. Declining hormone levels in the years up to and after menopause can cause hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and even mild depression. Chasteberry (alone or combined with herbs such as dong quai or black cohosh) works to stabilize these hormone levels and can be beneficial in controlling symptoms.
  • Relieve the pain of endometriosis. Chasteberry acts to restore hormonal imbalances responsible for endometriosis-related pain, which can be severe. It's commonly taken in combination with the herb dong quai for this purpose. Both herbs help to relax the uterus.
  • Control menstrual-related acne. Monthly periods involve hormonal shifts that can lead to acne. By helping to stabilize hormone levels, chasteberry may help to keep skin clear.

Research

Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus.


Loch E-G, Selle H, Boblitz N., Evelyn Leigh, Herb Research Foundation


Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine 2000; 9(3): 315-320.

Chaste tree for premenstrual syndrome. An evolving therapy in the United States.


Mancho P, Edwards QT


Adv Nurse Pract. 2005 May;13(5):43-4, 46.  


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