Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Used for hormonal balance and to promote chastity, hence the name “monk’s pepper.”
• Medieval Europe: Utilized for menstrual irregularities and as a general tonic for women’s health.
• Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine: Applied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

• Flavonoids: Apigenin, casticin, luteolin
• Diterpenes: Rotundifuran, agnuside
• Iridoid Glycosides: Aucubin, agnuside
• Essential Oils: 1,8-cineole, limonene
• Other Compounds: Alkaloids, fatty acids, and tannins

• Dopaminergic Effects: Modulates prolactin secretion via dopamine receptor activation.
• Hormonal Modulation: Influences pituitary activity, promoting progesterone production.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammatory mediators.
• Antioxidant Activity: Neutralizes oxidative stress.

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

• Evidence: Reduces symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness.
• Key Study: Schellenberg, 2001 demonstrated efficacy in PMS symptom relief (DOI: 10.1016/S0378-5122(01)00221-3)

2. Menstrual Irregularities:

• Mechanism: Balances luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

3. Hyperprolactinemia:

• Effect: Reduces prolactin levels, alleviating symptoms such as infertility and luteal phase defects.

4. Acne Management:

• Evidence: May reduce androgen-driven acne due to hormonal modulation.

5. Menopausal Symptom Relief:

• Use: Alleviates mild symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (may influence hormonal levels).
• Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers.
• Conditions involving dopamine dysregulation (e.g., Parkinson’s disease).

• Mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Skin reactions (rash, itching) in sensitive individuals.
• Potential menstrual cycle changes during initial use.

• Dopamine Agonists/Antagonists: May enhance or counteract effects.
• Hormonal Therapies: Potential interaction with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies.
• Herbs: Use cautiously with other hormone-modulating herbs (e.g., black cohosh, red clover).

• Psychic aspects of the premenstrual dysphoric disorders. New therapeutic strategies: our experience with Vitex agnus castus.
• The premenstrual syndrome: effectiveness of Vitex agnus castus.
• Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an extract of Vitex agnus castus: results of a double-blind comparison with a placebo.
• Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.
• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)–pharmacology and clinical indications.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a well-researched herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support women's health, particularly in relation to hormonal balance. Its therapeutic potential lies in its dopaminergic and hormone-modulating effects, which have been shown to alleviate symptoms of PMS, menstrual irregularities, and mild menopausal symptoms. With a long history of traditional use and ongoing modern research to support its efficacy, chasteberry remains a cornerstone in herbal medicine for women's hormonal health. However, caution is advised when using chasteberry, particularly in hormone-sensitive conditions or when combined with medications affecting dopamine or hormonal pathways. As with any herbal remedy, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using chasteberry, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or take medications.