Chasteberry

Related Terms

Abraham's balm, Abrahams-strauch, Agneau chaste (French), Agni casti fructus (Latin), Agnocasto, agnoside, agnus castus, agnus-castus, apigenin, aucubin, castican, chaste berry, chaste tree, chaste tree berry, chastetree, cineole, gattilier (French), hemp tree, isovitexin, Keuschlammfruchte (German), kyskhedstrae (Danish), limonene, linolenic acid, monk's pepper, Moenchspfeffer (German), oleic acid, orientin, palmitic acid, petit poivre (French), sabinene, stearic acid, Verbenaceae (family), Vitex.

Background

The chaste tree grows in the Mediterranean and in Central Asia. Its berries have long been used for a variety of disorders.
Available evidence suggests chasteberry may be an effective treatment option for high prolactin levels and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It has also been used in studies concerning corpus luteum deficiency / luteal phase deficiency, cyclical breast pain, female sexual dysfunction, fertility, irregular menstrual cycles, menopause, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Further study is warranted.
Clinical trials have found that treatment with chasteberry has been well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Chasteberry may inhibit prolactin secretion, and thus has been suggested as a potential therapy in hyperprolactinemia, a condition characterized by elevated serum prolactin levels. Although early evidence is promising, additional study is needed in this area.

 B


Chasteberry may inhibit prolactin secretion, and thus has been suggested as a potential therapy in hyperprolactinemia, a condition characterized by elevated serum prolactin levels. Although early evidence is promising, additional study is needed in this area.

 B


Chasteberry has been suggested as having a role in treating symptoms of PMS. Further evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 B


Chasteberry has been suggested as having a role in treating symptoms of PMS. Further evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 B


Corpus luteum deficiency (CLD) refers to irregular development of the corpus luteumfollowing ovulation, resulting in abnormal progesterone secretion and incomplete endometrial differentiation. The term luteal phase deficiency (LPD) has also been used in this setting and has been shown to be involved with both infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. The use of chasteberry for this condition remains controversial.

 C


Corpus luteum deficiency (CLD) refers to irregular development of the corpus luteumfollowing ovulation, resulting in abnormal progesterone secretion and incomplete endometrial differentiation. The term luteal phase deficiency (LPD) has also been used in this setting and has been shown to be involved with both infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. The use of chasteberry for this condition remains controversial.

 C


Despite early promising results, it remains unclear if chasteberry is an effective treatment in the management of cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Despite early promising results, it remains unclear if chasteberry is an effective treatment in the management of cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). Additional study is needed in this area.

C


The effectiveness of chasteberry for female sexual dysfunction has been studied, but further study is needed.

 C


The effectiveness of chasteberry for female sexual dysfunction has been studied, but further study is needed.

 C


Chasteberry has been studied for its effects on infertility alone and as a combination product. However, it also has been suggested that chasteberry be avoided during pregnancy. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Chasteberry has been studied for its effects on infertility alone and as a combination product. However, it also has been suggested that chasteberry be avoided during pregnancy. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


It remains unclear if chasteberry is an effective therapy in the management of irregular menses (menstrual bleeding). Additional study is needed in this area.

C


It remains unclear if chasteberry is an effective therapy in the management of irregular menses (menstrual bleeding). Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Chasteberry, alone or in combination with other agents, has been suggested for the treatment of symptoms related to menopause. A combination product containing chasteberry showed a lack of significant effects in major symptoms. Further research may be needed in this area.

 C


Chasteberry, alone or in combination with other agents, has been suggested for the treatment of symptoms related to menopause. A combination product containing chasteberry showed a lack of significant effects in major symptoms. Further research may be needed in this area.

 C


There is limited evidence suggesting possible benefits of chasteberry in the reduction of PMDD symptoms. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


There is limited evidence suggesting possible benefits of chasteberry in the reduction of PMDD symptoms. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
Some experts recommend taking chasteberry on an empty stomach in the morning for the best benefits. However, no studies have confirmed this finding.
For corpus luteum deficiency / luteal phase deficiency, 30 drops of Mastodynon? has been used by mouth twice daily for three months. An average daily dose of 40 drops of Agnolyt? has been taken by mouth on an empty stomach for an average of 135 days. Additionally, 40 drops of a chasteberry extract has been taken by mouth daily for six months, and 15 drops has been taken by mouth three times daily for six weeks.
For cyclical breast pain, 1.8 milliliters (60 drops) of Mastodynon? chasteberry extract or one Mastodynon? tablet has been taken by mouth daily. 30 drops Vitex agnus castus extract solution (VACS) has been taken by mouth twice daily for four cycles.
For hyperprolactinemia, 20 milligrams of Strotan? capsules have been taken by mouth daily in women, or 40-160 milligrams of a chasteberry extract has been taken by mouth up to three times daily in men.
For irregular menstrual cycles, 15 drops of a chasteberry extract has been taken by mouth three times daily over several cycles.
For premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), chasteberry extract has been taken by mouth for two months (dosage unknown). 40mg of chasteberry has been taken by mouth daily for two months.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS), 4-1,800 milligrams of chasteberry powder or ethanolic extract has been taken by mouth once to three times daily for up to three months or three menstrual cycles. 3.5-4.2 milligrams of Agnolyt? have been taken by mouth for up to four months. 40 milligrams of Femicur? has been taken by mouth daily (duration unknown); the suggested dosing for Femaprin?, the equivalent of Agnolyt? sold in the United States, is 30-40 milligrams daily. 40 drops of a chasteberry solution has been mixed in one glass of fruit juice and taken by mouth once daily before breakfast starting six days before menstruation and lasting until menstruation occurred for six consecutive cycles.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chasteberry may interact with antiandrogens, antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, birth control agents, bromocriptine, diuretics (increase urine production), dopamine agonists and antagonists, hormonal agents, hormone replacement therapy, and metoclopramide.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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