Chaste Tree Extract, also known as Vitex, is an herbal remedy used for treating gynecological disorders, improving fertility, and stimulating breast milk production. It contains various chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland and compete at progesterone-dependent receptor sites. It is safe in therapeutic doses but should be avoided by those undergoing treatment for hormonal cancer, pregnant women, and those taking hormonal medications.
Chaste Tree Extract is an herbal remedy obtained from Vitex agnus-castus, an aromatic, flowering member of the mint family. Its common name is derived from Greek mythology and customs that associate the shrub with promoting chastity. The vestal virgins of ancient Rome also believed that the plant inspired venereal discipline, and carried its branches as a symbol of purity. Later, Christian monks took the symbolism a step further by preparing a tonic from the leaves and berries to help calm sexual desires, earning the plant the additional nickname of monk’s pepper.
For thousands of years, chaste tree, sometimes referred to simply as vitex, has been considered an important phytomedicine for treating gynecological disorders. The Greek physician Hippocrates, also known as the Father of Medicine, recommended the use of the plant for menstrual disorders when he wrote: “let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the chaste tree have been soaked.” Today, European physicians advocate the use of chaste tree extract to treat a variety of female complaints. In fact, the German Commission E lists menopause, irregular menstrual cycle, mastodynia, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among its possible applications. It is also commonly used to improve fertility and stimulate breast milk production.
The pharmacological effects of chaste tree extract are due to the presence of several chemicals, including various iridoid glycosides, diterpenoids, monoterpenoids, progestins, and flavonoids casticin, quercetagetin, and kaempferol. Researchers believe that the plant’s hormone-balancing effects are due to these compounds stimulating the pituitary gland and competing at progesterone-dependent receptor sites. The latter is significant since a progesterone deficiency is often responsible for infertility in women.
The extract also appears to have some effects on men. As with women, chaste tree extract stimulates the production of gonaditropins by the pituitary gland, which in men triggers the release of sex hormones from the testicles. One study indicates that chaste berry inhibits prolactin at higher doses, which has the downstream effect of lowering testosterone levels. While most men may not find this advantageous, it may be helpful for those fighting prostate cancer, as dihydrotestosterone, a byproduct of testosterone, contributes to accelerated cell growth.
Studies have shown chaste berry extract to be safe in therapeutic doses. However, since the herb produces estrogenic activity, those undergoing treatment for hormonal cancer should avoid it. Similarly, it should not be taken during pregnancy or while taking hormonal medications, including oral contraceptives. Chasteberry also affects dopamine receptor sites, so it should not be combined with dopamine D2 antagonists, such as chlorpromazine. While side effects are relatively rare, headache, upset stomach, and allergic reactions have been reported.
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