Chaste tree

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: September 28, 2022

    Vitex agnus-castus, also called Chaste Tree, is a flowering plant often used to alleviate premenstrual syndrome.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Chaste tree is most often used for .

    1,300 participants in 11 trials

    Summary

    Vitex agnus-castus is a supplement derived from berries. It is also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, or Chasteberry.

    It is primarily used today to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Vitex agnus-castus has outperformed placebo in numerous trials, and has been shown to be effective at reducing hot flashes, bloating, irritability, sleep disturbances, depressions, various mood disorders and even cramping associated with premenstrual syndrome.

    Though animal evidence suggests that taking Vitex agnus-castus may increase estrogen and progesterone levels, further research is needed to confirm this effect. Vitex agnus-castus has limited use outside of its effects on premenstrual syndrome.

    Vitex agnus-castus acts similarly to dopamine, by reducing prolactin levels, which are elevated during premenstrual syndrome. It may also act on the opioid system by releasing beta-endorphins, something the human body lacks during premenstrual syndrome.

    Though Vitex agnus-castus has been used for a long time, by people that also use birth control, further research is needed to confirm its safety. It does not appear to interact with any pharmaceuticals, but because of the lack of evidence, pregnant or lactating women should not take Vitex agnus-castus.

    What are other names for Chaste tree

    Note that Chaste tree is also known as:
    • Chaste Tree
    • VAC
    • Chasteberry
    • Vitex Agnus-castus

    Dosage information

    Vitex agnus-castus supplements are based on the dry weight of the plant’s fruit. The standard dose is between 150-250mg. There are also two extractions of Vitex agnus-castus:

    BNO 1095 is a 10:1 extraction and provides benefits at doses as low as 4 mg.

    Ze 110 is a 6-12:1 extraction and provides benefits at doses of 20mg.

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    Examine Database References

    1. PMS Symptoms - Lauritzen C, Reuter HD, Repges R, Böhnert KJ, Schmidt UTreatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus controlled, double-blind study versus pyridoxinePhytomedicine.(1997 Sep)
    2. PMS Symptoms - Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, Meier B, Brattström AEfficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)Arch Gynecol Obstet.(2000 Nov)
    3. PMS Symptoms - Momoeda M, Sasaki H, Tagashira E, Ogishima M, Takano Y, Ochiai KEfficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus extract for treatment of premenstrual syndrome in Japanese patients: a prospective, open-label studyAdv Ther.(2014 Mar)
    4. PMS Symptoms - Schellenberg R, Zimmermann C, Drewe J, Hoexter G, Zahner CDose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndromePhytomedicine.(2012 Sep 27)
    5. PMS Symptoms - R SchellenbergTreatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled studyBritish Medical Journal.()
    6. PMS Symptoms - Anna Ambrosini, Cherubino Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Coppola, Francesco PierelliUse of Vitex agnus-castus in migrainous women with premenstrual syndrome: an open-label clinical observationActa Neurol Belg.(2013 Mar)
    7. PMS Symptoms - Ma L, Lin S, Chen R, Zhang Y, Chen F, Wang XEvaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese womenAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol.(2010 Apr)
    8. PMS Symptoms - Zamani M, Neghab N, Torabian STherapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndromeActa Med Iran.(2012)
    9. PMS Symptoms - Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan EFluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorderHum Psychopharmacol.(2003 Apr)
    10. PMS Symptoms - He Z, Chen R, Zhou Y, Geng L, Zhang Z, Chen S, Yao Y, Lu J, Lin STreatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in ChinaMaturitas.(2009 May 20)
    11. Breast Tenderness - Mirghafourvand M, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Ahmadpour P, Javadzadeh YEffects of Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclic mastalgia: A randomized controlled trialComplement Ther Med.(2016 Feb)