Evidence supporting the use of: Chaste tree
For the body system: Estrogen

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chasteberry, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for supporting female reproductive health. Modern scientific research has investigated its effects on hormonal balance, especially regarding conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The mechanism by which chaste tree operates is not by directly increasing estrogen, but by modulating the pituitary gland's secretion of prolactin, which can have downstream effects on the balance of estrogen and progesterone. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have found that chaste tree extracts can reduce symptoms of PMS, likely through these hormonal effects. However, the evidence specifically supporting its use for increasing or directly supporting "the Estrogen body system" is moderate. Most studies focus on its ability to normalize menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS by influencing prolactin and the luteal phase rather than directly affecting estrogen levels. Overall, there is scientific support for the use of chaste tree in women's hormonal health, but the evidence for direct support of estrogen per se is limited, warranting a moderate evidence rating.

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