Evidence supporting the use of: Five-leaf Chastetree
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Five-leaf Chastetree (Vitex negundo) has a long-standing history of traditional use in various systems of medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for the relief of gynecological ailments, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The leaves, seeds, and roots are commonly used in decoctions or extracts aimed at alleviating menstrual pain and regulating menstrual cycles. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine literature frequently cite Vitex negundo as a remedy for menstrual discomfort, and its use is widespread in India and Southeast Asia for this purpose.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While some preclinical studies suggest that extracts from Vitex negundo may possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and spasmolytic properties—mechanisms potentially relevant to dysmenorrhea—there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically investigating its effectiveness for menstrual pain in humans. Most scientific evidence is either anecdotal or based on animal models, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses supporting its efficacy for dysmenorrhea are lacking. Therefore, the primary justification for its use remains traditional rather than scientifically validated.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy