Evidence supporting the use of: Chaste tree
For the health condition: Menorrhagia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has a long history of traditional use in women's reproductive health, including for symptoms such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Historically, the plant was used in Ancient Greece and throughout Europe for a variety of menstrual concerns, with texts and herbal traditions referencing its role in balancing menstrual cycles and addressing irregular or excessive bleeding. The proposed mechanism is largely attributed to its dopaminergic effects, which influence the pituitary gland and modulate the secretion of prolactin, thereby indirectly affecting the menstrual cycle.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for menorrhagia is limited. Most contemporary research on chaste tree focuses on conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mastalgia, and mild hyperprolactinemia. Only a few smaller studies, case reports, or reviews mention its use for heavy menstrual bleeding, and these are often based on traditional practice or are secondary findings rather than robust, targeted clinical trials. Thus, while there is a well-established traditional basis for the use of chaste tree in menorrhagia, the current clinical evidence is weak and does not robustly support its efficacy for this specific indication.

In summary, chaste tree's use for menorrhagia is justified primarily by traditional knowledge rather than strong scientific validation, and more rigorous studies are needed to clarify its effectiveness and safety for this condition.

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