Evidence supporting the use of: Chastetree
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as vitex or monk’s pepper, has a long history of traditional use for menstrual irregularities, but modern scientific studies have provided some validation for its use in this context. Research suggests that extracts of chastetree fruit may help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual disorders, likely due to its effects on the pituitary gland and modulation of prolactin levels. Several randomized controlled trials have found that chastetree can be effective in improving cycle regularity and reducing symptoms associated with menstrual irregularities, such as luteal phase defects and mild hyperprolactinemia. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally indicate a moderate level of evidence supporting its efficacy, though studies often vary in quality and methodology. The active constituents, including flavonoids and diterpenes, are thought to interact with dopamine receptors, thereby influencing hormonal balance. While chastetree appears to be safe for most women, more robust, large-scale studies are needed to fully establish optimal dosing and long-term safety. Regulatory authorities in Europe, such as the German Commission E, recognize chastetree for menstrual disorders, reflecting both traditional and scientific endorsement. Overall, current scientific evidence moderately supports the use of chastetree for menstrual irregularity.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Fig
Little ironweed
Pennyroyal
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Chastetree
AmenorrheaDysmenorrhea
Fibroids (uterine)
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Sex Drive (low)