Evidence supporting the use of: Chaste tree
For the health condition: Mood Swings

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Synopsis

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

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as monk’s pepper, has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean region, for a variety of women’s health concerns, including mood swings. Its use is most commonly associated with the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which often features mood-related symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and mild depression. Traditional herbal medicine systems have linked chaste tree to the balancing of female hormones, particularly through its effects on the pituitary gland and its regulation of prolactin levels.

Scientific studies have explored chaste tree’s efficacy for PMS symptoms, which include mood swings. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that Vitex agnus-castus extracts can reduce overall PMS symptoms, including negative mood changes. The mechanism is thought to involve modulation of prolactin and potentially indirect effects on estrogen and progesterone. However, while the evidence points toward benefit in PMS-related mood disturbances, there is less direct research on chaste tree for mood swings outside of this context (e.g., unrelated to menstrual cycles or menopause). As such, the evidence supporting its use for mood swings is primarily traditional, with moderate scientific backing—particularly in the context of PMS.

In summary, chaste tree’s use for mood swings is rooted in traditional practices, and there is some scientific validation for mood symptoms as part of PMS, but not for mood swings in broader populations or unrelated conditions.

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