Vitex agnus-castus uses and benefits

Chaste tree berries, also known as Vitex agnus-castus or monk’s pepper, are the fruit of a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia, traditionally used for various gynecological issues and skin conditions, and are promoted as a dietary supplement for PMS symptoms and other conditions.
Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is a herbal product used to treat an irregular menstrual period, premenstrual symptoms, and mastodynia.

Chaste tree has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and pain, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Chaste tree berries may help stimulate progesterone. This is a female hormone that rises 2 weeks before menstruation. It may help normalize estrogen and progesterone.

In Turkish medicine, it’s also used as a digestive, anti fungal and anti-anxiety aid . Summary Vitex agnus-castus is a plant frequently harvested as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. Its most popular use is to relieve PMS, menopause symptoms and infertility issues.

Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems.

It’s most commonly used against premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual disorders, infertility, acne, menopause and nursing difficulties.

It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects.

Vitex, which is the name of the largest genus in the Verbenaceae plant family, includes 250 species worldwide.

Vitex agnus-castus is the most common Vitex used medicinally.

The Vitex agnus-castus fruit, also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is about the size of a peppercorn. It’s produced by the chaste tree, which acquired its name because its fruit was likely used to decrease men’s libido during the Middle Ages .

This fruit — as well as other parts of the plant — are typically used as an herbal remedy to treat a variety of ailments.

For instance, Vitex agnus-castus is used to treat PMS, symptoms of menopause, infertility issues and other conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system. In fact, it’s been used in this way since ancient Greece .

In Turkish medicine, it’s also used as a digestive, antifungal and anti-anxiety aid .

Vitex agnus-castus if particularly known for its ability to improve conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system.

Eases Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

One of Vitex agnus-castus’ most popular and well-researched attributes is its ability to reduce symptoms of PMS.

These include constipation, irritability, depressed mood, migraines and breast pain and tenderness.

Researchers believe that Vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance your other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms .

In one study, women with PMS took either Vitex agnus-castus or a placebo for the days preceding three menstrual cycles. In total, 93% of those given Vitex reported a decrease in PMS symptoms including depression, anxiety and cravings .

In two smaller studies, women with PMS were given 20 mg of Vitex agnus-castus per day or a placebo for three menstrual cycles.

Twice as many women in the Vitex group reported a decrease in symptoms including irritability, mood swings, headaches and breast fullness, compared to those given the placebo .

Vitex agnus-castus also appears to help reduce cyclic mastalgia, a type of breast pain linked to menstruation. Research suggests that it may be as effective as common drug treatment — but with far fewer side effects .

However, two recent reviews report that although Vitex appears helpful in reducing PMS symptoms, its benefits may be overestimated .

Better-designed studies may be needed before strong conclusions can be made.

May Reduce Menopause Symptoms

Vitex agnus-castus’ hormone-balancing effects may also help relieve symptoms of menopause.

In one study, Vitex oils were given to 23 menopausal women. Women reported improved menopause symptoms, including better mood and sleep. Some even regained their period.

In a follow-up study in which 52 additional pre- and postmenopausal women were given a Vitex cream, 33% experienced major improvements and another 36% reported moderate improvements in symptoms, including night sweats and hot flashes .

After 16 weeks, the Vitex supplement was no more effective than the placebo at reducing hot flashes, depression or any other menopausal symptoms.

Keep in mind that in many studies reporting benefits, women were provided with supplements that mixed Vitex agnus-castus with other herbs. Therefore, it’s difficult to isolate the effects of Vitex alone.

May Enhance Fertility

Vitex may improve female fertility due to its possible effect on prolactin levels .

This may be especially true in women with luteal phase defect, or a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle. This disorder is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels and makes it difficult for women to become pregnant.

Irregular periods can also hamper women in planning a pregnancy. Three additional studies report that Vitex is more effective than a placebo in improving menstrual cycles in women with irregular periods .

• Reduced headaches: In one study, women prone to migraines given Vitex daily for three months reduced the number of headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycles by 66% .
• Antibacterial and anti fungal effects: Test-tube studies show that essential oils made from Vitex may fight harmful fungi and bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Salmonella bacteria .
• Reduced inflammation: Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in Vitex may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effects aren’t stronger than those of aspirin .
• Cavity prevention: Test-tube studies point out that Vitex leaf oil may combat Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria involved in dental cavities .
• Bone repair: In one study, women with bone fractures given a combination of Vitex and magnesium had slightly increased markers for bone repair than those given a placebo.
• Stroke and epilepsy prevention: Animal studies note that Vitex may reduce the likelihood of stroke and epileptic seizures .

chasteberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for:
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
Infertility.
Menopause symptoms.
Some endocrine problems.

How it works:
Chasteberry is believed to work by balancing hormones and reducing inflammation.
Forms:
Chasteberry is available as dried fruit, tea, capsules, and liquid extracts.

Potential Benefits:
Hormonal Balance: Chasteberry is thought to help regulate menstrual cycles and balance hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
PMS Symptoms: Some studies suggest chasteberry can help reduce symptoms of PMS, such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Menstrual Irregularities: It may help regulate periods and normalize cycle length.
Infertility: Some people use chasteberry to improve fertility.