Agnus Castus
Scientific Name: Chaste Tree
Other Names: Chasteberry, Cloister Pepper, Monk's Berry, Monk's Pepper, Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus
Should I take it?
Large shrubs rather than true trees, chaste trees were originally found along sunny waterways of southern Europe and western Asia. They were introduced to the southern United States as an ornamental plant by European settlers in the 1800s. During summer months, chaste trees bear spikes of blue or lavender flowers, which are sometimes used to make perfume with a citrus-like aroma. Long clusters of small berries--each about the size of a black peppercorn--develop after the plants flower. In the past, dried chaste tree berries have been used as a spice to substitute for ground black pepper, because they have a slightly pepper-like taste and smell. After the leaves fall in the autumn, the berries are collected, dried, and ground for use in medicine.
The chemicals in chaste tree berries have long been recognized as useful to treat conditions involving female reproduction. In ancient Greek and Roman medicine, they were used to stop hemorrhaging after childbirth. Later, members of early religious orders believed that taking chaste tree berries could help them keep their vows of chastity. As early as the 16th century, chaste tree was accepted as part of medicine. Beginning in the 1930s, German researchers have conducted laboratory and human studies that seem to document the potential usefulness of chaste tree berries in relieving menstrual and menopausal complaints.
Dosage and Administration
Chaste tree berries are available in a number of different dosage forms including fresh and dried berries, capsules containing powdered chaste tree berries, and liquid preparations such as extracts and tinctures. Extracts are concentrated preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Tinctures are less concentrated than extracts, but they are prepared in similar ways.
The German Commission E suggests a daily dose of 30 mg to 40 mg of dried chaste tree berries, but recommended doses vary widely according to the condition being treated and the product being used. Individuals who decide to use chaste tree berries should follow the directions on the package that is purchased. Frequently, chaste tree berries are used in combination with other herbals such as black cohosh, dong quai, or wild yam that are also thought to relieve symptoms similar to those treated with chaste tree berries.
In Europe, many chaste tree berry products are standardized to contain 6% of a component called agnoside. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every product sold in the United States will contain the same amounts of active ingredients.
Some manufacturers recommend taking chaste tree berries in the morning before eating, but no study evidence supports any particular schedule. Continual dosing of chaste tree berries may be needed for up to 3 months before an improvement in symptoms of PMS or menopause is experienced. Treatment of acne may require as much as 6 months before results are seen.
Summary
Because they may affect female hormone levels, chaste tree berries are used to relieve hormone-related conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, and hormone-dependent acne.
Risks
Women who have endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancers of the breasts or reproductive system; and men who have prostate cancer should not take chaste tree berries. Because chaste tree berries may have an effect on dopamine levels, individuals who have Parkinson's disease or mental illnesses should also avoid taking them.
Side Effects
Chaste tree berries have been reported to cause fast heartbeat, headaches, nausea, rashes, or unusual menstrual bleeding.
Interactions
Because they can act like female hormones in the body, chaste tree berries could interfere with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives. They can also interfere with drugs that affect dopamine levels.
Last Revised August 9, 2007
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Should I take it? 
