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 Chaste berry ( more commonly known as Vitex) plant is
native to southern Europe and western Asia were they were commonly
found growing along sunny waterways. They were introduced to the
United States in the 1800’s. Chaste berry trees have blue or
lavender flowers, which are sometimes used to make perfume with a
citrus-like aroma. The fruits are small, about the size of a small
pea, and they have a pepper-like taste and smell. After the leaves
fall off in the autumn, the chaste berries are collected, dried, and
ground for use in medicine.
Chaste berry, also know as
"Vitex" agnus-castus, is made of substances including flavonoids,
iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. All of these constituents, found
in the chaste berry fruit, are believed to be necessary for this
herb to have any medicinal effect. The benefits of chaste berry stem
from its actions upon the pituitary gland and the production of a
hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) that helps regulate the
menstrual cycle in women. Chaste berry also balances prolactin
secretion in the body. The ability to decrease mildly elevated
prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some
women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome
(PMS).
The results from several studies suggest that women
taking vitex (chaste berry) extract each day for 3 menstrual cycles
may experience a reduction in the symptoms associated with PMS,
including cramping, headaches, and tenderness of the
breasts.
Dosage and
Administration
Chaste berry or vitex is available in
forms including fresh and dried berries, capsules containing
powdered chaste tree berries, and liquid preparations such as
extracts and tinctures.
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. If you decide to use chaste tree
berries, follow the directions on the package that you
purchase.
Supporting
Literature
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et
al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide
to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, 108.
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