Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) - Botanical Medicines

Chaste Tree ( Vitex agnus-castus )

Vitex agnus-castus is a deciduous tree common to southern Europe and countries of the Mediterranean. It is called the chaste tree because of its reputed power to reduce sexual desire in both women and men. Chaste tree berries are thought to contain progesteronelike compounds. German research cited by E. Wallenweber in a 1983 issue of Planta Medica showed that chaste berry extracts stimulate the release of luteinizing hormones (LH) and inhibited the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Other research has shown that chaste tree berries help regulate disturbed female hormonal action, reduce menstrual and menopausal symptoms, especially PMS, amenorrhea, dysmennorhea, and endometriosis. One study on PMS by Wollenweber reported that symptoms such as anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, and mood changes were the most reduced after taking dried V. agnus-castus tablets.