Chaste Tree - NutraPedia

Back to Table of Contents

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) Overview

1) Studied Conditions

The Chaste Tree has been studied for various conditions, most notably:

  • Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Menstrual cycle irregularities
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Female fertility issues
  • Breast pain, also known as mastodynia or mastalgia

2) Effectiveness in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of Chaste Tree in treating the aforementioned conditions varies:

  • PMS: Some studies suggest that Chaste Tree may help alleviate symptoms of PMS.
  • Menstrual irregularities: It might be beneficial in normalizing menstrual cycles.
  • Menopausal symptoms: Limited evidence indicates potential benefits for menopausal symptoms, but more research is needed.
  • Female fertility: There is some anecdotal evidence and limited scientific research supporting its use for fertility enhancement, but conclusions cannot be drawn without further studies.
  • Breast pain: Chaste Tree may offer relief for cyclic breast pain, though results are mixed.

3) Health Benefits

Beyond the conditions it is studied for, Chaste Tree may offer other health benefits such as:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Possessing antioxidant properties
  • Potentially enhancing dopamine activity, which could be beneficial for certain hormonal imbalances

4) Downsides

While Chaste Tree is generally considered safe when used appropriately, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

  • May cause side effects such as headache, upset stomach, or an allergic reaction
  • Chaste Tree may interact with hormonal medications, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
  • It should be used with caution or avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its potential hormonal effects

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

There is limited research on the interaction between Chaste Tree and specific genetic variations. However, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or genetic predispositions may experience different effects:

  • Those with genetic variations affecting hormonal balance might be more sensitive to the herb's effects
  • Genetic differences in liver enzyme activities could alter the metabolism and effectiveness of Chaste Tree
  • As with any supplement, genetic variations can influence individual responses and side effects

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Chaste Tree, especially for those with known genetic susceptibilities.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) Research Summary

Chaste Tree, known scientifically as Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC), is a plant traditionally used for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other hormonal-related conditions. Recent research has investigated its pharmacological properties and potential applications in modern medicine.

Opiate Receptor Affinity and PMS Treatment

Studies confirm that VAC extracts bind to and activate the mu-opiate receptor, potentially explaining its therapeutic use in treating PMS. Extracts without fatty acids have shown a higher affinity for the receptor. These findings support the use of VAC as an agonist at the mu-opiate receptor, offering a possible mechanism for its efficacy in PMS symptom relief.

Dopaminergic Activity and Prolactinoma

Research indicates that VAC extracts inhibit dopamine D2 and opioid receptors, which may contribute to the treatment of prolactinoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. Substances within VAC, such as diterpenes, exhibit inhibitory actions on dopamine D2 receptor binding, suggesting a role in managing conditions associated with dopamine dysregulation.

Premenstrual Mastodynia Treatment

Clinical studies have demonstrated that VAC extracts can alleviate breast pain associated with PMS, likely due to dopaminergic compounds within the plant that suppress prolactin release. This effect is similar to the action of dopamine itself, providing a potential natural treatment option for PMS symptoms.

Estrogenic Activity and Phytoestrogens

VAC compounds selectively bind to estrogen receptor ERbeta, with apigenin identified as the most active ERbeta-selective phytoestrogen in VAC. This selectivity suggests that VAC contains compounds that target specific estrogen receptors.

Herbal Monitoring and Regulation

The herbal industry, particularly in the U.S., is working towards better monitoring practices. More randomized controlled trials are being funded to establish the efficacy and safety of herbs like Chaste Tree, with an emphasis on the need for increased regulation to ensure purity and clear labeling of side effects and drug interactions.

Conclusions

  • VAC extracts show promise for treating PMS and prolactinoma due to their affinity for mu-opiate receptors and dopamine D2 receptors.
  • The plant's dopaminergic compounds may be responsible for clinical improvements in PMS, particularly breast pain.
  • While VAC exhibits potential medicinal uses, the need for more rigorous research and regulation of herbal products remains.

References:


  1. Activation of the mu-opiate receptor by Vitex agnus-castus methanol extracts: implication for its use in PMS
  2. Traditional medicine in Turkey. VI. Folk medicine in west Anatolia: Afyon, Kütahya, Denizli, Muğla, Aydin provinces
  3. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review
  4. Vitex agnus castus might enrich the pharmacological armamentarium for medical treatment of prolactinoma
  5. Pharmacological activities of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro
  6. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications
  7. Quantitative high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of diterpenoids in agni-casti fructus
  8. Evidence for estrogen receptor beta-selective activity of Vitex agnus-castus and isolated flavones
  9. A new diterpenoid glucoside and two new diterpenoids from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus
  10. Five new diterpenoids, viteagnusins A--E, from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus
  11. Three new diterpenoids from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus
  12. Phytoconstituents from Vitex agnus-castus fruits
  13. Ecdysteroids from Vitex species: distribution and compilation of their 13C-NMR spectral data
  14. Anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities of a crude extract and a pterocarpan isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex agnus-castus
  15. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
  16. The effects of commercial preparations of herbal supplements commonly used by women on the biotransformation of fluorogenic substrates by human cytochromes P450
  17. Dose-dependent stimulation of melatonin secretion after administration of Agnus castus
  18. Opioidergic mechanisms underlying the actions of Vitex agnus-castus L
  19. Exploring the prevalence of menopause symptoms in midlife women in methadone maintenance treatment
  20. Similarities between morphine withdrawal in the rat and the menopausal hot flush
  21. Neuroendocrinology of menopausal flushes: an hypothesis of flush mechanism
  22. beta-Endorphin withdrawal: a possible cause of premenstrual tension syndrome
  23. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome as a function of beta-endorphin: two subtypes
  24. Changes in the beta-endorphin content of discrete hypothalamic nuclei during the estrous cycle of the rat
  25. Effect of steroid hormones and antihormones on hypothalamic beta-endorphin concentrations in intact and castrated female rats
  26. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells
  27. In vitro prolactin but not LH and FSH release is inhibited by compounds in extracts of Agnus castus: direct evidence for a dopaminergic principle by the dopamine receptor assay
  28. Casticin, a flavonoid isolated from Vitex rotundifolia, inhibits prolactin release in vivo and in vitro
  29. Gynecological efficacy and chemical investigation of Vitex agnus-castus L. fruits growing in Egypt
  30. The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects
  31. Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence?
  32. Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the treatment of menopause-related complaints
  33. Short luteal phase and prolactin
  34. Serum prolactin in women with premenstrual syndrome
  35. Effects of different dopamine agonists and antagonists on post-menopausal hot flushes
  36. Toremifene for premenstrual mastalgia: a randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study
  37. Effect of tamoxifen on oestrogen binding, lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and blood clotting parameters in premenopausal women with breast pain
  38. Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome
  39. Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome
  40. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  41. Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women
  42. Treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women
  43. Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China
  44. Use of Vitex agnus-castus in migrainous women with premenstrual syndrome: an open-label clinical observation
  45. A pilot study to examine a combination botanical for the treatment of menopausal symptoms
  46. Treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause with black cohosh, multibotanicals, soy, hormone therapy, or placebo: a randomized trial
  47. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial
  48. Vitex agnus castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a research update [Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 8 (2003) 148-154]
  49. Predictors of placebo response in a randomized, controlled trial of phytotherapy in menopause
  50. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study
  51. Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus
  52. Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation
  53. Isolation and immunomodulatory properties of a flavonoid, casticin from Vitex agnus-castus
  54. Casticin induces leukemic cell death through apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe
  55. Antiinflammatory and lipoxygenase inhibitory compounds from Vitex agnus-castus
  56. Isolation of linoleic acid as an estrogenic compound from the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L. (chaste-berry)
  57. Evaluation of estrogenic activity of plant extracts for the potential treatment of menopausal symptoms
  58. The effects of Vitex agnus castus extract and its interaction with dopaminergic system on LH and testosterone in male mice
  59. Effects of a combination of Hypericum perforatum and Vitex agnus-castus on PMS-like symptoms in late-perimenopausal women: findings from a subpopulation analysis
  60. A prolactinoma masked by a herbal remedy
  61. Efficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus extract for treatment of premenstrual syndrome in Japanese patients: a prospective, open-label study


Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!