Vitex agnus-castus, or "chaste tree," is a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia. The fruit has been historically used for reducing sexual desire.
Vitex agnus-castus fruit and seed contain chemicals that seem to affect many hormones involved in the female reproductive cycle.
People use vitex agnus-castus for conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as breast pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for bone fractures, infertility, menopause symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Breast pain (mastalgia). Taking vitex agnus-castus by mouth seems to relieve breast pain during the menstrual cycle.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking vitex agnus-castus by mouth decreases some symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain or tenderness, moodiness, anxiety, anger, and headache.
- Fractures. Taking vitex agnus-castus extract by mouth does not seem to help broken bones heal.
There is interest in using vitex agnus-castus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is likely safe when used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include upset stomach, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. There isn't enough reliable information to know if vitex agnus-castus seeds are safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vitex agnus-castus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitex agnus-castus is possibly unsafe. Vitex agnus-castus might make it more difficult to get pregnant and might harm the fetus. Don't use it if you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis; uterine fibroids; or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries: Vitex agnus-castus can affect hormones and might affect estrogen levels. Don't use vitex agnus-castus if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.
In vitro fertilization: Vitex agnus-castus can interfere with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization. Don't use vitex agnus-castus if you are undergoing this procedure.
Parkinson disease. Vitex agnus-castus contains chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals affect the brain similarly to some medications used for Parkinson disease. Vitex agnus-castus might affect therapy for Parkinson disease.
Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Some medications for mental disorders help to decrease dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus might affect therapy for certain mental disorders.
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Vitex agnus-castus seems to change hormone levels in the body. Birth control pills contain hormones. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills and increase the chance of getting pregnant. If you take birth control pills along with vitex agnus-castus, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Estrogens
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Vitex agnus-castus seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Some medications for mental disorders help to decrease dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications used for Parkinson disease (Dopamine agonists)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Vitex agnus-castus contains chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals affect the brain similarly to some medications used for Parkinson disease. Taking vitex agnus-castus with these medications might increase the effects and side effects of the medications used for Parkinson disease.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a certain brain chemical called dopamine. Metoclopramide also affects dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with metoclopramide might decrease the effects of metoclopramide.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Vitex agnus-castus dried fruit extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 3.2-40 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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