Chaste Tree

Other Common Names:
Vitex, agnus-castus, chasteberry, monk's pepper, cloister pepper

Chaste Tree:
Chaste Tree is a large shrub (up to twenty-two feet tall) native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. Although chaste tree flourishes on moist riverbanks, it is easily grown as an ornamental plant in American gardens, where its attractive blue-violet flowers are appreciated in midsummer. The Greeks and Romans used this plant to encourage chastity and thought of it as capable of warding off evil. Medieval monks were said to use the dried berries in their food to reduce sexual desire. As a result, it was also referred to as "monk's pepper."

Although Hippocrates used chaste tree for injuries and inflammation, several centuries later Dioscorides recommended it specifically for inflammation of the womb and also used it to encourage milk flow shortly after birth. Current use of chasteberry is almost exclusively for disorders of the female reproductive system. Oddly, the conditions for which it is most commonly recommended, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and peri- or postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, are associated with completely different hormone imbalances. Two authors publishing the results of a survey of medical herbalists were led by this observation to suggest that chaste tree should be considered an adaptogen, possibly affecting the pituitary gland. Usually the dried berries are the part of the plant used. In some Mediterranean countries, leaves flowering tops are also ha vested and dried for use.

No one constituent of chaste tree has been isolated as responsible for its medicinal effects. The berries contain iridoids as glycosides, including aucubin and agnuside. Flavonoid content is highest in the leaves (up to 2.7 percent) and flowers (nearly 1.5 percent). The berries contain almost 1 percent of flavonoids such as casticin, isovitexin, orientin, kaempferol, and quercetagetin. It is perhaps surprising that chaste tree does not contain plant estrogens. Instead, progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione have been identified in the leaves and flowers. The essential oil of chasteberry may be responsible for its distinctive spicy aroma. It contains monoterpenes cineol and pinene, along with limonene, eucalptol, myrcene, linalool, castine, citronellol, and others, plus several sesquiterpenes. An alkaloid, vitricine, is also an ingredient.

Animal research has shown that extracts of chaste tree berry have an effect on the pituitary gland of rats, reducing prolactin secretion. This has the impact of reducing milk production, exactly the opposite effect suggested by some of the ancient texts. As a result of these studies, chaste tree has been suggested to treat conditions associated with excess prolactin. In a clinical trial of chaste berry for menstrual cycle abnormalities attributed to too much prolactin, the herb normalized both the cycle and the levels of prolactin and progesterone hormones. It is also believed helpful for premenstrual breast tenderness, a condition linked to excess prolactin. Several uncontrolled studies in Germany have shown that chaste tree extracts can reduce symptoms associated with PMS. In one of these studies, the investigators reported higher blood levels of progesterone as a result of treatment.

If chaste tree can normalize hormone levels, it may be helpful for perimenopausal women with unusually short cycles or heavy bleeding. No clinical studies to date have determined the effectiveness of chasteberry for menopausal symptoms, but many medical herbalists in the United Kingdom use it to treat hot flashes. These practitioners also prescribe it for female infertility, but there are no data to indicate if chaste tree is helpful for this problem. Although studies are lacking, the antiandrogenic effect of chaste tree berry is the rationale behind the use of this herb to treat acne in both men and women and its very occasional use to reduce an overactive libido.

Chaste tree is a deciduous, arom

Chaste tree is a Hormone regulator:
Chaste tree is one of the most important herbs for regulating female hormones. By increasing progesterogenic activity, chaste tree can help to balance progesterone and estrogen production by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle.

Chaste tree is useful in Menstrual problems:
Chaste tree is prescribed by Western herbalists to treat menstrual problems, ranging from premenstrual syndrome and many of the symptoms that accompany it, to irregular or absent periods. For premenstrual syndrome, the herb should be taken for some months to see the full benefit, which can often be significant with bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, irritability, and depression all reduced.

Chaste tree is useful in irregular periods:
The herb helps to regulate irregular periods, tending to shorten a long cycle and lengthen a short one.

Chaste tree is useful:
Chaste tree is valuable in treating other problems that can be linked to the menstrual cycle, such as migraine and acne.

Chaste tree can increase fertility:

Chaste tree can help some women trying to conceive if infertility is due to low progesterone levels.

The berries are taken to increase breast-milk production.

Chaste tree is remedy for:
Researchers have been investigating chaste tree for over 30 years in the U.K. and Germany, and it is clear that the berries have a distinct hormonal effect on the body. Some trials have shown chaste tree to valuable in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and increasing fertility. For PMS the herb should be taken for some months to see the full benefit, which can often be significant - with bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, irritability, and depression all reduced. Chaste tree is valuable in treating other problems that can be linked to the menstrual cycle, such as migraine and acne.

Products


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.