What Is Vitex Agnus-Castus? Other Names: Agneau du Moine, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry

What is Vitex Agnus-Castus?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry, is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in the realm of women’s health. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to address various gynecological issues, including menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, and fertility problems. Recent scientific studies have provided evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in these areas. Other names include: Agneau du Moine, Agneau-chaste, Agni Casti, Agnocasto, Agnolyt, Agnus-Castus, Arbre au Poivre, Chaste Berry, Chaste Tree, Chaste Tree Berry, Chasteberry, Chastetree, Chinese Vitex, Fructus Agni Casti, Gattilier, Hemp Tree, Herbe au Poivre, Mang Jing Zi, Monk’s Pepper, Panj-Angosht, Petit Poivre, Pimiento del Monje, Poivre de Moine, Poivre Sauvage, Vitex, Vitex Agnus Castus, Vitex rotundifolia, Vitex trifolia, Viticis Fructus.

Uses of Vitex Agnus-Castus

Menopausal Symptoms

Vitex agnus-castus has been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms effectively. A randomized double-blind study compared the effects of Vitex agnus-castus extracts with a placebo in reducing menopausal symptoms. The study found that the mean scores for total menopausal disorder, anxiety, and vasomotor dysfunction were significantly lower in the Vitex group compared to the placebo group, indicating its potential as a phytoestrogenic medicine for menopausal women1.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been well-documented. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract significantly improved symptoms such as irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, and breast fullness compared to a placebo. The study concluded that Vitex agnus-castus is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for PMS3. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that a 20mg dose of Vitex agnus-castus extract was particularly effective in relieving PMS symptoms10.

Cyclical Mastalgia

Vitex agnus-castus has also been investigated for its role in treating cyclical mastalgia, a condition characterized by breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that a solution containing Vitex agnus-castus extract significantly reduced the intensity of mastalgia compared to a placebo, suggesting its potential as a treatment option for this condition2.

Fertility and Pregnancy

The effects of Vitex agnus-castus on fertility and pregnancy outcomes have been explored in experimental studies. One study on rats indicated that Vitex agnus-castus extract could affect pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and fetal weight, depending on the timing of administration. The study recommended caution when prescribing this herb to women prone to pregnancy due to its potential impact on reproductive outcomes4.

Hypoglycemic and Pancreatic Protective Effects

Vitex agnus-castus has shown promise beyond gynecological applications. In a study on D-galactose-induced aging mice, Vitex agnus-castus hydroalcoholic extract demonstrated hypoglycemic and pancreatic protective effects. The extract improved insulin levels and reduced serum glucose levels, indicating its potential benefits for managing diabetes and protecting pancreatic function5.

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

The antioxidant properties of Vitex agnus-castus have been highlighted in studies focusing on aging. In a D-galactose-induced aging model, Vitex agnus-castus improved antioxidant indices and sex hormone levels, suggesting its potential to mitigate oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances associated with aging7.

Sexual Function

Vitex agnus-castus has also been studied for its effects on sexual function in women. A clinical trial found that women of reproductive age who took Vitex agnus-castus for 16 weeks experienced significant improvements in overall sexual function compared to those who took a placebo8.

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Adverse Effects of Vitex Agnus-Castus

Impact on Pregnancy and Fetal Development

VAC may affect pregnancy rates, live birth rates, abortion, and stillbirth rates, with its effects varying depending on the timing of administration during pregnancy1.

VAC usage during pregnancy can lead to significant changes in fetal weight, with both increases and decreases observed depending on the timing of administration1.

Hematological Effects

VAC extract can significantly decrease red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and packed cell volume (PCV) in mice, indicating potential adverse effects on blood parameters2.

VAC can mitigate cisplatin-induced hematotoxicity, suggesting some protective effects on blood cells at lower doses7.

Liver and Kidney Effects

VAC has shown protective effects on liver enzymes in mice exposed to oxidative stress, reducing levels of ALT, AST, and ALP3.

VAC administration can attenuate histological alterations in the kidneys of aging mice, suggesting potential protective effects against aging-related kidney damage9.

Hormonal Effects

VAC can significantly alter the levels of sex hormones, including progesterone, estrogen, FSH, LH, and prolactin, which may impact fertility and reproductive health8 10.

VAC has been shown to improve some aging-related changes in the reproductive system, such as oxidative stress and hormone deficiencies10.

General Tolerability and Side Effects

In clinical studies, VAC was generally well-tolerated with mild adverse events reported, none of which led to discontinuation of treatment5 6.

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How has Vitex Agnus-Castus Improved Patient Outcomes?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Relief

Vitex agnus-castus significantly reduces PMS symptoms such as irritability, mood alterations, anger, headache, breast fullness, and bloating compared to placebo1 6 8 10.

A dose of 20 mg of Vitex agnus-castus extract is particularly effective in alleviating PMS symptoms8.

Cyclical Mastalgia

Vitex agnus-castus extract significantly reduces the intensity of cyclical mastalgia compared to placebo, with improvements noted after one to two treatment cycles2.

Menopausal Symptoms

Vitex agnus-castus helps alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly anxiety and vasomotor dysfunction, but not somatic complications, depression, or sexual dysfunction3.

A combination of Vitex agnus-castus and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) did not show significant superiority over placebo for menopausal symptoms4.

Luteal Phase Defects

Vitex agnus-castus is effective in normalizing luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia by reducing prolactin release and improving progesterone synthesis7.

Fracture Healing

The combination of Vitex agnus-castus and magnesium may promote fracture healing by enhancing osteocalcin levels and increasing VEGF concentration, although more research is needed5.

Sexual Dysfunction

Vitex agnus-castus improves overall sexual function in women of reproductive age over a 16-week period compared to placebo9.

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Vitex Agnus-Castus Mechanisms of Action

Hormonal Regulation and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis

Vitex agnus-castus influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to changes in sex hormone levels. It can increase progesterone and decrease testosterone levels in PCOS models, although it does not significantly affect estrogen and DHEA levels1 3.

In aging models, Vitex can modulate sex hormones by increasing estrogen levels and reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, thereby improving reproductive system health1.

Antioxidant Properties

Vitex agnus-castus exhibits significant antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities like catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 4.

It also helps in reducing liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP) in oxidative stress conditions, indicating its protective role against oxidative damage4.

Anti-Aging Effects

The extract of Vitex agnus-castus has been shown to mitigate aging-related changes in various organs, including the pancreas and kidneys. It improves insulin levels and reduces serum glucose, indicating hypoglycemic effects2.

In the kidneys, Vitex can attenuate histological alterations such as nuclear pyknosis and tubular dilatation, suggesting protective effects against aging-related kidney damage6.

Menopausal Symptom Relief

Vitex agnus-castus can alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly reducing anxiety and vasomotor dysfunction, although it does not significantly affect somatic complications, depression, or sexual dysfunction5.

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Common Complaints Associated with Vitex Agnus-Castus

Reduction in Pain and Related Symptoms: Treatment with Vitex agnus-castus significantly reduced the intensity of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. In some cases, pain completely disappeared, and there was a notable reduction in autonomic vascular, autonomic, metabolic, endocrine, and emotional disorders1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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