What is chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Chaste tree is shrub. The dried ripe fruit is used
as a natural herbal supplement. Although exact mechanism is not known, Chaste
tree presumably works by decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone release.
Lowering of follicle-stimulating hormones increases progesterone-to-estrogen
ratio, giving relief from
menstrual and
menopausal symptoms.
What brand names are available for chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry, Vitex, Monk’s Pepper
Is chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus) available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
No
What are the side effects of chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
Common side effects of Chaste tree are:
What is the dosage for chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Take 4-20mg by mouth per day.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Take 20-40mg by mouth per day.
- Crude herb extract: Take 20-240mg by mouth per day, divided in 2 to 3 doses.
- Fluid extract: Take up to 40 drops by mouth per day.
- Dried fruit extract: Take 1.6-3ml by mouth up to two times a day.
- Tincture: Take 35-45 drops by mouth up to three times a day.
The maximum daily dose is 1800 mg per day.
QUESTION
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
Chaste tree berry should be avoided in women taking
birth
control or any other
hormonal medications because chaste tree also affects
hormone levels.
Chaste tree should be used with caution in certain antipsychotic or
anti-Parkinson’s medications because chaste tree may affect dopamine levels in
brain, reducing the effect of antipsychotic or anti-Parkinson’s medications.
Is chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus) safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Chaste tree is known to affect estrogen and progesterone levels,
which may not be safe for
pregnant women. Therefore, it is not recommended to
use chaste tree products in pregnant women.
It is not known whether Chaste tree enters
breast milk;
however, it is best not to use chaste tree in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus)?
What preparations of chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus) are available?
Chaste tree is available in crude herb extract capsules, fluid
extract, dried fruit extract, and tincture forms.
How should I keep chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus) stored?
Due to many manufacturers producing each formulation, storage
requirements may vary based individual product.