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Chasteberry
Chasteberry refers to the berries found on the chaste tree which is botanically
known as Vitex. Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus-castus, is native to the Mediterranean
and Central Asia but is now found growing in a variety of different sources
throughout the world. Chasteberry is also referred to as: agnus-cactus, chaste
tree berry, cloister pepper, five leafed chaste tree, irandi, monk’s pepper,
nirgandhi, nochi, nirgundi, sambhalu, and vitex.
The chaste tree, which can also be classified as a large shrub, can grow up
to heights of 8 meters. It is believed to be a fast-growing plant that partly
sheds its leaves during water stress. Its outside bark is slightly rough and
the tree bears violet flowers with reddish black berries. The berries, or chasteberry,
become ripe in fall where it is dried and then used medicinally. Chasteberry
has a peppery aroma and taste similar to black peppercorns.
Used historically since the 4th century BC, chasteberry has been predominantly
used as a treatment to a variety of female specific medical problems. Its name
is derived from the once-held belief that chasteberry reduces sexual desires
which made it popular at monasteries during the Middle Ages. However, contemporary
medical studies have showed that chasteberry has no effect on sexual drive.
The chemical constituents of chasteberry include: monoterpenes agnuside, eurostoside,
and aucubine. Additionally, chasteberry contains the flavonoids: castican, chryso-splenol,
and vitexin. The medical benefits of chasteberry are related to its ability
to effect the actions of the pituitary gland. By effecting the production of
the luteinizing hormone, chasteberry increases progesterone production while
aiding the regulation of a woman’s cycle. By maintaining healthy levels of prolactin
secretion, chasteberry may benefit infertile women. Chateberry has also been
used in the treatment of such medical conditions as: reduction of PMS discomfort
caused by insufficient production of progesterone by normalizing the ratio of
progesterone to estrogen; minimizing fibrocystic breast symptoms due to chasteberry’s
ability to reduce prolactin concentrations in addition to its ability to restore
the ratio of progesterone to estrogen; regulating ovulation while promoting
fertility due to its ability to reduce prolactin levels as well as its ability
to aid in the normal functioning of the ovaries; treating menopausal difficulties
due to its ability to stabilize hormone levels; reducing the pain of endometriosis
caused by hormonal imbalances; and controlling menstrual related acne due to
chasteberry’s ability to stabilize hormone levels.
Chasteberry is available in a variety of different forms that include: capsule;
dried herb or tea; liquid herbal extract; tablet; and tincture. The recommended
dosage of chasteberry as a liquid herbal extract is 40 drops in a glass of water
taken during the morning. Within a capsule or tablet form, single doses generally
contain 150 to 500 mg. It is recommended that one dose be taken per day. There
are no significant side effects associated with chasteberry although it may
cause headaches, mild skin rash, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally,
it is recommended that women who are pregnant not use chasteberry.
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