Chasteberry

Common Name(s)

Chasteberry, Chaste tree, Vitex

Scientific Name(s)

Vitex agnus-castus

General Information

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree. The tree is native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries to help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and infertility, and to stimulate the production of breast milk.

How is this product usually used?

The dried ripe fruit is used to make capsules, gummies, tablets, liquids, powders, and strips.

The recommended dose of chasteberry is:

• 30-2000 mg per day, dried fruit

Chasteberry contains a number of constituents, including:

• flavonoids
• iridoid glycosides
• essential oils

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Chasteberry has been used for different purposes, including:

• symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
• helping to stabilize menstrual cycle irregularities
• symptoms of menopause
• reducing sexual desire
• infertility

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Chasteberry may help in relieving premenstrual symptoms and breast pain. Chasteberry does not have sufficient evidence to draw conclusions on its effect on infertility, menopausal symptoms, and suppressing sexual desire.

It may take at least 3 months of use before beneficial effects are seen.

Chasteberry is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular menstruation, nausea, skin irritation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Chasteberry may interact with any of the following medications:

• antipsychotic drugs (e.g., quetiapine, risperidone)
• dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
• estrogens
• hormone replacement therapy
• metoclopramide
• oral contraceptives

You should not use chasteberry if you:

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are breast-feeding
• are planning on receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• have Parkinson’s disease
• have schizophrenia or a mental health disorder

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products database. Chasteberry. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=274
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database – Vitex Agnus-Castus.