General Description
The chaste tree (also known as monk's pepper tree or wild lavender)
is a small deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region. Growing
from 1 to 6 meters in height, the chaste tree has long-petioled
leaves with five to seven spear-shaped leaflets, up to 10 centimeters
long. The tree blossoms from September to October, producing whorls
of blue or pink blossoms which eventually give way to small (3 to
4 millimeters in diameter), glubular, reddish-black berries, each
containing four seeds. The dried fruits are used for medicinal purposes.
Health Applications
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Infertility
History and Traditional Use
As their name suggests, chasteberries were used in ancient times
to suppress libido and inspire chastity. In ancient Greece, chaste
tree leaves were strung on couches during the sacred rites of
Demeter, goddess of health, birth, and marriage.1 Traditional
herbalists used tinctures of the fresh, ripe berries to treat
paralysis and pains in the limbs.1
Chemical Composition
Chasteberries contain iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and volatile
oils, including alpha-pinenes and beta-pinenes.2
Contemporary Uses
Germany's Commission E lists chasteberries as an approved herb
for treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and irregularities
of the menstrual cycle.3 One uncontrolled study conducted
on 1,634 women found chasteberry to improve PMS symptoms in 93
percent of the patients.4 A double-blind, placebo-controlled
study conducted on 97 women found chasteberry extract to be useful
in the treatment of breast pain associated with PMS.5
In vitro studies suggest that compounds found in chasteberries
may affect PMS symptoms by blocking receptors of neurochemicals
that stimulate the production of the hormone prolactin.6,7
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 52 women with
elevated prolactin levels found that chasteberries reduced prolactin
levels and eliminated deficits in progesterone synthesis, which
may benefit women with PMS and may also help promote fertility
in infertile women with elevated prolactin levels.8
Dosage/Toxicity
The daily dosage approved by Commission E is aqueous-alcoholic
extracts providing the equivalent of 30 to 40 mg of dried chasteberries.3
Chasteberry appears to be safe at this dosage range, although
side effects such as itching and rashes have been reported in
some individuals. Chasteberry is not recommended for use during
pregnancy or nursing.2,3 |
