chasteberry

Chasteberry is a dietary supplement made from the chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus, a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Extracts are taken from the plant's fruit, leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. It is most often marketed for women's reproductive and menstrual health.

According to NCCIH (part of NIH), some research suggests chasteberry might reduce PMS symptoms such as breast pain or tenderness, but the studies reviewed were of low-to-moderate quality and higher-quality evidence is needed. For other promoted uses the evidence is weaker: NCCIH says there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether chasteberry helps with infertility or sexual dysfunction; a single study suggesting it might reduce heavy menstrual bleeding related to an intrauterine device (IUD) was of low quality; and a study pointing to possible benefit for some menopausal symptoms was only preliminary, with more research needed. Overall, the science does not establish that chasteberry treats or cures any condition.

There is no official recommended dose. Chasteberry is sold as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and extracts of varying strengths, and research studies have generally used chasteberry fruit extract for up to about 3 months. Because product potency varies and rigorous dosing data is lacking, talk with a clinician or pharmacist before starting chasteberry to decide whether it is appropriate for you and at what amount.

NCCIH reports that chasteberry is generally well tolerated in the short term, and chasteberry fruit extract has been used safely in research studies for up to about 3 months. It may not be safe for people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer. NCCIH also notes that use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may be unsafe, so it is best avoided in those situations.

According to NCCIH, side effects are generally mild and may include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and itching.

NCCIH does not list specific drug interactions for chasteberry, but advises that if you take any medication you should talk with your health care provider before using any herbal product, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary products you use, and use particular caution if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.