Chasteberry has  been significantly investigated for its therapeutic effects. However, preliminary investigations do indeed show the presence of compounds which are able to adjust the production of female hormones.

It is thought to contain a progesterone-like compound The chemical constituents are the monoterpenes agnuside, eurostoside, and aucubin. Chasteberry also contains the flavonoids casticin, chryso-splenol and vitexin. 

Animal studies have shown that extracts of Agnus castus can stimulate the release of Leutenizing Hormone (LH) and inhibit the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Another study found that extracts of Chasteberry can stimulate the release of Leutenizing Hormone (LH) and inhibit the release of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This hormonal effect has been confirmed in another laboratory report which suggests that the volatile oil has a progesterone-like effect.

Thus, Vitex's benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman's cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check. The ability to decrease excessive prolactin levels may benefit infertile women

Chasteberry has been used since ancient times as a female remedy. One of its properties was to reduce sexual desire, and it is recorded that Roman wives whose husbands were abroad with the legions spread the aromatic leaves on their couches for this purpose. It became known as the chasteberry tree.

During the Middle Ages, Chasteberry's supposed effect on sexual desire led to it becoming a food spice at monasteries, where it was called "Monk's pepper" or "Cloister pepper."

In tradition, it was also known as an important European remedy for controlling and regulating the female reproductive system. Long used to regularize monthly periods and treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, it also helped ease menopausal problems and aided the birth process.
Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of vitex for a wide variety of conditions, including hemorrhage following childbirth.Decoctions of the fruit and plant were also used in sitz baths for diseases of the uterus.

Current Status
During the past forty years, research has focused on the use of vitex for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual difficulties. The biological activity cannot be attributed to a single chemical ingredient, though flavonoids are major components.

Between 5 and 30 percent of women may be affected by PMS. A 1992 survey of German gynecologists evaluated the effect of a vitex preparation on 1,542 women diagnosed with PMS. Both physicians and patients assessed effectiveness, with 90 percent reporting relief of symptoms after treatment averaging 25.3 days.

In one clinical drug-monitoring study on the effectiveness and safety of long-term treatment with a vitex fruit tincture, 1,571 women with menstrual disorders and PMS were followed for a period of seven days to six years (average 147.6 days). In 90 percent of patients, the treatment eliminated or alleviated symptoms of PMS.

German health authorities allow vitex preparations for disorders of the menstrual cycle, pressure and swelling in the breasts, and PMS. In Germany, vitex preparations are frequently used in the safe and effective treatment of PMS, heavy or too frequent periods, acyclic bleeding, infertility, suppressed menses, and other conditions. Vitex is an excellent example of an herbal medicine which serves as a low-priced tool in European gynecological practice, rather than as an " alternative" to conventional treatment.

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Leaves-anti-parasitical, alterative, aromatic, vermifuge, pain reliever.

Root-tonic, febrifuge, expectorant, diuretic.

Fruit-nervine, cephalic, emmanagogue.

Dried fruit-vermifuge

Vitex is useful for the treatment of:

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A study conducted in London (double blind study) showed a 60% group reduction or elimination of PMS symptoms such as anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, or mood changes, from subjects who were taking dried agnus castus capsules.

Employing an aqueous extract from the fruit, a 1979 study reported good results on premenstrual water retention. Women were able to sustain a good level of milk production for breast feeding while taking this herb. While it took some time for the drug to take effect, the women were able to continue the use of the drug for months without harmful side effects.

Ayurvedic Applications:

Hair, eyes, colic, swelling, worms, nausea, ulcers, ear disorders, malaria, hemorrhoids, spleen, uterus, removes obstructions, hemicrania.

External: leaves-inflammatory joint swellings in acute rheumatism and of the testes from suppressed gonorrhea or gonorrheal epididymitis and orchitits; sprained limbs, contusions, bites (used as heated leaves or as a poultice).

Pillows stuffed with leaves are slept on to remove catarrh and headache. They are also smoked for relief.

Crushed leaves or poultice is applied to temples for headaches. As a plaster on the spleen, it removes swelling; as a juice discharges worms from ulcers.

A juice oil is applied to sinuses and neck gland sores (scrofula), or for washing the head for glandular tubercular neck swellings. Oil is also good for syphilis, venereal diseases, and other syphilitic skin disorders. A leaf decoction with pippali is used for catarrhal fever with heaviness of head and dull hearing. A warm bath in a leaf decoction removes pains after child birth.

For rheumatism it is taken as a juice, with the juice of tulsi and bhringaraj (eclipta alba), mixed with crushed ajwan seeds. An optional treatment is to bathe in a nirgundi leaf decoction.

A tincture of root-bark of this herb is good for irritable bladder and also for rheumatism.

Powdered root-good for hemorrhoids and as a demulcent for dysentery.

Root-dyspepsia, colic, rheumatism, worms, boils, skin disorders.

Flowers-diarrhea, cholera, fever, liver disorders, cardiac tonic.

Seeds-cooling for skin disorders; flowers and stalk powder-for blood discharge from stomach and bowels.

This Ayurvedic herb is found in parts of India (Bengal, Southern India, Himalayas) and in Burma. It also grows in the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia. The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used in western herbalism.

Fruit powder-sugar/water or honey paste, decoction; powder, tincture, decoction, poultice

Many people take 40 drops (in a glass of water) of the concentrated liquid herbal extract in the morning. 

Vitex is also available in powdered form in tablets and capsules, again to be taken in the morning.

With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman's hormonal system, vitex is not a fast-acting herb. For premenstrual syndrome or frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Women with amenorrhea and infertility can remain on vitex for twelve to eighteen months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.

Side effects of using vitex are rare. Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Use caution when taking any herb. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.