Vitex Agnus-castus Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Chaste Tree Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Chaste tree, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, is generally considered safe when used as a fruit extract orally and appropriately for the short term. Studies have shown that doses of up to 40 mg daily for up to 3 months have been well-tolerated. However, there is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using chaste tree seeds orally or topically. It's crucial to note that during pregnancy and lactation, chaste tree should be avoided, as its hormonal effects might have adverse effects, including the risk of infertility, low fetal body weight, abortion, and stillbirth.

How Is Chaste Tree Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

The active constituents of chaste tree berries, such as essential oils, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and diterpenes, play a significant role in its mechanism of action. Essential oils like limonene, cineol, pinene, and sabinene are present in chaste tree. Flavonoids such as casticin, kaempferol, quercetagetin, orientin, isovitexin, and apigenin are also part of its composition. Chaste tree contains iridoid glycosides like aucubin, agnuside, and eurostide. Additionally, the presence of bitter principles like castine is notable. These constituents collectively contribute to its effects.

Chaste tree is believed to have several potential effects:

• Analgesic Effects: Laboratory research suggests that chaste tree may have analgesic properties.
• Anti-Allergy Effects: It can potentially prevent mast cell activation and downregulate certain genes involved in allergies.
• Anti-Cancer Effects: Chaste tree has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, including breast, ovarian, cervical, gastric, colon, and lung cancer cells.
• Antihistamine Effects: It may have antihistaminic activity, which can be helpful in managing allergies.
• Antimicrobial Effects: Chaste tree extracts or essential oils have shown moderate activity against various bacteria and fungi.
• Hormonal Effects: Chaste tree seems to affect hormones, particularly prolactin and estrogen receptors, which may normalize menstrual cycle irregularities.
• Neurotransmitter Effects: It may influence neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and opioid receptors.

Pharmacokinetics

There is limited information available regarding the pharmacokinetics of chaste tree.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of chaste tree when taken orally may include diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular menstruation, nausea, skin irritation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Many chaste tree extracts are standardized to contain 6% agnuside, and some are standardized for casticin content. Standardization aims to ensure consistent and reliable potency in supplements.

What Is Chaste Tree Typically Used For?

Chaste tree is commonly used for various purposes, although its effectiveness can vary. It is possibly effective for alleviating mastalgia (breast pain) and improving premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. However, its effectiveness is inconclusive for conditions like fractures, acne, aging skin, amenorrhea, anxiety, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), dementia, dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic breast disease, hyperprolactinemia, infertility, insect repellent, insomnia, lactation, menopausal symptoms, menorrhagia, migraine headache, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and sexual dysfunction.

Dosing & Administration

For adults, chaste tree is typically used as a dried fruit extract in doses ranging from 3.2-40 mg daily for 2-6 months. Specific dosing may vary based on the condition being treated, so it's essential to refer to the effectiveness section for more condition-specific information.

Interaction Overview

Chaste tree may interact with certain drugs, such as antipsychotic drugs, contraceptive drugs, dopamine agonists, and estrogens. It's important to exercise caution when combining chaste tree with these medications. No significant interactions with supplements are known. Additionally, chaste tree should be used with caution in conditions such as hormone-sensitive cancers/conditions, in vitro fertilization, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia or psychotic disorders. There is insufficient information about interactions with lab tests or the presentation and treatment of chaste tree overdose.

Drugs that interact with Vitex Agnus-castus