FolkKB

Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a plant utilized in various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied as a purgative, sedative, diuretic, and galactagogue, with uses ranging from treating colic and chills to addressing eye complaints and psychosis. Scientific evidence suggests that supplementation may significantly improve oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance, and clinical signs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by reducing serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and AMH levels. Research also indicates that bioactive compounds like isoorientin may inhibit glucocorticoid receptor signaling in certain cell lines. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diuretic · alterative
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy · Unani · Ayurveda
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperitif traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • chill traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cold Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • colic Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • diaphoretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • galactagogue Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • liver sclerosis Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • psychosis Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • purgative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sedative traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Vitex agnus-castus significantly improved oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance, and clinical signs in women with PCOS compared to placebo. B PMID
  • Paeoniflorin and isoorientin from white peony root and chasteberry inhibited glucocorticoid receptor signaling in various cell lines. D PMID
  • The study found that the antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, fatty acids, and mineral contents varied among different parts of the Vitex agnus-castus plant. D PMID
  • Vitex agnus-castus supplementation significantly reduced serum TNF-α, IL-6, and AMH levels compared to the placebo in women with PCOS. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Vitex agnus-castus?

Vitex agnus-castus (Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Vitex agnus-castus traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Vitex agnus-castus for: diuretic, alterative, anodyne, aperitif, carminative, chill. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Vitex agnus-castus?

Vitex agnus-castus appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy, Unani, Ayurveda.

What does the scientific evidence say about Vitex agnus-castus?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Vitex agnus-castus; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Vitex agnus-castus significantly improved oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance, and clinical signs in women with PCOS compared to placebo.

How strong is the evidence for Vitex agnus-castus?

The strongest finding for Vitex agnus-castus carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Vitex agnus-castus safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Vitex agnus-castus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Vitex agnus-castus interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Vitex agnus-castus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Vitex agnus-castus?

Vitex agnus-castus is also known as: Витекс священный.

Is Vitex agnus-castus a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 The Effect of Vitex Agnus - Castus Plant on Some Markers of Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial Study. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 The effect of the plant parts (leaf, flower, stem and seed) on antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, fatty acids and mineral contents of chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) plant. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The effects of Vitex agnus-castus supplementation on inflammatory markers in women with PCOS: a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Characterization of Isoorientin and Paeoniflorin as Botanical Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators from White Peony and Chasteberry. literature abstract metadata

More Vitex plants