Chasteberry Monograph

A chasteberry monograph for the home

This chasteberry monograph provides basic information about chasteberry—common names, usefulness and safety, and resources for more information.

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, which is native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region.
The plant was believed to promote chastity (hence its name). Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire.
Chasteberry was also used for reproductive disorders.
Today, chasteberry is used as a dietary supplement for menstrual problems, menopause symptoms, infertility, and other conditions.
Chasteberry is available as a liquid extract, capsules, tablets, and an essential oil.

There’s not a lot of strong research on the effectiveness of chasteberry for any condition. We do have some clear safety information on the herb.

A few preliminary studies found that chasteberry may improve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome but the evidence isn’t firm.
Researchers have studied chasteberry for breast pain and infertility, but there isn’t enough reliable scientific evidence to know if it helps.
There’s no evidence that chasteberry helps with menopausal symptoms.

When used in limited amounts, chasteberry appears to be generally well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
Women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should not use chasteberry.
People taking dopamine-related medications, such as certain antipsychotic drugs and Parkinson’s disease medications should avoid using chasteberry.

Chasteberry. Natural Medicines Web site. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ on March 25, 2015. [Database subscription].
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Dante G, Facchinetti F. Herbal treatments for alleviating premenstrual symptoms: a systematic review. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;32(1):42-51.
Laakmann E, Grajecki D, Doege K, et al. Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum and Agnus castus in the treatment of climacteric complaints: a systematic review. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2012;28(9):703-709.
Mahady GB, Michel JL, Soni KK. Chaste Tree. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:129-135.
van Die MD, Burger HG, Bone KM, et al. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause. 2009;16(1):156-163.