Evidence supporting the use of: Chastetree
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as vitex or monk’s pepper, has been traditionally used in Europe for numerous menstrual disorders, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Modern scientific research provides some support for its use in this context. The primary mechanism is believed to involve modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, specifically by influencing prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin can disrupt normal menstrual cycles and contribute to amenorrhea. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that vitex can reduce prolactin levels, thereby potentially restoring ovulatory cycles and menstruation in women with hyperprolactinemia-related amenorrhea or luteal phase defects.

For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Human Reproduction (2001) found that Vitex agnus-castus extract normalized menstrual cycles in women with luteal phase defects due to hyperprolactinemia. However, the number and size of high-quality studies specifically addressing amenorrhea are limited, and most research focuses on premenstrual syndrome or general menstrual irregularities rather than amenorrhea itself.

In summary, while there is scientific plausibility and some clinical research supporting the use of Chastetree for amenorrhea—especially when related to elevated prolactin—the overall quality and quantity of evidence is moderate. Thus, the evidence can be rated as 3 out of 5.

More about Chastetree
More about Amenorrhea

Products containing Chastetree

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.