Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex Agnus-Castus
For the body system: Breasts

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry, has a long history of traditional use for supporting women's reproductive health, including conditions related to the breasts. In traditional European herbal medicine, Vitex has been used to manage symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mastalgia (cyclical breast pain or tenderness), and other menstrual irregularities. The presumed mechanism involves Vitex's influence on the pituitary gland, resulting in altered levels of prolactin and other reproductive hormones. Elevated prolactin is associated with breast pain and swelling, particularly before menstruation.

While there is some preliminary scientific research suggesting that Vitex may be helpful for reducing cyclical breast pain (mastalgia), the evidence remains limited and is not robust enough to be deemed fully scientifically validated. Most clinical studies are small, of variable quality, and often combine Vitex with other herbs or interventions. Systematic reviews have found that Vitex may reduce breast pain in women with PMS, but more rigorous studies are needed.

In summary, the use of Vitex agnus-castus to support the breasts—primarily for cyclical breast pain and PMS-related breast symptoms—is rooted in traditional medicine and is supported by some early scientific studies, but the overall evidence base is not strong.

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