Evidence supporting the use of: Chaste tree
For the health condition: Endometriosis

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

Synopsis

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

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chasteberry, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially within European and Mediterranean cultures, for managing various gynecological conditions. Its traditional use in supporting endometriosis is based primarily on its reputed effects in balancing female hormones, particularly by influencing prolactin and supporting progesterone production through effects on the pituitary gland. The underlying rationale is that hormonal imbalances are thought to contribute to the development and severity of endometriosis symptoms.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting chaste tree's effectiveness specifically for endometriosis is limited. Most clinical research on chaste tree focuses on its benefits for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cyclical mastalgia, and menstrual irregularities. A few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest potential symptomatic relief in endometriosis due to its hormonal modulating effects, but robust clinical trials are lacking. The evidence therefore remains mostly traditional, rather than robustly scientific. The rating of 2 reflects the presence of some plausible mechanism and centuries of traditional use, but insufficient direct scientific validation for endometriosis specifically.

Overall, while chaste tree is widely considered safe for most women and is popular in herbal protocols for menstrual and hormone-related issues, its use for endometriosis should be considered adjunctive and not a substitute for evidence-based medical therapies.

More about chaste tree
More about Endometriosis