Evidence supporting the use of: Chaste tree
For the health condition: Fibroids (uterine)

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): 1

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chasteberry, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Historically, it has been used to address a variety of female reproductive issues, including menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and symptoms associated with menopause. Its use for uterine fibroids, however, is primarily based on traditional beliefs about its effects on hormonal balance, rather than robust scientific evidence. Traditionally, it is thought that chaste tree may help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce estrogen dominance, which is considered a contributing factor in the development of fibroids. However, the direct evidence linking chaste tree to a reduction in fibroid size or symptoms is very limited. Most clinical research on chaste tree focuses on its effects on PMS and mastalgia, rather than fibroids. Some herbal practitioners may recommend it for fibroids based on its reported ability to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and promote progesterone activity, but this is largely extrapolated from its effects in other gynecological conditions. In summary, while there is a traditional rationale for its use in fibroids, scientific support is lacking, and evidence is limited to anecdotal reports and indirect mechanisms rather than direct clinical trials.

More about chaste tree
More about Fibroids (uterine)