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

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Synopsis

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

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chasteberry, has a long history of traditional use in supporting reproductive health, particularly in women experiencing menstrual irregularities and infertility. Traditionally, it was believed to balance hormones and promote fertility. Modern scientific research provides some support for these traditional uses, although evidence is not robust and larger clinical trials are needed.

The proposed mechanism by which chaste tree may support fertility relates to its ability to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The active compounds in chasteberry appear to modulate dopamine receptors, which can reduce prolactin secretion. High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can disrupt ovulation and reduce fertility. Several small studies and randomized controlled trials have suggested that chaste tree extracts can lower prolactin and improve menstrual cycle regularity, potentially restoring ovulation in women with luteal phase defects or mild hyperprolactinemia.

However, the evidence remains limited. Most studies are small, of short duration, and some lack rigorous controls. Meta-analyses and reviews generally conclude that while there is preliminary evidence supporting chaste tree’s role in improving some parameters related to female infertility, the effect size is modest and more research is required. There is little evidence for its use in male infertility. Thus, chaste tree is scientifically investigated for female infertility, but the overall quality and strength of evidence is currently rated as low to moderate.

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