Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Chastetree
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Chastetree (Vitex negundo), sometimes referred to as "five-leaved chaste tree," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Ayurveda. In these traditional systems, various parts of the plant—including leaves, seeds, and roots—have been used to address a range of gynecological issues, including menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea, and related symptoms. The rationale in traditional practice is often based on the concepts of balancing bodily energies, dispelling wind and dampness, and regulating menstruation.
However, while Vitex agnus-castus (the European Chaste Tree) has been researched for its effects on hormonal balance and menstrual disorders, Vitex negundo lacks robust modern scientific studies specifically validating its efficacy for menstrual irregularity. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional herbal texts. Small animal studies have suggested some potential estrogenic or anti-inflammatory effects, but these are preliminary and not directly linked to clinical outcomes in menstrual regulation. Systematic clinical trials in humans are lacking.
In summary, the use of Chinese Chastetree for menstrual irregularity is primarily justified by tradition, with limited scientific backing. Evidence is rated at 2, reflecting traditional support and some biological plausibility, but insufficient modern clinical validation.
More about Chinese Chastetree
More about Menstrual Irregularity
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
Szechuan lovage
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
Akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Euryale seed
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fig
False Unicorn Root
Joe-Pye
Knotgrass
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Lesser speargrass
Lophira lanceolata
Leptadenia
Little ironweed
Labisia pumila
Mentha haplocalyx
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mung Bean
Marjoram
Montanoa tomentosa
Macaenes
Pennyroyal
Pulsatilla
Pentatropis capensis
Pointed gourd
Phytoestrogens
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Qin Jiao
Rubus
Rose
Speedwell
Spikenard
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Semiaquilegia
Semecarpus anacardium
Tarragon
Turtle Head
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Chastetree
AmenorrheaBreasts (swelling and tenderness)
Dysmenorrhea
Estrogen (low)
Infertility
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Sex Drive (low)