Evidence supporting the use of: Five-leaf Chastetree
For the body system: Pituitary
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Five-leaf Chastetree (Vitex negundo) has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for a variety of health conditions. The primary traditional use associated with the pituitary body system comes from its reputation as a regulator of hormones, especially in female reproductive health. While the more well-known Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry) has some scientific backing for influencing pituitary hormones such as prolactin, Vitex negundo is less studied but is still cited in ethnobotanical sources for similar uses.
Traditional texts describe the use of Five-leaf Chastetree for menstrual disorders, pain, and inflammation, with some references to its balancing effects on the endocrine system. However, there is a lack of direct scientific research linking Vitex negundo specifically to pituitary function or hormonal modulation in humans. The evidence supporting its use for the pituitary system is therefore based more on traditional practice and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous clinical trials or mechanistic studies.
In summary, Five-leaf Chastetree’s use for pituitary support is primarily justified by tradition. The evidence is limited and indirect, and it is often conflated with the better-studied Vitex agnus-castus. More research is needed to establish any direct effects on the pituitary gland or its hormonal outputs.
Other body systems supported by Five-leaf Chastetree
BreastsEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Pituitary
Progesterone
Reproductive System
Uterus