Evidence supporting the use of: Five-leaf Chastetree
For the health condition: PMS Type H
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Five-leaf Chastetree (Vitex negundo) is traditionally used in various Asian medical systems, but most research and clinical use regarding premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly PMS Type H (characterized by water retention and bloating), revolves around Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree Berry). There is often confusion between these species, but some scientific studies have specifically examined Vitex agnus-castus for PMS symptoms, including fluid retention.
Available clinical trials and meta-analyses largely support the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in reducing overall PMS symptoms, such as breast tenderness, bloating, and edema, which are characteristic of PMS Type H. The proposed mechanism is through modulation of prolactin and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which may reduce water retention and mastalgia. However, direct high-quality studies on Five-leaf Chastetree (Vitex negundo) for PMS Type H are lacking. Some phytochemical studies suggest anti-inflammatory and mild diuretic properties for V. negundo, but clinical evidence is sparse.
In summary, there is strong scientific support (rating: 4) for the use of Vitex agnus-castus in treating PMS Type H symptoms, but the evidence for Vitex negundo (Five-leaf Chastetree) specifically is limited and largely extrapolated from the better-studied species.