Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree): Pharmacological and Clinical Data

Abstract

The medicinal use of extracts from Vitex agnus-castus has a long tradition. The use in ,,disturbances of the female genital system" was first reported more than two thousand years ago. Nowadays ethanolic extracts from the fruit are used for the treatment of mastopathy, premenstrual syndrome and luteal insufficiency-complaints caused by a mild or a latent hyperprolactinemia. The mode of action of Vitex agnus-castus extracts was studied in vitro using primary cultures from rat pituitaries as a test system. A dose dependent reduction of prolactin secretion was observed. The effect could be blocked by the dopamine -receptor antagonist, haloperidol, confirming a dopamine agonistic activity of the drug. The prolactin lowering effect of Vitex agnus-castus was also found in in vivo experiments in rats. Clinical studies in patients with premenstrual syndrome, luteal insufficiency, and mastopathy show a simultaneous decrease in the clinical syndrome score and prolactin levels.Vitex agnus-castus is a shrub belonging to the family of Verbenaceae which is widespread in the Mediterranean region and in Asia. As is the case for a considerable number of medicinal plants described, e.g. in the German Pharmacopoeia, the plant was used anciently as an herbal remedy.The medicinal use of Vitex agnus-castus was mentioned by Dioskurides, Hippokrates, Plinius, and Galen. Even at that time the plant was namely used for the treatment of "dysregulations of the female genital system." Moreover, the shrub was a symbol of chastity. The Greek goddess Hera is said to have been born under an Agnus-castus shrub. The vestal virgins carried branches of Vitex agnus-castus. Accordingly, in the Middle Ages at the robing ceremony of novices, the way to the monastery was sprinkled with flowers from Vitex agnus-castus. The fruit of the plant, which smell and taste like pepper, was used by the monks as a spice and as an