Vitex agnus-castus

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree, monk's pepper, and chasteberry, is a species of flowering plant in the Verbenaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and Southern Europe.

Description[edit | edit source]

Vitex agnus-castus is a large shrub or small tree that can reach up to 7 meters in height. It has palmate leaves and produces small, fragrant flowers in the summer. The fruit of the plant is a small, dark, peppery berry which is used in herbal medicine.

Uses[edit | edit source]

The berries of Vitex agnus-castus have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. They are believed to have hormone-regulating properties and are often used to treat conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and infertility. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Vitex agnus-castus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant is often grown for its ornamental value, thanks to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.

Research[edit | edit source]

While some studies suggest that Vitex agnus-castus may be effective in treating certain conditions, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Some potential side effects of the plant include nausea, headache, and gastrointestinal problems.

See also[edit | edit source]





Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD