Chasteberry 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chasteberry— 

common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more 

information. Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, a small shrub-like tree 

native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. The name is thought to 

come from a belief that the plant promoted chastity—it is reported that monks 

in the Middle Ages used chasteberry to decrease sexual desire. 

Common Names—chasteberry, chaste-tree berry, vitex, monk’s pepper 

Latin Name—Vitex agnus-castus 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Chasteberry has been used for thousands of years, mostly by women to ease 

menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk. 

•	 Chasteberry is still used for menstrual problems, such as premenstrual 

syndrome, as well as for symptoms of menopause, some types of infertility, 

and acne. 

How It Is Used 

The dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or solid extracts 

that are put into capsules and tablets. 

What the Science Says 

•	 A few studies of chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome have found a 

benefit. However, most of these studies were not well designed, so firm 

conclusions about chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome cannot be drawn. 

•	 Small studies suggest that chasteberry may help with breast pain and some 

types of infertility, but there is not enough reliable scientific evidence to 

determine whether chasteberry has any effect on these conditions. 

•	 NCCAM is funding studies on chasteberry. Recent projects have explored how 

chasteberry works in the body and how it might affect symptoms of 

premenstrual syndrome. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Chasteberry has not been associated with serious side effects. However, it 

can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness. 

•	 Chasteberry may affect certain hormone levels. Women who are pregnant or 

taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such 

as breast cancer) should not use chasteberry. 
 

•	 Because chasteberry may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking 

dopamine-related medications, such as selegiline, amantadine, and levodopa, should avoid 

using chasteberry. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New 

York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:95-103. 

Chasteberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

July 5, 2007. 

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on 

July 3, 2007. 

Chaste tree fruit. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:62-64. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D335 

Created December 2006 

Updated April 2008 

*D335*