BT-023 · Lamiaceae

Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus
Evidence: ClinicalCaution

It was called “monk’s pepper” because medieval monks were believed to eat it to curb desire.

Other names
Vitex, monk’s pepper, hayıt (Turkish)
Part used
Fruit
Region
Anatolia and the Mediterranean
Use
Healing
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus): purple flower spikes
Photo: Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
In short

What is Chaste tree?

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: fruit.

What is Chaste tree used for?

Traditional use: Grows along Aegean and Mediterranean streams. Scientific evidence: clinical. Standardised fruit extract reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms versus placebo in several controlled trials.

Is Chaste tree safe?

Safety label: caution. It has hormonal effects and can interact with birth control, hormone therapy and dopamine-related drugs. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Traditional use

Anatolia

Grows along Aegean and Mediterranean streams. Its twigs are used for basketry; the fruit is brewed for irregular periods.

Ancient Greece

At the Thesmophoria festival for Demeter, women made beds of chaste-tree branches; it was a symbol of chastity.

In nature

Where it grows
Stream beds and coastal dunes in the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Harvest season
Fruit is picked September–October.
Local names
hayıt, ayıt, beşparmak otu, rahip biberi

Mix-up risk

Easy to recognise by its purple flower spikes and hand-like, five-part leaves.

Preparation

Usually taken as a standardised extract.

What science says

Standardised fruit extract reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms versus placebo in several controlled trials. The EMA classes this use as “well established”.

Safety

Caution

It has hormonal effects and can interact with birth control, hormone therapy and dopamine-related drugs. Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Medicine or substanceWhy it matters
Birth control pills and hormone therapyActs on hormone balance; may change the effect.
Dopamine-acting drugs (Parkinson’s drugs, some antipsychotics)May interact, as it acts through dopamine.
IVF medicinesMay affect ovulation treatment.

This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Chaste tree.

Similar plants

Thyme and oregano (Thymus): white and pink flowers
BT-006

Thyme and oregano

Thymus, Origanum, Thymbra, Satureja türleri
Lamiaceae
Evidence: LimitedGenerally safe
Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa): purple-flowered stems
BT-007

Greek sage

Salvia fruticosa
Lamiaceae
Evidence: LimitedCaution
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): wrinkled green leaves
BT-012

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis
Lamiaceae
Evidence: LimitedGenerally safe

Sources

  1. EMA monographAgni casti fructus: European Medicines Agency herbal assessment
  2. NCCIHUS National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: use and safety summary
  3. BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
  4. Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Vitex agnus-castus
  5. Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.

Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe

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