Chaste Tree Berry Side Effects

Chaste tree berry is also known as chasteberry, monk's pepper and vitex. The berry comes from a small shrub-like tree native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. Chaste tree berry has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. It has some known mild side effects and may interact with certain medications.

History

• The benefits of chaste tree berry have been known and used in traditional medicine for thousands of year. Mostly used by women, chaste tree berry has been beneficial as an aid in the stimulation of breast milk and to help ease menstrual problems. It has been said that during the Middle Ages, monks used chaste tree berry to reduce sexual desire and thus maintain their celibacy.

Uses

• Chaste tree berry is still used today for menstrual problems; these include premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularity, breast pain, amenorrhea (no menstrual period) and menopausal symptoms. Chaste tree berry is also used for acne and some types of infertility.

How Used/Dosages

• Chaste tree berry is used as a dietary supplement. The dried ripe berry is prepared as a liquid or solid extract and put into tablet and capsule form. In his book, "The Second Spring," Dr. Maoshing Ni recommends chaste tree berry supplements to relieve menopausal symptoms as it does not contain plant estrogen or progesterone; he recommends 500 to 1,000 mg daily.

Side Effects

• According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), chaste tree berry has not been associated with serious side effects, but it can cause dizziness, acne-like rashes, headaches and some gastrointestinal problems.

Cautions/Interactions

• Women who are pregnant or nursing, taking birth control pills or have a hormone-sensitive condition, should not take chaste tree berry as it may affect certain hormone levels. People taking dopamine-related drugs should also avoid taking chaste tree berry as it may affect the dopamine system in the brain.

The Science

• According to the NCCAM, a few studies have shown chaste tree berry to be beneficial in treating premenstrual syndrome, however, these studies have not drawn firm conclusions. There have also been small studies suggesting that chaste tree berry may be helpful for breast pain and some types of infertility; there is not enough reliable evidence to support these findings.

Warning

• Dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Herbs can be put on the market based on health claims made by a manufacturer's own interpretation of studies. Some herbs can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Before adding a supplement to your diet, it is advisable to speak to your health care provider.