Vitex agnus-castus
Monk's pepper
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a revered medicinal shrub native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its ability to balance hormones, it is frequently used to alleviate symptoms of PMS, irregular menstrual cycles, and irritability. This potent botanical offers a natural approach to supporting female reproductive wellness.
- Scientific name: Vitex agnus-castus
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Vitex agnus-castus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Vitex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vitex | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Vitex agnus-castus, is recognized by various local names across different cultures and languages. In Hungarian, it is referred to as barátcsevej, while in Arabic, it is known as كف مريم. In Azerbaijan, the name Müqəddəs viteks is used, and in Catalan, it is called aloc. Furthermore, it is known as Kyskhedstræ in Danish.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hu | barátcserje | Wikidata |
| ar | كف مريم | Wikidata |
| az | Müqəddəs viteks | Wikidata |
| ca | aloc | Wikidata |
| da | Kyskhedstræ | Wikidata |
| de | Mönchspfeffer | Wikidata |
| el | Λυγαριά | Wikidata |
| fa | پنجانگشت | Wikidata |
| fi | siveydenpuu | Wikidata |
| gl | Agnocasto | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Germany. Its distribution extends significantly into Southwestern Europe, where it is established in France. Furthermore, the species is located on several Mediterranean islands, including Corse and Sardegna. Finally, its range in the southwestern region also encompasses the Baleares.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Chasteberry, utilizes various anatomical structures for its medicinal properties. The most frequently used part is the fruits, which are small, dark, drupe-like berries often referred to as chasteberries. Within these fruits, the seeds contain concentrated bioactive compounds that are essential for therapeutic applications. In addition to the reproductive components, the leaf is also noted for its aromatic qualities and can be used in herbal preparations. Furthermore, the stems provide the structural framework that supports the plant's growth, contributing to the overall biological profile of the species.- Total parts
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 16
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Vitex agnus-castus has 58 reported phytochemicals identified across 77 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include casticin, agnuside, flavonoids, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 58
- Scientific sources
- 77
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| casticin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| agnuside | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| p-hydroxybenzoic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 1,8-cineole | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| artemetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iridoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vanillic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitetrifolin D | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Vitex agnus-castus has 10 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Estrogenic, Antidiabetic, Antihyperglycemic.
- Total activities
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Estrogenic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dopaminergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emmenagogue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phytoestrogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vitex agnus-castus has 32 reported medicinal uses identified across 44 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include premenstrual syndrome, mastalgia, Candida albicans, amenorrhea, hirsutism.
- Total uses
- 32
- Scientific sources
- 44
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| premenstrual syndrome | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| mastalgia | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| amenorrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hirsutism | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hot flashes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oligomenorrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aspergillus niger | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chagas disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HIV-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |