Vitex polygama
Vitex polygama, commonly known as Chasteberry, is a perennial shrub native to Asia. Renowned in herbal medicine, it is primarily used to balance hormones and support reproductive health. Its bioactive compounds help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms of PMS, making it a popular natural remedy for hormonal equilibrium.
- Scientific name: Vitex polygama
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Lamiaceae. Finally, the medicinal species is identified by 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 |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions within South America. In the western part of the continent, its presence has been documented in Bolivia. The species also has an extensive range throughout Brazil, covering multiple distinct territories. Specifically, it can be found in the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. Additionally, its geographical reach extends into the West-Central area of Brazil.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Chemicals
Vitex polygama has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 20-Hydroxyecdysone, ajugasterone C, turkesterone.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 20-Hydroxyecdysone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ajugasterone C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| turkesterone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |