What is it?

Chaste Tree is an herb that has been used to treat menstrual (monthly period) problems including pre-menstrual symptoms, painful periods, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and hormonal regulation. Other uses include the treatment of infertility, menopause symptoms, acne, and breast pain.

Other names for Chaste Tree include: Vitex agnus castus, Chasteberry, Abraham's Balm, Lagano, and Monk's Pepper.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:

Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:

Talk with your caregiver about how much Chaste Tree you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Chaste Tree. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:

Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Drug and Food Interactions:

Do not take Chaste Tree without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

• Medicine for Parkinson's disease (examples: amantadine (Symmetrel(R)), bromocriptine (Parlodel(R)), levodopa (Larodopa(R), Dopar(R)), carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet(R)), pergolide (Permax(R)), pramipexole (Mirapex(R)), ropinirole (Requip(R)))
• Medicine for mental conditions (examples: fluphenazine (Prolixin(R)), chlorpromazine (Thorazine(R)), clozapine (Clozaril(R)), haloperidol (Haldol(R)); risperidone Risperdal(R)), thioridazine (Mellaril(R)))
• Prochorperazine (Compazine(R))

Warnings:

• Before taking Chaste Tree, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You should not take Chaste Tree if you are taking hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or sex hormones (1,2)

Side Effects:

Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or rash.

Other Side Effects:

You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• You may get itching, dry mouth, stomach upset, or headaches (5,10)
• You may have tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and agitation

References:

1. Love SM & Lindsay K: Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book: Making Informed Choices About Menopause. Random House, New York, NY; 1997.

2. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A et al (eds): The Complete German Commission E Monographs, 1st ed. American Botanical Council, Austin, TX; 1998.

3. Amann W: Pramenstruelle Wasserretention. Gunstige wirkung von Agnus castus (AgnolytR) auf pramenstruelle wasserretention. Z Allg Med 1979; 55: 48-51.

4. Amann W: Das "praemenstruelle syndrom" hat viele gesichter. Haeufig bringt schon die gezielte anamnese aufschluss. Arztl Praxis 1979; 31: 3091-3092.

5. Kartnig T: Vitex agnus-castus - Moenchspfeffer oder Keuschlamm. Ein arneipflanze mit indirekt-luteotroper wirkung. Z Phytotherapie 1986; 7: 119 122.

6. Bruckner C: In mitteleuropa genutzte heilpflanzen mit milchsekretionsfoerdernder wirkung (galactagoga). Gleditschia 1989; 17: 189-201.

7. Fachinformation: Agnolyt(R), Keuschlammfruechte-Tinktur. MADAUS AG, Koeln, Germany; 1998.

8. Fachinformation: Mastodynon(R), Agnus castus, Caulophyllum thalictroides Dil. D4, Cyclamen Dil. D4, Ignatia Dil. D6, Iris Dil. D2, Lillium tigrinum Dil. D3. BIONORICA Arzneimittel GmbH, Neumarkt, Germany; 1999.

9. Merz PG, Gorkow C, Schroedter A et al: The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1996; 104(6):447-453.

10. Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H et al: Vitex agnus castus-Extrakt zur Behandlung von Regeltempoanomalien infolge latenter Hyperprolaktinamie. Ergebnisse einer randomisierten Plazebo-kontrollierten Doppelblindstudie. Arzneim-Forsch 1993; 43(7):752-756.