Properties
The chaste tree is currently used mostly for the treatment of disorders related to the female menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome and to relieve breast pain. The phytocomplex harmonises the female hormonal balance by regulating the ovulatory system, in addition to benefiting some menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. The plant operates on a pituitary level and has an anti-estrogenic and antispasmodic action. The chaste tree, as a result, helps hormone production by the corpus luteum diverting the estrogen-progestin balance towards the progestin activity. It also seems that the plant extracts are able to reduce the levels of serum prolactin in women with premenstrual breast pain, thus contributing to easing pain and, probably, also other symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome. The ability of the plant's properties to reduce excessive prolactin levels may be useful in female infertility.
Nutraceuticals
- Flavonoids and iridoids: aucuboside and agnoside (flowering tops)
- Glucosides (casticina and vitexin); viticina (alkaloid); quinone
- Bitter principles (castina)
- Essential oil containing cineol and pinene
- 3-class-steroids