Open, spreading, deciduous shrub with 5- or 7-palmate leaves composed of slender, narrow elliptic, pointed, entire or slightly toothed, aromatic, dark green leaflets, to 10cm or more long. Small, tubular fragrant, lilac to blue flowers are borne in slender upright, terminal panicles, to 13-18cm long in early and mid-autumn. Height to 6m (20 foot). To propagate: sow seed at 6-12°C in autumn or spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, shelter Vitex agnus-castus from cold, drying winds.

Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

This buddleia-like shrub comes from Sicily but is hardy in much of the British Isles. It was known as the Chaste plant, and reported by Woodville (1790) that, being ‘especially useful to those living a monastic life these seeds have been called Monks’ Pepper’ and were sprinkled on food to prevent carnal thoughts'. Lyte (1578) says it is ‘a singular remedy for such as would live chaste, for it withstandeth all uncleanliness and the filthy desire to lechery’. Nuns carried the leaves in their pockets to keep their minds pure, believing that its virtuous properties could be absorbed – like the copper in the bangles for arthritis worn to this day. Visitors to the garden of the Royal College of Physicians in London report that it is still found growing outside the monasteries of France. It continues to be used in herbal medicine for premenstrual syndromes although clinical effectiveness is not supported by controlled trials. It does have dopaminergic activity and may lower serum prolactin levels. It is licensed as a herbal medicine for minor symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome. Severe allergic reactions have been reported. No assessment of sexual activity or interest was made. (European Medicines Agency report, November 2010). No assessment of sexual activity or interest was made, but it should be noted that raised levels of prolactin (the reverse of the effect of Vitex agnus-castus) are associated with loss of libido in both men and women. It is licensed for use in Traditional Herbal Medicines in the UK (UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Used since the Greeks for menstrual disorders, and as anaphrodisiacs by monks. Effects on hormone levels are currently being researched.

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data Orally for the symptomatic treatment of gynaecological disorders including corpus luteum insufficiency and hyperprolactinaemia (19), premenstrual syndrome (20–25), menstrual irregularities (26, 27), cyclic mastalgia (28, 29) and also to treat hormonally-induced acne (30, 31). Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents Orally for the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and secondary amenorrhoea (32); endocrine-dependent dermatoses (dermatitis symmetrica dysmenorrhoica (Matzenauer-Polland syndrome)) acne vulgaris, eczema, acne rosacea), hypermenorrhoea (33), infertility due to hyperprolactinaemia and luteal phase defect (34). Used to treat fibroid cysts and infertility, to stop miscarriages due to progesterone insufficiency, to help expel the placenta after birth (35) and also as a digestive aid, sedative, anti-infective and for the treatment of hot flushes (36). Uses described in traditional medicine Used as an anaphrodisiac, calefacient, contraceptive, emmenagogue, sedative and as a tonic (5). Contraindications Fructus Agni Casti should not be used during pregnancy (35).

Chaste Tree; Chasteberry; Monks' Pepper

Indication: relief of premenstrual symptoms. From Patient information leaflet for preparations licensed as Traditional Herbal remedies in the UK.

Side effects/precautions: do not take with pituitary disorder, pregnancy/breast feeding; hypersensitivity; caution with oestrogen-sensitive cancer, dopamine agonists/antagonists, oestrogens/antiaestrogens; may cause severe allergic reactions (face swelling etc), allergic skin reactions, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, acne, menstrual disorders. From Patient information leaflet for preparations licensed as Traditional Herbal remedies in the UK.

Possibly; diterpenes and flavonoids.