Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus)

The dried berry from the chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.), a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, has been used medicinally since the time of Hippocrates. Monks are said to have chewed the plant to inspire chastity, hence the name, chaste-tree. It's also called monk's pepper or simply vitex.

Background: The origin of the current practice of administering Vitex agnus-castus in menopause-related complaints is uncertain, but appears to be relatively recent. Here we review the evidence f...