Tinctura vitexii Tinktura konopljike 30ml (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus Fam. Lamiaceae is a small shrub, native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Chasteberry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3–5 meters (10–16 feet) tall. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with multiple branches, and in optimal conditions, it can resemble a small tree.

The leaves are palmately compound, with typically 5–7 lance-shaped leaflets that are aromatic when crushed. Leaves are dark green on the upper side and grayish-green on the underside, with a slightly hairy texture. Leaf arrangement is opposite, and each leaflet has serrated edges, adding to the plant's distinctive appearance.

Chasteberry produces spikes of small, lavender to violet-blue flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The flowers are tubular with a slightly fragrant aroma and grow in clusters on long stems at the ends of branches. The plant's flowering is abundant, especially in warm climates, creating a striking visual appeal. 

The fruits are small, round, and dark purple to nearly black when ripe. They resemble small peppercorns and are about 4–6 mm in diameter. The fruit contains a single seed and has a slightly bitter, peppery taste.

The hardy, drought-resistant nature and attractive flowering of Vitex agnus-castus have made it a popular ornamental plant as well as a valued herb in traditional medicine.

 

Medicinal properties of chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) and its preparations, like mother tincture (Tinctura vitexii, tinktura konopljike) is well known guardian of women's health;

• Potential effects on balancing hormones
• Can help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, irritability, and breast tenderness
• Can support menstrual irregularities and may be beneficial in managing menopausal symptoms

 

Chasteberry in traditional medicine and folklore

 

Ancient texts and historical references provide insight into the significance of chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) in traditional medicine and culture.

Hippocrates, in his works, mentioned chasteberry's use in treating injuries and inflammations, as well as for reproductive health, he referred to it as helpful in managing the "flux of the womb."

In his influential herbal, De Materia Medica, Dioscorides recommended chasteberry for various health concerns: "It has the power to reduce the desire for sexual intercourse," supporting the belief that it could suppress libido and promote chastity. Dioscorides also suggested it as useful for "swellings and inflammations" and for regulating menstruation.

Theophrastus, often considered the "Father of Botany," wrote about the chaste-tree in his Enquiry into Plants, noting its growth and uses in gardens and medicine. He remarked on its widespread use as a medicinal and sacred plant, believed to "preserve chastity" when its leaves or berries were scattered around the bed.

Pliny, in his Natural History, referred to the chaste tree as a plant associated with purity and used in ceremonies: "The Athenian women, during the Thesmophoria festival, would spread the leaves of chasteberry upon their beds, believing it had the power to guard their chastity." Pliny also noted its medicinal benefits for conditions related to women’s health. 

Galen, another notable ancient physician, frequently mentioned chasteberry in his works. He regarded it as a "warm and drying" herb, beneficial for the reproductive organs. Galen wrote of its use to "promote the flow of milk" in nursing women, and to ease menstrual and uterine issues, advocating for its balancing effects on female hormones. 

These ancient references highlight the cultural and medicinal importance of chasteberry in classical antiquity, particularly in the context of women’s health and purity rituals. These insights from early physicians and naturalists influenced its continued use throughout the Middle Ages and into modern herbal medicine.

Chasteberry has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was often associated with chastity, as its supposed anaphrodisiac (libido-reducing) properties led monks and nuns to use it to help maintain celibacy.  In ancient Greece, it was used by women to promote fertility and balance menstruation.

The berries are slightly peppery in taste, which is why they are sometimes referred to as "monk's pepper." Historically, chasteberry was used by monks in the Middle Ages for its supposed ability to reduce sexual desire, hence the name "chaste" berry.

 

Chasteberry constituents

 

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) contains several active chemical constituents that contribute to its medicinal properties, particularly in hormone regulation and women’s health. The main categories of its constituents include flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, diterpenes, essential oils, and various phenolic compounds. Here’s a breakdown of these key components; flavonoids; apigenin, casticin, isovitexin, kaempferol, and quercetagetin (these are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties). Casticin (this specific flavonoid is thought to play a role in chasteberry's hormonal effects, especially its potential impact on dopamine receptors, which may help reduce prolactin levels and alleviate PMS symptoms). Kaempferol and quercetagetin (flavonoids contribute to the antioxidant capacity of chasteberry, helping protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation). iridoid glycosides; aucubin and agnuside (these are unique to chasteberry and are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential hormone-balancing properties). Diterpenes; vitexilactone and rotundifuran (these diterpenes are thought to be some of the most active constituents in chasteberry, particularly in influencing hormone levels). Essential oils; 1,8-cineole, sabinene, α-pinene, and limonene (primary components of chasteberry’s essential oil, providing anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effects). Phenolic compounds; gallic acid and vanillic acid (these phenolic acids contribute antioxidant properties to chasteberry, helping neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage). Alkaloids and tannins; while present in smaller amounts, alkaloids and tannins contribute to the astringent and digestive benefits of chasteberry. 

 

Mechanism of Action

 

Dopaminergic Effects: Many of chasteberry’s compounds, particularly flavonoids and diterpenes, seem to act on dopamine receptors, specifically D2 receptors, in the pituitary gland. This action can reduce the secretion of prolactin, balancing reproductive hormones. 

Hormone Modulation: By affecting prolactin levels, chasteberry indirectly influences the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can help balance the menstrual cycle, alleviate PMS symptoms, and support overall reproductive health.