Chaste Tree Berry Research Key

• General Information

•• Some technical terms

••• Very technical

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The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines

Author: Mark Blumenthal, et al

Abridged version of the Complete German Commission E Monographs with monographs on chaste tree. Concise data including composition, uses, contraindications, interactions with other drugs, and actions.

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Chaste tree—Monograph

Author: Steven Foster

Informative and interesting overview of Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) by a contemporary master herbalist, including both historical and clinical data on chasteberry and its reported positive effects on women’s health and well being.

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What is Chaste tree?

Author: Sydney L. Murray, Publisher of Vision Magazine, San Diego, CA, Research and Development Associate at Oöna

A very informative and concise description of the herb that identifies and explains the various symptoms chaste tree may help to alleviate.

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Phytomedicines of Europe, Chemistry and Biological Activity
American Chemical Society Symposium Series 691, Chapter 21 - Vitex agnus-castus

Author: H. Winteroff

One of the most comprehensive overviews of the clinical and pharmacological data on Vitex agnus-castus or chaste berry. Discussion of a study reporting the alleviation of premenstrual syndrome with 33% reporting complete cessation of symptoms and 57% reporting symptoms greatly reduced. PLEASE NOTE: We are limited to the amount of words we can reproduce from this chapter. Please reference the above author and journal for the entire piece.

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The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999, Morrow/Avon Division of Harper Collins, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019

Author: Andrea Pierce

A reference guide offering information on chaste berry as well as many other herbs. Conservative viewing of chaste berry.

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Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals, Brand New Edition 1999,
pp. 190-192

Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies pp. 51-52, 402

Author: Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D.

Nice historical and scientific overview of chaste berry. Gives good description of various studies that have suggested how chaste tree berry works.

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Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health Care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1996

Author: Carol A. Newall, Linda Anderson and David Phillipson

An in depth clinical monograph of agnus castus (chaste berry) with concise data including its use, description of doses, pharmacological actions and possible warnings.

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Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants DK Publishing, 95 Madison Ave. 10^th Floor, New York NY 10016

Author: Andrew Cheavllier

Visually pleasing, nicely presented monograph of agnus-vitex or chaste tree berry. Overviews preparations, parts used, habitat and cultivation, research and traditional and current uses.

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Agnus Castus Extracts Inhibit Prolactin Secretion of Rat Pituitary Cells, Hormone and Metabolic Research, 25 1993 pp. 253-255

Author: G. Sliutz et al.

Looks at their studies of prolactin inhibition by plant extracts and focused on the effects of extract of Vitex agnus-castus and its preparations on rat pituitary cells under basal and stimulated conditions in primary cell cultures. Summarizes that Agnus castus has dopaminergic effects and inhibits prolactin secretion significantly. Concludes that agnus castus could be used as an efficient component in the treatment of slight hyperprolactinaemia and its symptoms.