Pronunciation: [ˈaɡnəs kˈastəs] (IPA) 
Agnus castus is a herb used to treat hormonal imbalances in women. The spelling of "Agnus castus" is based on its Latin name, which means "chaste lamb." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈæɡ.nəs ˈkæs.təs/. The "g" in "Agnus" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, like in "go," while the "c" in "castus" is pronounced as a soft "k" sound, like in "kite." The stress is on the first syllable of each word.
Agnus castus, commonly known as chasteberry or monk's pepper, is a small deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Verbena family and is scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus. Agnus castus derives its name from the Latin word "agnus" meaning lamb, as it was once believed to decrease sexual desire and enhance chastity.
In herbal medicine, Agnus castus has been traditionally used for a variety of health conditions, particularly those related to the reproductive system. Its berries contain a multitude of active compounds, including flavonoids, essential oils, and iridoids, that have been found to have hormone-regulating properties. As a result, Agnus castus is mainly recognized as a natural remedy for menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods, and symptoms associated with menopause.
When consumed in the form of standardized extracts or tinctures, Agnus castus is believed to act on the pituitary gland, regulating the balance of hormones like progesterone and prolactin. It is thought to exert a normalizing effect on the menstrual cycle and can alleviate symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, and irritability experienced during PMS.
While Agnus castus is generally considered safe, it may interact with certain medications, including hormonal therapies, and caution should be exercised if taking them concurrently. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before initiating any herbal treatment, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or undergoing prescribed medications.
Chaste-tree, Abraham's balm, monk's pepper-tree, the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus, employed as an antispasmodic and aphrodisiac; a tincture from the fresh berries is used in homeopathic practice for impotence following gonorrhea, in doses of the third to sixth decimal potency.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word Agnus castus has a Latin origin. Agnus means lamb in Latin, and castus means chaste or pure.
