Plant Comparison

Wood Betony vs Chasteberry

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant

Second plant

Plant AWood BetonyStachys officinalisLamiaceaeFull monograph →

Plant BChasteberryVitex agnus-castusLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Wood Betony and Chasteberry: both belong to the Lamiaceae family; they share 1 indicated use (menstrual cramps).

Wood BetonyChasteberry

Constituents33

Pharmacological actions50

Indicated uses115

Safety notes23

Cited sources1318

Indicated uses

Only Wood Betony

AnxietyArthritis / joint painBloatingHeadacheIndigestionInflammation (general)Muscle spasmNervous tensionSkin irritationStress

Shared (1)

Menstrual cramps

Only Chasteberry

AcneMenopausePain (general)PMS / premenstrual syndrome

Pharmacological actions

Only Wood Betony

Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidantAntispasmodicAnxiolytic / calmingDigestive aid

Shared (0)

none

Only Chasteberry

none

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Wood Betony	Chasteberry	Verdict
Menstrual cramps	1/10	8/10	Stronger for Chasteberry

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Phenylethanoid and iridoid glycosides (acteoside, harpagide, harpagoside, aucubin, betonyosides)^{[9, 10, 11]}

Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic constituents.

Iridoid glycosidesHarpagosideGlycosidesVerbascoside (acteoside)

Alkaloids (stachydrine, betaine)^[11]

Characteristic nitrogen-containing constituents.

Alkaloids

Phenolic acids (rosmarinic, caffeic, chlorogenic), tannins and volatile oil^{[2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12]}

Antioxidant, astringent and aromatic constituents; methanolic extract of the herb showed strong free-radical-scavenging and lipid-peroxidation-inhibiting activity in vitro.

Phenolic acidsEssential (volatile) oilChlorogenic acidRosmarinic acidCaffeic acidTannins

Diterpenes (e.g. rotundifuran, clerodadienols)^{[9, 14]}

Bind dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary, reducing prolactin release - the key mechanism.

Terpenes / terpenoids

Flavonoids (casticin, vitexin)^[1]

Antioxidant constituents of the fruit.

Flavonoids

Iridoid glycosides (agnuside, aucubin)^{[8, 10]}

Characteristic constituents used in standardisation.

Iridoid glycosidesGlycosides

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[9, 11]}

Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic

Antioxidant^{[1, 2, 5, 8, 12]}

Antioxidant - among the strongest free-radical scavengers in a comparative study of Lamiaceae herbs

Antispasmodic^[11]

Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic

Anxiolytic / calming^{[11, 13]}

Gentle calmative for anxiety; Nervine / relaxant for nervous tension and tension headaches (especially headache worsened by anxiety or muscle tension)

Digestive aid^[11]

Digestive bitter for indigestion, mild stomach upset and bloating

Not documented

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Anxiety^{[11, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

Gentle calmative for anxiety; Nervine / relaxant for nervous tension and tension headaches (especially headache worsened by anxiety or muscle tension)

Evidence: 1

Label: Anxiety

Arthritis / joint pain^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Bloating^[11]Traditional · 1/10

Digestive bitter for indigestion, mild stomach upset and bloating

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Headache^{[11, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

Nervine / relaxant for nervous tension and tension headaches (especially headache worsened by anxiety or muscle tension)

Evidence: 1

Label: Headache

Indigestion^[11]Traditional · 1/10

Digestive bitter for indigestion, mild stomach upset and bloating

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Inflammation (general)^{[9, 11]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Inflammation (general)

Menstrual cramps^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

Nervous tension^{[11, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

Nervine / relaxant for nervous tension and tension headaches (especially headache worsened by anxiety or muscle tension)

Evidence: 1

Label: Nervous tension

Skin irritation^[11]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Stress^{[11, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anxiolytic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Stress

Acne^{[8, 11]}Good · 7/10

Cycle-related (hormonal) acne (traditional)

Evidence: 7

Label: Acne

Menopause^{[7, 11]}Good · 7/10

Evidence: 7

Label: Menopause

Menstrual cramps^{[1, 5, 11]}Good · 8/10

Evidence: 8

Label: Menstrual cramps

Pain (general)^{[1, 4, 5, 9, 14, 15]}Strong · 10/10

Eases cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) and menstrual-cycle complaints including cramping. The proposed mechanism is dopaminergic suppression of latent hyperprolactinaemia.

Evidence: 10

Label: Pain (general)

PMS / premenstrual syndrome^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 16, 17]}Strong · 10/10

Eases cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) and menstrual-cycle complaints including cramping; Relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

Evidence: 10

Label: PMS / premenstrual syndrome

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^[11]Info

Generally well tolerated, with occasional mild nausea the main reported effect.

Safety note^{[11, 13]}Caution

Traditionally avoided in pregnancy (uterine reputation), and it may lower blood pressure - use caution with blood-pressure medicines.

Safety note^[8]Info

Reported adverse events are mild and reversible (nausea, headache, gastrointestinal upset, menstrual changes, acne, itching or rash).

Safety note^[8]Caution

Because it acts on dopamine and the hormonal axis, avoid alongside dopamine-antagonist (antipsychotic) or dopamine-agonist drugs and use caution with hormonal medicines (oral contraceptives, HRT) and hormone-sensitive conditions.

Safety note^{[8, 18]}Caution

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A systematic review found only poor-grade evidence (theoretical, expert opinion and in vitro) suggesting oestrogenic, progesteronic, uterine-stimulant and emmenagogue activity, and expert opinion actively conflicts on whether chastetree increases or decreases lactation. The precaution rests on absence of safety data rather than on demonstrated harm.

External Ids

Gbif: 7777194

Wikidata: Q157297

Gbif: 2925562

Wikidata: Q259318

Botanical Description

Perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 30-60 cm tall, with square, mostly unbranched, hairy stems. Leaves are mostly basal, oblong to heart-shaped, toothed and wrinkled. Small, reddish-purple, two-lipped flowers are borne in a dense, interrupted terminal spike.^[11]

Height: 30-60 cm

Habit: Erect perennial herb

Leaves: Mostly basal, oblong to heart-shaped, toothed, wrinkled

Flowers: Small, reddish-purple, two-lipped, in a dense interrupted terminal spike

Stem: Square, mostly unbranched, hairy

Root: Fibrous perennial rootstock

Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)

Flowering Period: June-September

Deciduous shrub or small tree with slender, aromatic, palmately compound leaves of narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, greyish-downy beneath. Small, fragrant, lilac to violet flowers are borne in long, slender terminal spikes, followed by small, dark, peppercorn-like berries with a peppery, aromatic taste.^[1]

Height: 2-6 m

Habit: Deciduous shrub or small tree

Leaves: Palmately compound, narrow lance-shaped leaflets, greyish-downy beneath, aromatic

Flowers: Small, fragrant, lilac to violet, in long slender terminal spikes

Stem: Slender, aromatic branches

Root: Woody root system

Fruit: Small, dark, peppercorn-like berry with a peppery, aromatic taste (the medicinal part)

Flowering Period: July-September

Habitat

Native to Europe, growing in open woodland, grassland, hedgebanks and heathland on well-drained, often slightly acidic soils.^[11]

Native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, growing along riverbanks, streamsides and coastal scrub; widely cultivated in warm-temperate climates worldwide.^[1]

Harvesting

Aerial flowering parts are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.^[11]

Parts: Aerial parts (flowering herb)

Season: Summer, during flowering

The ripe berries are collected in autumn once they have darkened and dried, then further dried and stored for use in decoctions or standardised extracts.

Parts: Fruit (berry)

Season: Autumn, when fruit is ripe

Traditional Uses

Wood betony has an ancient European reputation - praised in Anglo-Saxon and medieval herbals as a cure-all, giving rise to the saying 'sell your coat and buy betony' - as a gentle nervine for headache, anxiety and nervous tension, and as a digestive bitter. Modern phytochemical studies confirm it is among the strongest antioxidants of the Lamiaceae family, alongside anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic constituents.^{[11, 13]}

Chasteberry has a long Mediterranean tradition, reflected in its 'chaste tree' name, historically used to reduce libido in monastic settings, and, more centrally to its modern use, as a traditional women's tonic for menstrual irregularities, premenstrual complaints and cyclical breast tenderness; standardised extracts are now among the best-clinically-studied herbal remedies for premenstrual syndrome, acting via dopaminergic modulation of prolactin.^[1]

Preparations

Infusion (tea)^[11]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water - the classic calming and digestive preparation.

Standardised extract^[1]

Dried fruit extract standardised to agnuside/casticin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the form used in most clinical PMS and cyclical breast pain trials.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)^{[11, 13]}

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 1-2 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription; use caution alongside blood-pressure medicines and avoid in pregnancy.

Standardised extract^[1]

Clinical trials for PMS commonly use extracts providing around 20-40 mg of dried fruit extract daily, taken over several menstrual cycles for full effect. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1055, REF-1056, REF-1057, REF-1058, REF-1059, REF-1042, REF-1060, REF-1061, REF-1062, REF-1063

REF-0433, REF-1607, REF-1608, REF-1609, REF-1610, REF-1611, REF-1612, REF-0434, REF-1613, REF-1614, REF-2580, REF-3115, REF-3120

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Outcome: none-known

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

Slapsyte, G., Dedonyte, V., Adomeniene, A., Lazutka, J.R. and others (2019) 'Genotoxic properties of Betonica officinalis, Gratiola officinalis, Vincetoxicum luteum and Vincetoxicum hirundinaria extracts', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 134, pp. 110815. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2019.110815 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.110815
Apostolescu, G.F., Popescu, D.I., Botoran, O., Sandru, D. and others (2023) 'Chemical and Antioxidant Profile of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Stachys officinalis L., Stachys palustris L., Stachys sylvatica L. from Romania', Acta Chimica Slovenica, 70(2), pp. 231-239. doi:10.17344/acsi.2023.8046 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.17344/acsi.2023.8046
Hajdari, A., Mustafa, B., Franz, C. and Novak, J (2011) 'Variability of essential oils of Betonica officinalis (Lamiaceae) from different wild populations in Kosovo', Natural Product Communications, 6(9), pp. 1343-1346. doi:10.1177/1934578x1100600931 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1100600931
Giuliani, C., Pellegrino, R.M., Selvaggi, R., Tani, C. and others (2017) 'Secretory structures and essential oil composition in Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevisan subsp. officinalis (Lamiaceae) from Italy', Natural Product Research, 31(9), pp. 1006-1013. doi:10.1080/14786419.2016.1261347 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2016.1261347
Benedec, D., Oniga, I., Hanganu, D., Tiperciuc, B. and others (2023) 'Stachys Species: Comparative Evaluation of Phenolic Profile and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential', Antibiotics, 12(11), pp. 1644. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12111644 Preclinical
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Ohiienko, T., Kutsyk, R., Kurovets, L., Ohiienko, S. and others (2023) 'Screening of medicinal and aromatic plants extracts for the synergism with fluconazole against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis fungi associated with denture stomatitis', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 76(7), pp. 1615-1620. doi:10.36740/WLek202307115 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202307115
Lazarevic, J.S., Dordevic, A.S., Kitic, D.V., Zlatkovic, B.K. and others (2013) 'Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevis. (Lamiaceae)', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 10(7), pp. 1335-1349. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201200332 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201200332
Stegarus, D.I., Lengyel, E., Apostolescu, G.F., Botoran, O.R. and others (2021) 'Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Three Stachys Species (Lamiaceae) from Romania', Plants, 10(12), pp. 2710. doi:10.3390/plants10122710 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122710
Háznagy-Radnai, E., Balogh, Á., Czigle, S., Máthé, I. and others (2012) 'Antiinflammatory activities of Hungarian Stachys species and their iridoids', Phytotherapy Research, 26(4), pp. 505-509. doi:10.1002/ptr.3582 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3582
Bilušić Vundać, V (2019) 'Taxonomical and Phytochemical Characterisation of 10 Stachys Taxa Recorded in the Balkan Peninsula Flora: A Review', Plants, 8(2), pp. 32. doi:10.3390/plants8020032 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8020032
The Naturopathic Herbalist (n.d.) 'Stachys officinalis (Wood Betony)'. Available at: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs/r-s/stachys-officinalis/ Traditional / reference
https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs/r-s/stachys-officinalis/
Matkowski, A. and Piotrowska, M (2006) 'Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of some medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae', Fitoterapia, 77(5), pp. 346--353. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2006.04.004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2006.04.004
PeaceHealth (n.d.) 'Wood Betony (Health Information Library)'. Available at: https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-3662000 Traditional / reference
https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-3662000

van Die, M.D., Burger, H.G., Teede, H.J. and Bone, K.M (2012) 'Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327831 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1327831
Csupor, D., Lantos, T., Hegyi, P., Benko, R. and others (2019) 'Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 47, pp. 102190. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024
Verkaik, S., Kamperman, A.M., van Westrhenen, R. and Schulte, P.F.J (2017) 'The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis', American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 217(2), pp. 150-166. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028
Ooi, S.L., Watts, S., McClean, R. and Pak, S.C (2020) 'Vitex Agnus-Castus for the Treatment of Cyclic Mastalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Women's Health, 29(2), pp. 262-278. doi:10.1089/jwh.2019.7770 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2019.7770
Holler, M., Steindl, H., Abramov-Sommariva, D., Kleemann, J. and others (2024) 'Use of Vitex agnus-castus in patients with menstrual cycle disorders: a single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study', Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 309(5), pp. 2089-2098. doi:10.1007/s00404-023-07363-4 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07363-4
Cerqueira, R.O., Frey, B.N., Leclerc, E. and Brietzke, E (2017) 'Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review', Archives of Women's Mental Health, 20(6), pp. 713-719. doi:10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0
van Die, M.D., Burger, H.G., Teede, H.J. and Bone, K.M (2009) 'Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the treatment of menopause-related complaints', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), pp. 853-862. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0447 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0447
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https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004
Wuttke, W., Jarry, H., Christoffel, V., Spengler, B. and Seidlova-Wuttke, D (2003) 'Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) - pharmacology and clinical indications', Phytomedicine, 10(4), pp. 348-357. doi:10.1078/094471103322004866 Meta-analysis / review
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https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.120522
Mollazadeh, S. and Mirghafourvand, M. and Abdollahi, N. G (2019) 'The effects of Vitex agnus-castus on menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 17(1). doi:10.1515/jcim-2018-0053 Meta-analysis / review
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Tha\c ci, S. and Krasniqi, B. and D\"ermaku-Sopjani, M. and Rifati-Nixha, A. and Abazi, S. and Sopjani, M (2022) 'Vasorelaxant effects of the Vitex agnus-castus extract', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, pp. 7708781. doi:10.1155/2022/7708781 Preclinical
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Atmaca, M. and Kumru, S. and Tezcan, E (2003) 'Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder', Human Psychopharmacology, 18(3), pp. 191--195. doi:10.1002/hup.470 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.470
Zamani, M. and Neghab, N. and Torabian, S (2012) 'Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome', Acta Medica Iranica, 50(2), pp. 101--106. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359078/ Randomized trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359078/
Dugoua, J.-J. and Seely, D. and Perri, D. and Koren, G. and Mills, E (2008) 'Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation', Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 15(1), pp. e74--e79. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18204102/ Meta-analysis / review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18204102/

Wood Betony monograph Chasteberry monograph Compare other plants

Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.