The mechanisms underlying the role of Vitex agnus-castus in mastalgia

Abstract

One of the most well-known medicinal plants is Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC), which belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The parts of VAC, especially berries and leaves, contain essential oils, flavonoids, and diterpenes. Many medical benefits of VAC have been reported, including mastalgia, regulating menstrual cycles and premenstrual complaints, and infertility. In this review, the known roles of VAC in mastalgia are analyzed and characterized, as well as the mechanism of action reported in in vitro and/or in vivo studies.