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Monk's pepper, also known as chaste tree or Vitex agnus-castus L., is a hemp-like, 3-5 m tall shrub from the genus Vitex (around 250 species are known) in the labiate family and the subfamily Viticoideae, which is mainly found in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor. Characteristic are the large, palmately divided, cross-opposite leaves and the fragrant lilac-colored, sometimes purple, blue, pink or white flowers. Flowering time is September/October.
The 4-seeded chaste tree fruits are similar in color and size to black pepper (see also the name monk's pepper) and are mainly used for gynecological complaints (was considered an anti-aphrodisiac in the Middle Ages).
The dried fruits (monk's pepper fruits - Agni casti fructus) are used phytotherapeutically.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/moenchspfeffer.php
Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 162-163
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles