VERBENA.—VERVAIN. Related Species: Agnus Castus

Agnus Castus (Vitex Agnus Castus, Linné) (Nat. Ord.—Verbenaceæ), Chaste tree.—Mediterranean Europe. A small plant of disagreeable odor, bearing terminal spikes of blue or purple flowers, and having berries somewhat like peppercorns, also possessing a pungent taste. Landerer (1835) found the fruit to contain a volatile principle, an acrid oil, and a crystalline, bitter substance named viticin and castin (see Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1885, p. 332). A tincture of the fresh berries is employed. This agent is reported galactagogue and emmenagogue, and is also said to repress the sexual passions, for which purpose the ancient Athenian women employed it. It has been suggested in small doses in impotence and sexual melancholia. It is probably a remedy for sexual irritability, with nervousness, or melancholia, or mild dementia. A tincture of the root of Castus indicus has been employed as an antidote to venomous bites and stings, and in drop doses has been given for giddiness and salivation.