Vitex Agnus-Castus

Researchers report that 30–40 mg of dried fruit extracts, 3–6 grams of dried herb, or 1 gram of dried fruit per day appear safe (9).

Vitex Agnus-Castus: Which Benefits of Chasteberry Are Backed by Science?

Vitex agnus-castus is a popular herbal supplement used to treat a variety of health problems.

It’s most commonly used to treat:

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
menstrual disorders
infertility
acne
menopause
nursing difficulties

It’s also touted as protection against insect bites and certain types of cancer and claimed to offer a variety of other health effects. However, not all benefits are backed by science.

Here are the science-backed benefits — as well as some myths — associated with Vitex agnus-castus.

Vitex, which is the name of the largest genus in the Verbenaceae plant family, includes 250 species worldwide (1).

Vitex agnus-castus is the most common vitex used medicinally.

The Vitex agnus-castus fruit, also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is about the size of a peppercorn. It’s produced by the chaste tree, which acquired its name because its fruit was likely used to decrease men’s libido during the Middle Ages ( 2 ).

This fruit — as well as other parts of the plant — are typically used as an herbal remedy to treat a variety of ailments.

For instance, Vitex agnus-castus is used to treat:

PMS
symptoms of menopause
infertility issues
other conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system

In fact, it’s been used in this way since ancient Greece ( 2 ).

In Turkish medicine, it’s also used as a digestive, antifungal and anti-anxiety aid ( 3 ).

Summary

Vitex agnus-castus is a plant frequently harvested as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments. Its most popular use is to relieve PMS, menopause symptoms and infertility issues.

Vitex agnus-castus is particularly known for its ability to improve conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system.

Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

One of the most popular and well-researched attributes of Vitex agnus-castus is its ability to reduce symptoms of PMS.

constipation
irritability
depressed mood
migraines
breast pain and tenderness

Researchers believe that vitex works by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This helps rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone — thus reducing PMS symptoms (4).

In one study, women with PMS took Vitex agnus-castus during three consecutive menstrual cycles. In total, 93 percent of those given vitex reported a decrease in PMS symptoms, including:

However, the study didn’t include a control group, and placebo effects can’t be ruled out ( 5 ).

In two smaller studies, women with PMS were given 20 mg of Vitex agnus-castus per day or a placebo for three menstrual cycles.

Twice as many women in the vitex group reported a decrease in symptoms including irritability, mood swings, headaches and breast fullness, compared to those given the placebo ( 6 , 7 ).

Vitex agnus-castus also appears to help reduce cyclic mastalgia, a type of breast pain linked to menstruation. Research suggests that it may be as effective as common drug treatment — but with far fewer side effects ( 8 , 9, 10 ).

However, two recent reviews report that although vitex appears helpful in reducing PMS symptoms, its benefits may be overestimated (11, 12 , 13).

Better-designed studies may be needed before strong conclusions can be made.

May reduce menopause symptoms

The hormone-balancing effects of Vitex agnus-castus may also help relieve symptoms of menopause.

In one study, vitex oils were given to 23 women in menopause. Women reported improved menopause symptoms, including better mood and sleep. Some even regained their period ( 14 ).

In a follow-up study 52 additional pre- and postmenopausal women were given a vitex cream. Of the study participants, 33 percent experienced major improvements, and another 36 percent reported moderate improvements in symptoms, including night sweats and hot flashes ( 14 ).

However, not all studies have observed benefits. One recent and larger double-blind, randomized, controlled trial — the gold standard in research — gave women a placebo or a daily tablet containing a combination of vitex and St. John’s wort.

After 16 weeks, the vitex supplement was no more effective than the placebo at reducing hot flashes, depression or any other menopausal symptoms ( 15 ).

Keep in mind that in many studies reporting benefits, women were provided with supplements that mixed Vitex agnus-castus with other herbs. Therefore, it’s difficult to isolate the effects of vitex alone ( 16 ).

May enhance fertility

Vitex may improve female fertility due to its possible effect on prolactin levels ( 17 ).

This may be especially true in women with luteal phase defect, or a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle. This disorder is linked to abnormally high prolactin levels and makes it difficult for women to become pregnant.

In one study, 40 women with abnormally high prolactin levels were given either 40 mg of Vitex agnus-castus or a pharmaceutical drug. Vitex was as effective as the drug in reducing prolactin levels ( 18 ).

In another study in 52 women with luteal phase defect, 20 mg of vitex resulted in lower prolactin levels and prolonged menstrual phases, while participants given a placebo saw no benefits ( 19 ).

Yet another study gave 93 women — who had unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant over the last 6–36 months — a supplement containing Vitex agnus-castus or a placebo.

After three months, women in the vitex group experienced an improved hormone balance — and 26 percent of them became pregnant. In comparison, only 10 percent of those in the placebo group became pregnant ( 20 ).

Keep in mind that the supplement held a mix of other ingredients, making it difficult to isolate the effects of vitex.

Irregular periods can also hamper women in planning a pregnancy. Three additional studies report that vitex is more effective than a placebo in improving menstrual cycles in women with irregular periods (21, 22 , 19 ).

Summary

Vitex agnus-castus may reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, though study results are mixed. By potentially decreasing prolactin hormone levels and stabilizing menstrual periods, it may also enhance fertility.

Vitex may also help keep a variety of insects at bay.

In one study, an extract made from vitex seeds helped repel mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and fleas for about six hours ( 24 ).

Another study revealed that a spray containing vitex and other plant extracts protected against head lice for at least seven hours ( 25 ).

Research further shows that vitex may kill lice larva and impede adult lice reproduction ( 25 , 26 ).

Summary

Vitex agnus-castus may offer some protection against insects, particularly mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, and head lice.

Vitex may also offer a range of additional benefits, including:

Reduced headaches. In one study, women prone to migraines given vitex daily for three months reduced the number of headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycles by 66 percent ( 28 ). However, the study didn’t include a control group, making it impossible to know whether vitex was responsible for these benefits.
Antibacterial and antifungal effects.Test-tube studies show that essential oils made from vitex may fight harmful fungi and bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Salmonella bacteria ( 29 , 30 ). Keep in mind that essential oils should not be consumed, and vitex supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of infections.
Reduced inflammation. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in vitex may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effects aren’t stronger than those of aspirin ( 31 , 32 ).
Bone repair. In one study, women with bone fractures given a combination of vitex and magnesium had slightly increased markers for bone repair than those given a placebo ( 35 ).
Epilepsy prevention. Animal studies suggest that vitex may reduce the likelihood of epileptic seizures (36, 37 ).

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

What Is Vitex?

Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N-AP, CNSC, FAND is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and writer with over 20 year of experience in clinical nutrition.

Updated on August 14, 2022

Elizabeth Barnes, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, and heart health.

Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

What Is Vitex?

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) is a plant used in herbal medicine. Also known as chaste tree or chasteberry, it’s often used to remedy women’s health problems. Vitex supplements typically contain extracts of the fruit and/or seed of the plant.

Vitex’s entire mechanism of action is unknown, but it may indirectly influence several hormones, such as prolactin, progesterone, and estrogen. For example, it is thought that vitex reduces the release of prolactin by activating dopamine receptors. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that helps promote breast development and milk production.

This article will discuss vitex, its purported uses, and considerations for supplementation.

Dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Supplement Facts

Active ingredient: Berry and possibly other parts of the plant Vitex agnus-castus
Alternate Name(s): Chaste tree, chaste berry, monk’s pepper
Recommended Dose: No recommendations; however, 4 to 40 milligrams/day is commonly used
Safety Considerations: Not for use in people who are pregnant, lactating, or have other hormone-sensitive conditions. Discuss with your healthcare provider before taking this drug if you have Parkinson’s disease, as it may decrease the effectiveness of birth control or hormone pills.

What Is Vitex Used For?

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or primary care provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

Vitex has a long history of use in a range of female conditions. The name “chaste tree” comes from the belief in folk medicine that it could suppress libido.

In herbal medicine today, vitex is frequently used to manage the following:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Infertility in females
Menopausal symptoms

There is a lack of large-scale clinical trials testing the effects of vitex. While vitex has been marketed for its use in managing acne, fibrocystic breast disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, migraines, and joint conditions, there is insufficient science to back these claims.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Supplementing vitex may improve symptoms associated with PMS, such as anxiety, breast pain, moodiness, and headaches. Researchers suggest that by decreasing prolactin release, vitex helps balance other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

For a report published in the journal Planta Medica, researchers reviewed 12 previously published clinical trials investigating the effects of vitex on conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Despite some limitations within the reviewed trials, the results indicated that vitex might be beneficial in managing PMS.

A more recent systematic review found that although vitex had a positive effect on PMS symptoms, a high degree of bias was found in the studies reviewed. A 2019 study similarly found that vitex helped relieve symptoms of PMS but the studies available were not of great quality and therefore, could not prove the efficacy of vitex.

Vitex may help manage symptoms associated with PMS, but more research is needed to study the efficacy of its use.

Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is diagnosed once a person has gone without a period for 12 months. Although it’s a natural process, it is accompanied by several unpleasant side effects, including:

Chills
Hot flashes
Mood changes
Sleep problems
Weight gain

Vitex has been marketed to help manage the symptoms of menopause, but the research findings to date are inconsistent. There is currently a lack of rigorous clinical trials testing the effects of vitex on menopausal symptoms. The available studies include small sample sizes, different products, combination products, and other outcomes.

A study published in 2019 included 46 women who used either an herbal remedy or a placebo. The herbal remedy was a combination of vitex and Nigella sativa. After eight weeks, the herbal product resulted in significantly lower scores of self-reported menopause symptoms. However, another clinical trial evaluating a product that contained St. John’s wort and vitex combined did not work any better than the placebo.

Infertility

A nutritional supplement containing a blend of vitex, green tea, L-arginine, vitamins (including folate), and minerals may help improve fertility in women, suggests a study published in Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The study included 93 women aged 24 to 42. All women had been unsuccessful in getting pregnant for six to 36 months. Three months into the study, 26% of the study members treated with the vitex-containing supplement had become pregnant (compared to just 10% of those given a placebo). However, it isn’t easy to know if the study results are due to vitex or other ingredients in the supplement.

One suggested mechanism for this is the effect of vitex on lowering prolactin levels. Abnormally high prolactin levels, often seen in luteal phase defects, can make it hard to get pregnant.

Is Vitex Good For Depression?

Research shows that vitex may reduce mood swings, depression, and anxiety in postmenopausal women. While it may be a useful supplement for women in menopause, it is not a replacement for depression medication. If you are experiencing depression, consult with your healthcare provider.

What Are the Side Effects of Vitex?

Vitex may trigger a number of side effects, including:

Bleeding between menstrual periods
Dry mouth
Hair loss
Headache
Itching
Mild digestive upset
Nausea
Rapid heartbeat
Skin rash.

Side effects resolve after discontinuing vitex. Talk to your healthcare provider if your side effects continue or worsen.

Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

Precautions

Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid using vitex. In addition, people with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or prostate) shouldn’t take vitex without consulting a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in its use.

Because vitex may influence levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, individuals with Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex (unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional).

In addition, there’s some concern that vitex may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Dosage: How Much Vitex Should I Take?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

There is not enough scientific evidence to establish a recommended dose of vitex or chasteberry. However, doses of 4 to 40 milligrams (mg) daily are generally used. Different doses have been studied in research studies investigating the herb’s effect on various conditions.

The right dose for you may depend on various factors including your age, medical conditions, and the specific formulation (extract) used. Read the supplement fact labels to understand what is in it, and speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.

Can You Take Vitex Forever?

There are no official recommendations for how much vitex you should take or how long you can take it. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are considering using vitex long-term. While vitex is considered safe for most people, there is not enough research to say with certainty that it is safe for long-term use.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Vitex?

There are no reports of toxicity from vitex in humans. However, one study found that long-term supplementation at high doses was toxic to rats.

Interactions

Vitex may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, using an additional form of birth control is recommended. Taking vitex may also reduce the effectiveness of estrogen pills. Vitex can also interact with medications used to reduce dopamine levels. This may include medications used for mental disorders or Parkinson’s disease.

If you are taking any of these medications and are considering adding vitex, discuss it with your healthcare provider first. It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Vitex

Storage requirements may vary among manufacturers. Follow the directions provided on the supplement for storage.

Sources of Vitex and What to Look For

Vitex comes from a shrub found in the Mediterranean and Asia. The fruit and seed of the shrub can be used to make supplements. There are no other food sources of vitex.

Vitex Supplements

Vitex is sold as a single nutrient or in combination with other nutrients. It is most often sold in capsule or gummy form. You’ll find it in many health food stores and online.

Summary

Vitex is an herbal product that can affect hormone levels. Some research has shown that it may improve symptoms of PMS, ease menopause, or even help with infertility. However, stronger research data in the form of prospective, randomized clinical trials are needed. If you think vitex may help you, discuss it with your healthcare provider before you start taking supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of vitex?

Some purported uses of vitex include the prevention of premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, and infertility. However, there is a lack of large-scale, clinical research to back up its effectiveness.

Does vitex have side effects?

Side effects of chasteberry or vitex include, but are not limited to, headache, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus (itching), and a rash.

12 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Webster DE, He Y, Chen SN, et al. Opioidergic mechanisms underlying the actions of Vitex agnus-castus L. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2011;81:170-177. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2010.09.013
Natural Standard. Natural standard herb & supplement guide – e-book an evidence-based reference. St Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Die MV, Burger H, Teede H, Bone K. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Medica. 2012;79(07):562-575. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327831
Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R, Schulte PFJ. The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017;217(2):150-166. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028
- Csupor D, Lantos T, Hegyi P, et al. Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials.Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019;47:102190. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024
Molaie M, Darvishi B, Jafari Azar Z, et al. Effects of a combination of Nigella sativa and vitex agnus-castus with citalopram on healthy menopausal women with hot flashes: results from a subpopulation analysis. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2019;35(1):58-61. doi:10.1080/09513590.2018.1499086
van Die MD, Burger HG, Bone KM, et al. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause. 2009;16(1):156-163. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e31817fa9e0
Westphal LM, Polan ML, Trant AS. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Fertilityblend: a nutritional supplement for improving fertility in women. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2006;33(4):205-208.
Tayebi N, Emamghoreishi M, Akbarzadeh M. Effect of vitex agnus-castus on depression of postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial. Shiraz E-Med J. 2021 Jan;22(6):103381. doi:10.5812/semj.103381
Daniele C, Thompson Coon J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-332. doi:10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004
Owolabi M, Abass M, Emeka P, Jaja S, Nnoli M, Dosa BenjaminOS. Biochemical and histologic changes in rats after prolonged administration of the crude aqueous extract of the leaves of vitex grandifolia.Phcog Res. 2010;2(5):273. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.72322
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chasteberry.

By Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N, CNSC, FAND
Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N-AP, CNSC, FAND is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and writer with over 20 years of experience in clinical nutrition. Her experience ranges from counseling cardiac rehabilitation clients to managing the nutrition needs of complex surgical patients.

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman’s World, and Natural Health.

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Vitex Agnus-Castus

Vitex Agnus-Castus: Which Benefits of Chasteberry Are Backed by Science?