Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsDosage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Dosage
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chaste tree or chasteberry, is a shrub found in the Mediterranean. It is used as a supplement to help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome, and improve fertility.
How to Choose a SupplementIn the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
How to Choose a Supplement
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Benefits of Vitex
Vitex has a history of use in treating a range of conditions that affect females. (Its nicknames “chaste tree” and “chasteberry” originated from the belief that it could suppress libido.)
Vitex is most commonly used to manage symptoms of, and treat, the following:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Menopause
Vitex is marketed to help manage hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety duringmenopause—but there’s little conclusive research to back up these claims.
In one study, women who took a combination of vitex andnigella sativareported significantly fewer menopausal symptoms after eight weeks than those taking a placebo.However, another clinical trial evaluating a product that containedSt. John’s wortand vitex found that it didn’t work any better than the placebo.
Infertility
There’s promising evidence that vitex may boost fertility. A 2017 systematic review concluded vitex can contribute to the treatment of infertility in both men and women.
Another study found that taking a supplement blend containing vitex extract, maca, and folate significantly increased ovulation—but it’s unknown whether it was vitex (or another component of the supplement) that was responsible for the positive result.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Research suggests vitex may help improve the following symptoms ofPCOS:oligomenorrhea(irregular and inconsistent menstrual blood flow);amenorrhea(absence of menstrual period for three months or more); andhyperandrogenism(high levels of androgens).
Hyperprolactanemia
Hyperprolactinemiais a condition in which levels of the hormone prolactin are too high in the blood. Vitex may help prevent the release of prolactin, and therefore could be beneficial in treating cases of mild hyperprolactinemia and drug-induced hyperprolactinemia. However, there are only a small number of studies that have investigated vitex for this purpose.
Additional Uses
While vitex has been marketed for its use in managing acne, fibrocystic breast disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, migraines, and joint conditions, there is insufficient research to back these claims.
Potential Risks
Vitex may cause side effects, including:
Precautions
The following people should not take vitex due to safety concerns:
Interactions
If you are taking any of the following medications, talk to your healthcare provider before considering vitex:
Research studies use different vitex dosages—generally between 4 and 40 milligrams (mg)—when investigating the herb’s effect on various conditions.There is not enough evidence to establish a recommended dosage of vitex; the appropriate amount will depend on a person’s age, medical conditions, and the specific formulation (extract) used.
What Happens if I Take Too Much?
In several short-term clinical trials, vitex in conventional oral doses was described as having no or only mild adverse side effects, with no mention of toxicity.
Is It Safe to Take Vitex Every Day?
There are no official recommendations for how long you can take vitex. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are considering using vitex daily and/or long-term.
Supplement Facts
Summary
Vitex is a plant-based supplement that may affect hormone levels. Some research suggests it can improve symptoms of PMS and menopause, and help with infertility, PCOS, and hyperprolactinemia. However, stronger research data is needed to support these claims.
Vitex is generally considered safe, and its side effects are mild. However, it may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, estrogen pills, and drugs used to reduce dopamine levels.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781Natural 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-0032-1327831Molaie 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:10.1080/09513590.2018.1499086van 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.0b013e31817fa9e0Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M.Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electron Physician. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. doi: 10.19082/3685Antoine E, Chirila S, Teodorescu C.A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2019 Sep;14(3):274-279. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2019.14.3.274Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, et al.Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781University of Rochester Medical Center.Chaste tree (chasteberry).Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.Vitex agnus-castus.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Chasteberry.LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-.Chaste Tree. [Updated 2023 Jan 20].
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781Natural 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-0032-1327831Molaie 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:10.1080/09513590.2018.1499086van 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.0b013e31817fa9e0Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M.Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electron Physician. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. doi: 10.19082/3685Antoine E, Chirila S, Teodorescu C.A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2019 Sep;14(3):274-279. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2019.14.3.274Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, et al.Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781University of Rochester Medical Center.Chaste tree (chasteberry).Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.Vitex agnus-castus.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Chasteberry.LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-.Chaste Tree. [Updated 2023 Jan 20].
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781Natural 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-0032-1327831Molaie 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:10.1080/09513590.2018.1499086van 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.0b013e31817fa9e0Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M.Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electron Physician. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. doi: 10.19082/3685Antoine E, Chirila S, Teodorescu C.A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2019 Sep;14(3):274-279. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2019.14.3.274Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, et al.Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781University of Rochester Medical Center.Chaste tree (chasteberry).Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.Vitex agnus-castus.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Chasteberry.LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-.Chaste Tree. [Updated 2023 Jan 20].
Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G.Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Nov 21;14:1269781. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781
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
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
Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M.Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electron Physician. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. doi: 10.19082/3685
Antoine E, Chirila S, Teodorescu C.A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2019 Sep;14(3):274-279. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2019.14.3.274
Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, et al.Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511
University of Rochester Medical Center.Chaste tree (chasteberry).
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.Vitex agnus-castus.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Chasteberry.
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