# Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chaste-tree
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Vitex agnus-castus L., Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper, Abraham's Balm, Vitex, Chaste Berry, Agnus Castus

## Overview

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) contains diterpenes and flavonoids that modulate [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) receptors, helping regulate prolactin and reproductive hormones. Clinical evidence supports its effectiveness for reducing PMS symptoms and cyclic breast pain.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces PMS symptoms: Seven of eight RCTs found Vitex superior to placebo, with one Japanese study (PMID: 24604699) showing improvements in irritability, mood, bloating, and fatigue (Strong evidence)
• Alleviates cyclic breast pain: Meta-analysis of 6 studies (n=718) showed moderate effect size (SMD: 0.67) favoring Vitex over placebo, with efficacy comparable to pharmaceutical therapies (Strong evidence)
• Normalizes prolactin levels: RCT (PMID: 8369008) demonstrated significant reduction in TRH-stimulated prolactin, normalized luteal phases, and increased progesterone in women with latent hyperprolactinemia (Moderate evidence)
• Improves sexual function: 16-week RCT (PMID: 31464546) with 102 women found statistically significant improvements in overall sexual function scores versus placebo (Moderate evidence)
• Reduces menopausal symptoms: RCT showed significantly lower scores for total menopausal disorder, anxiety, and vasomotor dysfunction versus placebo (Moderate evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Chaste tree's diterpenes (agnuside, casticin) and flavonoids bind to [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) D2 receptors in the anterior pituitary, reducing prolactin secretion. This hormonal rebalancing increases progesterone relative to estrogen during the luteal phase. The extract also modulates opioid and GABA receptors, contributing to mood stabilization and pain reduction.

## Clinical Summary

Seven of eight randomized controlled trials found chaste tree superior to placebo for PMS symptoms, with one Japanese study (n=128) showing significant improvements in irritability, mood, bloating, and fatigue. A meta-analysis of 6 studies (n=718) demonstrated moderate effect size for reducing cyclic breast pain. Most studies used standardized extracts providing 20-40mg daily for 3-6 months. Evidence quality is moderate to strong for these primary indications.

## Nutritional Profile

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is not consumed as a food for macronutrient value; its pharmacological relevance derives entirely from its bioactive phytochemical profile. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Iridoid glycosides:** Agnuside (0.01–0.07% of dried fruit weight) and aucubin — agnuside is often used as a standardization marker, with quality extracts standardized to ≥0.5% agnuside. • **Diterpenes (clerodane-type):** Rotundifuran, vitexilactone, and 6β,7β-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8,14-diene — these are key [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic active constituents; vitexilactone binds dopamine D2 receptors at concentrations as low as 0.1–1 µM in vitro. • **Flavonoids:** Casticin (0.02–0.2% of dried fruit), penduletin, chrysosplenol-D, and vitexin. Casticin demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antiproliferative activity. • **Essential oils (0.5–1.8% of dried fruit):** 1,8-cineole (8–25%), sabinene (5–15%), α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and limonene — composition varies by geographic origin. • **Phenolic acids:** p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid. • **Fatty acids in seed oil:** Linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid present in seeds but not typically extracted in standard preparations. **Standardization of Commercial Extracts:** Most clinical trials use BNO 1095 or Ze 440 extracts standardized to contain specific ratios of casticin (≥0.6 mg per 20 mg extract in Ze 440) or agnuside. Typical extract ratios are 6–12:1 (drug:extract) using 60–70% ethanol. **Mineral/Vitamin Content:** Negligible at therapeutic doses (typically 20–40 mg extract/day or 30–40 mg dried fruit); trace amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc are present in whole fruit but are pharmacologically irrelevant at standard dosing. **Bioavailability Notes:** Oral bioavailability of key diterpenes and iridoids is moderate; agnuside undergoes hydrolysis in the GI tract, releasing the aglycone aucubigenin. Casticin has relatively low aqueous solubility, but ethanol-based extraction significantly improves its recovery. The lipophilic diterpene fraction responsible for dopaminergic activity is well-absorbed with concurrent dietary fat. No published human pharmacokinetic studies with full ADME data exist; most bioavailability data are extrapolated from in vitro permeability models and rodent studies.

## Dosage & Preparation

Standardized extract: 20-40 mg daily, with treatment duration of approximately 3 months for optimal effects. Dried extract: 3.2-4.8 mg daily (as in Agnugol tablets). Single capsule preparations containing 20 mg Vitex agnus castus have been used in clinical studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, headache, and menstrual irregularities during initial weeks of use. Chaste tree may reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy due to its hormonal activity. It can interact with [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) agonists and antagonists used for Parkinson's disease and psychiatric conditions. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal effects.

## Scientific Research

A meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines examined Vitex products versus placebo for PMS, while a systematic review of 25 studies (17 RCTs) confirmed efficacy for cyclic mastalgia with a conservative meta-analysis of 718 participants. Large real-world effectiveness studies (PMID: 38393671) involving Cyclodynon® and Mastodynon® products showed 85.2% of dysmenorrhea patients experienced improvement over three months, with additional RCTs demonstrating efficacy for hyperprolactinemia (PMID: 8369008) and sexual dysfunction (PMID: 31464546).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Vitex is predominantly used for female reproductive conditions in Anglo-American and European herbal medicine practice. While the research indicates modern herbal medicine adoption, specific ancient traditional use documentation or historical context from traditional medicine systems was not provided in the available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Evening Primrose Oil, Calcium, Black Cohosh

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does chaste tree take to work for PMS?

Clinical studies show chaste tree typically requires 2-3 menstrual cycles (6-12 weeks) to demonstrate significant PMS symptom improvement. Most research used 3-6 month treatment periods, with benefits often continuing after discontinuation.

### What is the standard chaste tree dosage for hormonal balance?

Clinical studies typically use 20-40mg daily of standardized chaste tree extract (0.6% agnuside) taken as a single morning dose. Liquid extracts are dosed at 40 drops daily, while whole herb preparations range from 500-1000mg daily.

### Can chaste tree help with irregular periods?

Chaste tree may help regulate menstrual cycles by reducing prolactin and supporting progesterone production. However, clinical evidence is limited compared to PMS research, and it should not replace medical evaluation for persistent irregularities.

### Does chaste tree affect birth control pills?

Chaste tree may theoretically reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness due to its hormone-modulating properties, though clinical data is limited. Women using birth control should consult healthcare providers before starting chaste tree supplementation.

### What are the side effects of taking chaste tree daily?

Most common side effects include mild stomach upset, headaches, and temporary menstrual changes during the first 1-2 cycles. Serious adverse effects are rare, but some women experience increased menstrual flow or cycle length changes.

### Is chaste tree safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Chaste tree is not recommended during pregnancy as it influences prolactin and hormone levels, which could potentially affect fetal development; insufficient safety data exists for this population. While some lactation support is theoretically possible, breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before use, as effects on milk supply and infant safety have not been adequately studied.

### How does chaste tree compare to other herbal remedies for hormone balance like red clover or dong quai?

Chaste tree (Vitex) works by modulating prolactin and luteinizing hormone rather than providing phytoestrogens, making it mechanistically distinct from red clover and dong quai. Clinical evidence for Vitex in PMS and cyclic breast pain is stronger than for red clover; however, dong quai and red clover may be better suited for menopausal symptoms due to their estrogenic properties, whereas Vitex targets luteal phase dysfunction.

### What type of chaste tree product is most effective—standardized extract, dried fruit, or liquid tincture?

Standardized extracts (typically 0.5% agnuside or 10% total iridoid glycosides) provide consistent dosing and show the strongest clinical evidence in PMS and breast pain studies. Liquid tinctures and dried fruit preparations are less researched and may have variable potency, making standardized extracts the preferred form for therapeutic efficacy based on available RCT data.

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