Vitex (Chasteberry)
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is used for premenstrual syndrome, cyclic mastalgia, and luteal-phase symptom patterns. Evidence is moderate for PMS symptom reduction with standardized extracts, but it is not appropriate for pregnancy attempts, fertility treatment, or hormone-sensitive conditions without clinician guidance. Its dopaminergic effects can lower prolactin and interact with hormonal or psychiatric medications.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Vitex (Chasteberry) is a herb most often used for may reduce pms symptoms, may reduce cyclic breast tenderness, may support luteal-phase symptom patterns when prolactin is mildly high. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 20-40 mg/day standardized extract such as Ze 440, or 400-1,000 mg/day dried berry equivalent, commonly taken as standardized vitex agnus-castus fruit extract taken once each morning. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Acne or rash
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically clinician-directed
- Use during IVF or fertility treatment without clinician approval
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: may reduce pms symptoms, may reduce cyclic breast tenderness, may support luteal-phase symptom patterns when prolactin is mildly high. 3 sources indexed (2000–2013), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Vitex constituents such as diterpenes appear to act on dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary, which can reduce prolactin secretion when prolactin is mildly elevated. Lower prolactin may indirectly normalize luteal function in some users and reduce breast tenderness. The herb may also affect opioid and estrogen receptor signaling, making hormonal context clinically important.1,2
Dosing & protocol.
Often taken in the morning; food can be used if nausea occurs. Effects usually require 2-3 menstrual cycles.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized Vitex extract capsule.
Standardized extracts cost more but better match clinical trials. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Acne or rash
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Dizziness
- Mood changes in susceptible users
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically clinician-directed
- Use during IVF or fertility treatment without clinician approval
- Hormonal contraception, hormone therapy, or dopamine-active medications require clinician review
- History of hormone-sensitive cancer or pituitary disorder without medical guidance
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
1- 1Vitex agnus castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trialsvan Die MD et al. · Planta Medica · 2013
Clinical trials favored Vitex for PMS and mastalgia, but study quality and extract differences mattered.
Randomized controlled trials
2- 2Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled studySchellenberg R · BMJ · 2001
Vitex extract improved global PMS symptoms compared with placebo over three cycles.
- 3Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndromeBerger D et al. · Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics · 2000
Standardized Vitex extract improved PMS symptom scores in a controlled trial.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Vitex (Chasteberry), drawn from the data on this page.
What is Vitex (Chasteberry)?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is used for premenstrual syndrome, cyclic mastalgia, and luteal-phase symptom patterns. Evidence is moderate for PMS symptom reduction with standardized extracts, but it is not appropriate for pregnancy attempts, fertility treatment, or hormone-sensitive conditions without clinician guidance. Its dopaminergic effects can lower prolactin and interact with hormonal or psychiatric medications.
What is Vitex (Chasteberry) used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Vitex (Chasteberry) include: May reduce PMS symptoms; May reduce cyclic breast tenderness; May support luteal-phase symptom patterns when prolactin is mildly high; May help menstrual-cycle-related mood and irritability in some users. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Vitex (Chasteberry)?
A typical adult dose of Vitex (Chasteberry) is 20-40 mg/day standardized extract such as Ze 440, or 400-1,000 mg/day dried berry equivalent. The commonly recommended form is Standardized Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract taken once each morning. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Vitex (Chasteberry)?
Reported side effects include nausea, headache, acne or rash, menstrual cycle changes, dizziness, mood changes in susceptible users. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Vitex (Chasteberry)?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Vitex (Chasteberry) in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.