Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) (Vitex agnus-castus) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,240 participants, researched for PMS & PMDD, Menstrual Cycle Regulation, Prolactin Modulation and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
PMS & PMDD
StrongMenstrual Cycle Regulation
ModerateProlactin Modulation
ModerateFertility
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
PMS & PMDD
To evaluate the efficacy of properly characterised Vitex agnus-castus preparations in premenstrual syndrome.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of properly characterised Vitex agnus-castus preparations in premenstrual syndrome.
Dose
Various standardised preparations
Participants
Meta-analysis of RCTs
Duration
3–6 menstrual cycles
Results
Vitex agnus-castus preparations significantly reduced PMS symptoms compared to placebo. The evidence supports their clinical use for PMS when properly characterised preparations are used.
How They Measured It
PMS symptom scores across included RCTs
To evaluate evidence for Vitex agnus-castus in PMS and PMDD from randomised controlled trials.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To evaluate evidence for Vitex agnus-castus in PMS and PMDD from randomised controlled trials.
Dose
Various VAC preparations 3.2–40 mg extract/day
Participants
Systematic review of RCTs
Duration
3 menstrual cycles
Results
RCTs using Vitex agnus-castus for PMS/PMDD treatment suggested that VAC extract is a safe and efficacious alternative treatment option. Most trials showed statistically significant improvements in PMS/PMDD symptoms.
How They Measured It
PMS/PMDD symptom scores (VAS, CGI, DRSP) across RCTs
To evaluate the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (Ze 440) in women with PMS.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (Ze 440) in women with PMS.
Dose
20 mg VAC extract (Ze 440) once daily
Participants
170 women with moderate-to-severe PMS
Duration
3 menstrual cycles
Results
VAC extract significantly reduced DRSP total scores compared to placebo. Symptoms including irritability, mood swings, headache, breast fullness, and bloating were all significantly improved. Treatment was well tolerated.
How They Measured It
DRSP (Daily Record of Severity of Problems), CGI
Menstrual Cycle Regulation
To systematically review clinical trials of Vitex agnus-castus for female reproductive disorders.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To systematically review clinical trials of Vitex agnus-castus for female reproductive disorders.
Dose
Various preparations
Participants
Systematic review of clinical trials
Duration
Various (3–6 months)
Results
Clinical evidence supports Vitex agnus-castus for irregular menstrual cycles, mastalgia, and luteal phase defects. Evidence base is promising but more rigorous large-scale trials are required.
How They Measured It
Menstrual cycle parameters, hormonal outcomes across included RCTs
To assess the effects of Vitex agnus-castus on luteal phase length and progesterone levels in women with luteal phase defects.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled
Purpose
To assess the effects of Vitex agnus-castus on luteal phase length and progesterone levels in women with luteal phase defects.
Dose
3.5 mg VAC extract twice daily
Participants
52 women with luteal phase defect
Duration
3 menstrual cycles
Results
Vitex significantly lengthened the luteal phase and increased midluteal progesterone levels. Women in the treatment group showed normalisation of the progesterone/oestradiol ratio.
How They Measured It
Serum progesterone, luteal phase length, midluteal estradiol
Prolactin Modulation
To evaluate the evidence for chasteberry as a galactogogue and prolactin modulator.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To evaluate the evidence for chasteberry as a galactogogue and prolactin modulator.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Chasteberry acts as a dopamine agonist at pituitary dopamine D2 receptors, reducing prolactin secretion. Clinical evidence of prolactin lowering is moderate. Galactogogue claims not sufficiently supported by clinical trials.
How They Measured It
Review of prolactin measurement studies and clinical trials
Fertility
To evaluate the effect of a Vitex agnus-castus-containing herbal formula on fertility in women with luteal phase defects.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of a Vitex agnus-castus-containing herbal formula on fertility in women with luteal phase defects.
Dose
Mastodynon (contains VAC) 30 drops twice daily
Participants
96 women with infertility and luteal phase defects
Duration
3 months
Results
Significantly more women in the Mastodynon group became pregnant compared to placebo. Progesterone levels increased and luteal phase length normalised, supporting the role of VAC in restoring fertility.
How They Measured It
Pregnancy rate, hormonal profile (LH, FSH, oestradiol, progesterone)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) (Vitex agnus-castus), involving 1,240 total participants. Research covers PMS & PMDD, Menstrual cycle regulation, Prolactin modulation and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) has been researched for: PMS & PMDD, Menstrual cycle regulation, Prolactin modulation, Fertility. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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