Vitex Agnus Castus: Benefits, Effectiveness and Side Effects

What Is Agnus Castus?

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as vitex, chaste tree, monk’s pepper or chasteberry, is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean and Asia region. Vitex agnus-castus has a long traditionally been used for medicinal purposes involving women’s health. For instance, the ability of vitex agnus-castus to stimulate menstrual flow was reported by Adam Lonicerus, a German botanist in 1582 [1].

It is often used to treat a variety of conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and infertility. Vitex agnus-castus contains iridoids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, essential oils, and ketosteroids, a combination shown to have positive effects on PMS and other complications [2].

Benefits Of Agnus Castus:

The healing benefits of vitex agnus-castus primarily come from the dried fruit and leaves of the plant [3]. There are a number of health benefits that come with vitex agnus-castus supplements such as:

 

Symptomatic Relief of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

PMS contains a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation. The cause of PMS is thought to be related to fluctuations in the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that occur during the menstrual cycle. Research conducted on women suffering from moderate to severe PMS consistently displayed a decrease in their symptoms when supplemented with a vitex agnus-castus extract over three cycles [4]. Common PMS symptoms including irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and depression have also shown to significantly decline when using vitex agnus-castus [5].

 

May support aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of hormones that affects the ovaries and the menstrual cycle. It is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, which can interfere with the normal production of eggs and the menstrual cycle. Vitex agnus-castus has been studied in the successful treatment of infertility, menstrual and hormonal imbalances [6] characteristic of PCOS patients [7].

Furthermore, total of 33 studies also suggests that herbal treatments including vitex agnus-castus were shown to support menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and/or PCOS. However, further investigation into the link between vitex agnus-castus and PCOS is needed to support claims into the effectiveness of this as a treatment.

 

It May Help To Ease Menopausal Symptoms:

Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women as they reach middle age. It is marked by the end of the menstrual cycle and the cessation of fertility. During menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that play a role in the menstrual cycle and fertility, decreases. This can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.

A clinical trial of 52 women found that those who took the vitex agnus-castus extract scored lower in menopausal symptoms compared to the placebo group [8]. It has also been shown to significantly reduce the severity of hot flushes [9]. Investigations into agnus-castus essential oils have revealed positive effects on  menopausal symptoms including mood dysfunction, uterine bleeding, and sleep [10]. Those given 1.5% solution of the vitex agnus castus essential oil n aerial parts in the form of base cream or lotion showed some improvement in emotional symptoms, night sweats, hot flushes, and moderation of menstruation [10].

 

May Improve Fertility Issues:

Vitex agnus-castus can be used to support women trying to conceive by having, an effect on the amount of prolactin and sex hormones. Studies have revealed that vitex agnus-castus can be beneficial in post-menstrual cases and it can also contribute to treatment of infertility cases in both men and women [11]. The potential of vitex agnus-castus easing symptoms of PMS, PCOS and other menstrual symptoms also indicates that it can support fertility issues.

A clinical trial of 52 women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinaemia were given a daily 20mg dose of vitex agnus-castus for three months with two of these women falling pregnant and others showing lower prolactin levels and prolonged menstrual phases [12]. A fertility blend containing vitex agnus-castus with vitamins, minerals, green tea, L-arginine found that 26% of women fell pregnant after 3 months.

 

It Can Prevent Insect Bites:

A study of 70 plant extracts, found that the Co2 extract of vitex agnus-castus seeds can be used as a spray to repel insect bites for up to 6 hours [13].

Other Benefits of Agnus Castus:

More research needs to be done on other possible health benefits of Vitex Agnus-Castus which include:

• May improve acne: 40mg of vitex agnus-castus can be used to prevent acne before menstruation by balancing hormone levels [14]
• May help with stress and anxiety
• Antioxidant and antibacterial benefits [15]
• May help to reduce inflammation [16]

How Long Does It Take Agnus Castus To Work?

It can take a few weeks or months to notice results when taking vitex agnus castus. Most studies have showed noticeable results after 3-6 months.

Can You Take Vitex Agnus Castus When Pregnant?

Research suggests that vitex agnus castus should be avoided when pregnant or lactating [17].

Side Effects of Agnus Castus:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Acne
• Abdominal pain
• Allergic skin reaction
• Swelling
• Menstrual disorders

Side effects of vitex agnus castus are typically mild and reversible. However, if these symptoms occur, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice if needed.

Best Vitex Agnus Castus Supplements:

Summary:

• Vitex agnus castus is also called as vitex, chaste tree, monk’s pepper or chasteberry.
• Vitex agnus castus can be supportive in regulating female hormones for menstrual disorders such as PMS and PCOS.
• Further investigation is needed to ensure the effectiveness of vitex agnus castus for other benefits such as acne, inflammation, stress, and anxiety.
• Side effects are typically mild and reversible.
• Speak to your medical practitioner when taking with other medications or when pregnant.

Sources:

[1] Aviva Romm et al. (2010) Botanical Medicine for Women's Health. Page 531.

[2] Esra Köngül. (2019) Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements.

[3] University of Rochester Medical Centre: Health Encyclopaedia/Chaste Tree

[4] Prilepskaya, V.N et al. (2006) Vitex agnus castus: Successful treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome

[5] Zamani, M et al. (2012)Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. [PubMed]

[6] Sugantha Saul. (2017) Effects of vitex agnes castus on hormonal imbalances in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 

[7] Arentz, S et al. (2014) 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.

[8] Naseri R, et al. (2019) Comparison of Vitex agnus-castus Extracts with Placebo in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.[PubMed]

[9] Abbaspoor, Z. et al. (2011) Effect of Vitex agnus-castus on Menopausal Early Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo –Controlled Study.

[10] Niroumand, M, C. et al. (2018) Pharmacological Effects of V. agnus-castus. [PubMed]

[11] Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M. (2017) Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. [PubMed]

[12] Milewicz A, et al. (1993) Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. [PubMed]

[13] Mehlhorn H, et al. (2005) Extract of the seeds of the plant Vitex agnus castus proven to be highly efficacious as a repellent against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies. [PubMed]

[14] Nasri H, et al. (2015) Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences. [PubMed]

[15] Ghannadi A, et al. (2012) Antibacterial activity and composition of essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens L'Her and Vitex agnus-castus L [PubMed]

[16] Ibrahim, F, M. et al. (2012) Vitex agnus-castus L. (Chasteberry) extracts shows in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor propensities via reduction of cyclooxygenase-2 activity and oxidative stress complications.

[17] Daniele, C. et al. (2005) Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. [PubMed]