Supplement Scholar
Herb

Chaste Tree (Vitex)

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Chaste Tree (Vitex). Vitex agnus-castus for PMS.

How it works. Dopaminergic activity reduces prolactin.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces PMS symptoms (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 20–40 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Chaste Tree (Vitex). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Chaste Tree (Vitex). Vitex agnus-castus for PMS.

Key compound: agnusideC22H26O11 · 466.4 g/mol

What it is

Vitex agnus-castus for PMS.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Women's HealthHormone Balance

How it works

Dopaminergic activity reduces prolactin.

Pathways

  • Dopaminergic activity reduces prolactin

Effects

  • ↓PMS symptoms decreases

What the research supports

Reduces PMS symptomsmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
20–40 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Shop Chaste Tree (Vitex) on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Headache

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Chaste Tree (Vitex) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Chaste Tree (Vitex) — Reduces PMS symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chaste Tree (Vitex) and "Reduces PMS symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Chaste Tree (Vitex) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chaste Tree (Vitex) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Chaste Tree (Vitex) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chaste Tree (Vitex) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…