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Herb

Chasteberry (Vitex)

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Chasteberry (Vitex). Dopaminergic herb reducing prolactin and improving PMS/luteal phase symptoms.

How it works. Dopaminergic D2 agonism reduces prolactin, normalizing luteal phase.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces PMS symptoms (strong).

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

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

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

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

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

Chasteberry (Vitex). Dopaminergic herb reducing prolactin and improving PMS/luteal phase symptoms.

Key compound: agnusideC22H26O11 · 466.4 g/mol

What it is

Dopaminergic herb reducing prolactin and improving PMS/luteal phase symptoms.

Also called

Vitex agnus-castus

Food sources

Vitex agnus-castus berry

Goals

Women's HealthHormone OptimizationFertility

How it works

Dopaminergic D2 agonism reduces prolactin, normalizing luteal phase.

Pathways

  • D2 agonism → prolactin ↓

Effects

  • ↓Prolactin decreases
  • +Luteal phase length supports

What the research supports

Reduces PMS symptomsstrong
May improve fertility in luteal phase defectmoderate

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 extract
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 form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Headache

Medication interactions

Dopamine antagonists / antipsychoticsmoderate

Antagonistic.

Hormonal contraceptivesmoderate

May reduce efficacy.

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.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyHormonal effects.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

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

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

PubMed: Chasteberry (Vitex) — May improve fertility in luteal phase defect ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Chasteberry (Vitex) and "May improve fertility in luteal phase defect". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

Discussion

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