Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex Agnus-Castus
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry, has a long history of traditional use for supporting female reproductive health, particularly for conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, and cyclical breast discomfort. Modern scientific research supports some of these uses. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have found that Vitex agnus-castus extract can be effective in reducing symptoms of PMS, such as breast pain, irritability, and mood swings. The proposed mechanism involves modulation of prolactin secretion via dopaminergic activity, leading to hormonal balance.
A 2017 review in "Phytomedicine" and a 2015 meta-analysis both concluded that Vitex is more effective than placebo in alleviating PMS symptoms, though the quality of evidence is moderate due to variability in study design and preparation of extracts. There is also some evidence for its use in mild hyperprolactinemia and for improving menstrual regularity in women with luteal phase defects. However, evidence is currently insufficient for its effectiveness in infertility or menopause-related symptoms. Adverse effects are generally mild.
In summary, Vitex agnus-castus has both a strong tradition of use and a moderate level of scientific evidence supporting its role in supporting the female reproductive system, particularly for PMS and related menstrual complaints.
More about Vitex Agnus-Castus
More about Female Reproductive System
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Vitex Agnus-Castus
BreastsEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Hypothalamus
Ovaries
Pituitary
Pituitary (anterior)
Progesterone
Reproductive System
Specific Hormones
Uterus
Vagina