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Vitex

Vitex is the dried fruit of the chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus, a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Its berries have been used in European herbal medicine since ancient times for menstrual and hormonal complaints, and the European Medicines Agency recognises a standardized extract as a well-established medicine for premenstrual syndrome.

Fertility/infertilityStress & Sleep

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Names in Different Languages

EnglishVitex
Hindiरेणुका
Farsiپنج‌انگشت
UnaniFanjankasht
FrenchGattilier
GermanMönchspfeffer

Traditional Uses

In European herbal tradition, chasteberry was used by monks to reduce desire (hence the name), and by herbalists for menstrual irregularities, premenstrual complaints and breast pain. In Ayurveda it is known as Renuka, and in Unani medicine as Fanjankasht, used for similar women's health complaints.

Modern Research

Vitex has the strongest evidence of the five herbs in this batch, but only for PMS. A 2017 meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials found a clear benefit over placebo, and the EMA recognises 20 mg of the Ze 440 dry extract daily as a well-established-use medicine for PMS. Evidence for fertility is much weaker: the NCCIH notes there is not enough reliable evidence on infertility, and a trial in women with raised prolactin improved symptoms without changing prolactin levels. Effects are slow, taking two to three menstrual cycles, and depend on the specific extract and dose used.

Uses

  • Best studied for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including mood, breast tenderness and bloating
  • Used for cyclical breast pain (mastalgia)
  • Used traditionally for irregular menstrual cycles and to support a short luteal phase
  • Used in folk practice for menopausal complaints, though evidence there is weak

Benefits of Use

  • PMS support: in a BMJ trial of 170 women, 52% on 20 mg vitex extract had their symptoms at least halved over three cycles, compared with 24% on placebo.
  • Breast comfort support: a 2020 review of 6 placebo-controlled trials found a moderate reduction in cyclical breast-pain intensity.
  • Cycle regularity support: German Commission E approved it for menstrual irregularities, though the evidence for cycle and fertility disorders is weaker than for PMS.
  • Prolactin support: compounds in the berry act on dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary, which may lower raised prolactin, though the EMA notes the evidence on prolactin is inconsistent.

Safe Dose & Overdose (mg/g)

Raw Herb Form

Safe: 400-800 mg powdered dried berry daily in the morning, the range commonly cited in clinical reviews of vitex trials; the EMA monograph also covers powdered fruit as a traditional-use preparation.

Overdose: Not established

Extract Form

Safe: 20 mg Ze 440 dry extract daily for at least 3 menstrual cycles (EMA well-established-use dose; Schellenberg, BMJ, 2001, 170 women). A dose-ranging trial found 20 mg beat 8 mg, with no extra benefit at 30 mg.

Overdose: Not established

Side Effects

  • Nausea, stomach upset, headache and dizziness, usually mild
  • Skin rash, itching or acne in some people
  • Changes in menstrual timing, flow or spotting, especially in the first cycles
  • Mood changes, irritability or sleep changes in some users
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; the EMA does not recommend it in pregnancy, and it may reduce milk production

Interactions

  • Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy: vitex may interfere with their effectiveness; health authorities advise consulting a clinician first
  • Dopamine agonists and antagonists, including antipsychotics and Parkinson's medicines: vitex acts on dopamine D2 receptors and may add to or oppose their effects
  • Fertility medicines and IVF treatment: may reduce the effectiveness of fertility treatment; use only with specialist advice
  • Oestrogens and anti-oestrogens: theoretical interaction through hormone-receptor effects; caution in hormone-sensitive conditions

Sources

Disclaimer

General information only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

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#Fertility/infertility#herbal medicine#Stress & Sleep#Vitex

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