Introduction

Chasteberry is a small berry that grows on the chaste tree. The berry has been used to help treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.

Dosages

20 to 40 milligrams once daily.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

  • Depression —may ease symptoms A1
  • Prementrual syndrome (PMS) —may ease symptoms and improve quality of life B1-B15

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe for most people to take chasteberry for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.C1-C3

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

A. A. Depression

A1. Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, Haviland I, Gubili J. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytother Res. 2018 May;32(5):865-891.

B. B. Premenstrual Syndrome

B1. He Z, Chen R, et al. Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China. Maturitas. 2009;63(1):99-103.

B2. van Die MD, Burger HG, et al. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause. 2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):156-163.

B3. van Die MD, Bone KM, et al. Effects of a combination of Hypericum perforatum and Vitex agnus-castus on PMS-like symptoms in late-perimenopausal women: findings from a subpopulation analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Sep;15(9):1045-1048.

B4. Whelan AM, Jurgens TM, et al. Herbs, vitamins and minerals in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Fall;16(3):e407-429.

B5. Ma L, Lin S, et al. Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2010;50(2):189-193.

B6. Ma L, Lin S, et al. Treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010;26(8):612-616.

B7. Dante G, Facchinetti F. Herbal treatments for alleviating premenstrual symptoms: a systematic review. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2011 Mar;32(1):42-51.

B8. Zamani M, Neghab N, et al. Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Acta Med Iran. 2012;50(2):101-106.

B9. Schellenberg R, Zimmermann C, et al. Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012;19(14):1325-1331.

B10. van Die MD, Burger HG, et al. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Med. 2013 May;79(7):562-575.

B11. Jang SH, Kim DI, et al. Effects and treatment methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder: systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Jan 10;14:11.

B12. Mirghafourvand M, Mohammed-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, et al. Effects of Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclic mastalgia: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2016;(24):90-95.

B13. Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, et al. The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Aug;217(2):150-166.

B14. Cerqueira RO, Frey BN, et al. Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017 Dec;20(6):713-719.

B15. Yeung KS, Hernandez M, et al. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytother Res. 2018 May;32(5):865-891.

C. Safety

C1. Daniele C, Thompson Coon J, et al. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-332.

C2. Dugoua JJ, Seely D, et al. Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e74-79.

C3. Izzo AA, Hoon-Kim S, et al. A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies. Phytother Res. 2016 May;30(5):691-700.

Last reviewed May 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC