Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) has a long history of traditional use for various menstrual disorders, including amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). Traditional European herbal medicine, as well as historical accounts from ancient Greek and Roman sources, describe its use in regulating the menstrual cycle, stimulating menstruation, and addressing hormonal imbalances in women. The proposed mechanism centers on Vitex’s effect on the pituitary gland, particularly its purported ability to lower prolactin levels and modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

However, scientific evidence for Vitex’s effectiveness in treating amenorrhea specifically is limited. Most modern clinical trials and research focus on its role in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and mastalgia, rather than directly on amenorrhea. Some small studies and case reports suggest that Vitex may help restore menstrual cycles in women with secondary amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities, possibly due to its dopaminergic effects and influence on prolactin, but these findings are preliminary and not robustly replicated. No large, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically support its use for amenorrhea. Therefore, while its application is rooted primarily in traditional herbal medicine, the current scientific evidence supporting its use for amenorrhea is weak (rated 2/5).

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