Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex (unspecified)
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitex, commonly known as chaste tree or Vitex agnus-castus, is widely used to support or treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Its use for PMS is supported by both traditional herbal medicine practices and scientific research. The primary mechanism proposed involves modulation of the pituitary hormone prolactin, which in turn may help balance estrogen and progesterone levels. Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have investigated Vitex’s efficacy for PMS symptoms such as breast pain, irritability, mood swings, and bloating. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2017 found that Vitex extracts were more effective than placebo in reducing overall PMS symptoms, although the quality of evidence was moderate due to variations in study design and outcome measures. The German Commission E also recognizes Vitex for the treatment of PMS and cyclic breast discomfort. Side effects are generally mild and may include gastrointestinal upset or headaches. While the precise active constituents and mechanisms remain under investigation, the available clinical evidence suggests a beneficial effect, and major health authorities in herbal medicine acknowledge its use. However, further high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Vitex (unspecified)
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Estrogen (low)
Infertility
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Puberty (hormone balancer)
Sex Drive (low)
Vaginal Dryness