Evidence supporting the use of: Vitex Agnus-Castus
For the body system: Uterus
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree or chasteberry, has a long history of traditional use for supporting women’s reproductive health, including the uterus. In herbal traditions, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean, Vitex has been used for centuries to help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and manage other gynecological issues. The rationale for its use involves its purported effects on hormone balance, particularly by influencing the pituitary gland’s secretion of prolactin, which can indirectly impact the uterus and menstrual function.
Scientific research on Vitex has mostly focused on its effects on PMS and mastalgia (breast pain), with some evidence supporting benefit in those areas. A few clinical trials have shown that Vitex extracts may help reduce symptoms of PMS, possibly by modulating dopamine and prolactin levels. However, direct evidence for its ability to "support the uterus" specifically—such as improving uterine health, preventing uterine disorders, or supporting pregnancy—is limited. The traditional connection is therefore more robust than the scientific validation for these specific claims. Overall, while Vitex is widely used in traditional medicine to support female reproductive health, including the uterus, rigorous scientific studies confirming these effects are lacking, leading to a moderate evidence rating based mainly on tradition.
Other ingredients that support Uterus
AbutaAgnuside
Alchemilla
Aletris
Angelica
anise
Anserina
Ashoka
astragalus
barbasco
bethroot
black cohosh
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
bugbane
Carthamus
casticin
chamomile
chaste tree
chickweed
Clary sage
cohosh
cramp bark
Crinum latifolium
daidzein
damiana
dioscorea
diosgenin
dong quai
dong quai root
estrogen
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fennel
fenugreek
fo-ti
folate
folic acid
genistein
giant trillium
ginger
ginseng
golden ragwort
gotu kola
guelder rose
isoflavones
jasmine
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
Leptadenia
licorice root
lignans
ligustilides
Lilium humboldtii
Loranthus
maca
macaenes
magnesium
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mugwort
Osthole
paeoniflorin
parsley
Pennyroyal
peony
Phlomis umbrosa
Phytoestrogens
protein
Pulsatilla
raspberry
red clover
Rehmannia
root tuber
rose
rose oil
Safed musli
Sanguisorba
Scotch Broom
Shataverins
shepherd's purse
Sichuan Lovage
Soy
soy isoflavones
squawvine
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitexicarpin
White Dead Nettle Flower
Wild yam
Yarrow
Zinc
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
