BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: chaste tree
The botanical name and part used must match the profile; a photograph alone is not sufficient grounds for consuming a plant.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Premenstrual syndrome
One specific dry extract has well-established use; other preparations have traditional use for minor symptoms.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Chaste tree fruit has been studied for premenstrual syndrome, a set of cyclical symptoms preceding menstruation. The strongest data concern a specific dry extract, rather than every Vitex agnus-castus preparation. Hypotheses involving dopamine and prolactin explain certain precautions, but do not allow the plant to be presented as a universal “hormone regulator”. Other preparations mainly fall under traditional use for minor symptoms.
Dopaminergic pathways
Experimental results suggest an action on dopamine receptors and prolactin secretion. A reduction in this hormone in all female users has not been demonstrated.
Read the referencePremenstrual symptoms
The dry extract DER 6–12:1, ethanol 60% w/w, has human results supporting this precise indication.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Dopaminergic or hormonal treatments and certain pituitary disorders must be reported before use. A prolactin-secreting tumour may require specific investigation; masking a symptom does not treat its cause.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
An extract studied over several cycles
- Type of research
- Multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 162 women, three menstrual cycles, reported by EMA.
- Preparation concerned
- Ze 440 fruit extract characterized by its manufacturing process.
- Observed results
- Symptom improvement was observed for certain conditions tested; increasing exposure further did not necessarily improve the result.
- Limitations to consider
- The conclusions concern this extract and this syndrome, not infertility, menopause or all menstrual disorders.
What can we take from this?
No single active ingredient is established by the data summarized here. A hormone blood test, menstrual irregularity or plans for pregnancy should not lead to extrapolation from premenstrual syndrome trials.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Dry extractFruit · Route: oral
Powder or liquid extractFruit · Route: oral
05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Allergy.
- History of a pituitary disorder or hormone-dependent cancer: seek medical advice beforehand.
Medicine interactions
- Possible interactions with dopamine agonists/antagonists, estrogens and antiestrogens.
Adverse effects
- Allergies, sometimes severe, acne, rash, headache, dizziness, digestive or menstrual problems.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use without medical advice; use not recommended.
Children & adolescents
For adult women only.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Agni casti fructus: dossier and documentsAccessed on 09/10/2026
- ANSES — precautions for herbal supplements, June 2023 tableAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — scientific assessment report: Vitex agnus-castusAccessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: Cillas · CC BY-SA 4.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
