Research
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
24 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Vitex Agnus-Castus for the Treatment of Cyclic Mastalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies, including 17 RCTs, on the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) for cyclic mastalgia (CM) in women aged 18-45. VAC was effective in reducing breast pain intensity and serum prolactin levels, with a moderate effect size favoring VAC over placebo. VAC was found to be a noninferior alternative to pharmaceutical therapies for CM and was associated with mild and reversible adverse events.
Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials.
Meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) in alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. VAC preparations were found to be effective, with women taking VAC being 2.57 times more likely to experience symptom remission compared to placebo.
Herbal treatments for alleviating premenstrual symptoms: a systematic review.
Systematic review of herbal treatments for premenstrual symptoms, including 10 RCTs. Vitex agnus castus was consistently found to ameliorate PMS better than placebo. Single trials support Gingko biloba and Crocus sativus, while evening primrose oil and St. John's Wort showed no effect different than placebo.
The Effect of Vitex Agnus - Castus Plant on Some Markers of Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial Study.
This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus extract in women with PCOS. The study found that Vitex significantly improved oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance, and clinical manifestations such as menstrual frequency and hirsutism compared to placebo.
The effects of Vitex agnus-castus on menstrual bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of Vitex agnus-castus on menstrual bleeding. The analysis included 5 papers and found that Vitex did not have a significant effect on menstrual bleeding compared to placebo. Side effects reported included nausea and abdominal pain.
Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review.
Systematic review of eight RCTs evaluating Vitex agnus castus for PMS and PMDD. All studies were positive for VAC in treating PMS/PMDD, and it was well tolerated. Limitations included variability in diagnostic criteria and outcome measures.
The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials assessing Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome. Thirteen of 14 studies reported positive effects, but high risk of bias and heterogeneity limit definitive conclusions. Calls for high-quality trials to establish efficacy.
Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials.
Systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials evaluating Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders. The review found benefits for Vitex in treating premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and latent hyperprolactinaemia, with generally mild adverse events.
Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China.
Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study in Chinese women with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) using Vitex agnus castus (VAC BNO 1095). The treatment group showed significant improvement in PMS symptoms compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events reported.
Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation.
Systematic review of the literature on the use, safety, and pharmacology of chastetree during pregnancy and lactation. The review highlights poor evidence and conflicting opinions on its estrogenic, progesteronic, uterine stimulant, and emmenagogue activities, as well as its effects on lactation.
Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events.
Systematic review evaluating the safety data of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) monopreparations. Adverse events following VAC treatment are mild and reversible, including nausea, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, pruritus, and erythematous rash. No drug interactions were reported, but use should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation.
Analysis of Unani coded formulation on the hormonal parameters of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
RCT evaluating the effect of Unani coded polyherbal formulations (Picolin) on hormonal levels in PCOS patients. Significant improvements in serum insulin and prolactin levels were observed with Picolin formulations compared to metformin. Menstrual flow improved by 84% with capsule Picolin, 61% with tablet Picolin-E, and 54% with metformin.
Efficacy of a Herbal Formulation Based onin Oligo/Amenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
RCT evaluating the efficacy of Fomentex herbal tea (Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha longifolia, Vitex agnus-castus) in inducing regular bleeding in women with oligomenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. The study found Fomentex to be a safe and effective choice for inducing bleeding and maintaining regular bleeding patterns, with improvements in secondary outcomes such as dysmenorrhea, acne, and hirsutism.
Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome.
Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 162 female patients with PMS comparing different doses of Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440. The 20mg dose significantly improved PMS symptoms compared to placebo and 8mg, while the 30mg dose did not show additional benefits.
Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome.
RCT evaluating the therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus on 128 women with premenstrual syndrome compared to placebo. Significant improvements in symptoms such as headache, anger, irritability, depression, breast fullness, and bloating were observed in the Vitex agnus group.
Treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women.
Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study assessing the efficacy of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) in treating moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Chinese women. The treatment group showed significant reductions in PMS symptoms, particularly negative affect and water retention, compared to placebo.
Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women.
Prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in China assessing Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in Chinese women. VAC showed significantly greater improvement in 17 PMS symptoms compared to placebo, except for lower abdominal cramping.
Vitex agnus castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a research update [Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 8 (2003) 148-154].
The paper reports on the second trial of Vitex agnus castus essential oils for menopausal balance, involving 52 subjects. The trial supports previous findings of symptomatic relief for menopausal symptoms and identifies some contraindications.
Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study.
RCT comparing agnus castus fruit extract to placebo in 170 women with premenstrual syndrome over three menstrual cycles. The active group showed greater improvement in symptoms such as irritability, mood alteration, and other menstrual symptoms compared to placebo. The treatment was well tolerated.
Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus.
A multicentric noninterventional trial investigated the efficacy and tolerance of a Vitex agnus castus extract in 1634 patients with premenstrual syndrome. After three menstrual cycles, 93% reported a decrease or cessation of PMS symptoms, with high ratings of efficacy and tolerance from both patients and physicians.
Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).
A prospective, multicentre trial investigated the efficacy of Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in 50 patients with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The study found a significant reduction in PMS-related symptoms, with a 42.5% reduction in the Moos' menstrual distress questionnaire score. Symptoms gradually returned after treatment cessation, but a difference from baseline remained up to 3 cycles thereafter.
Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
RCT comparing the efficacy of fluoxetine and Vitex agnus castus extract in 41 patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Both treatments were effective, with fluoxetine more effective for psychological symptoms and Vitex agnus castus extract diminishing physical symptoms.
Efficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus extract for treatment of premenstrual syndrome in Japanese patients: a prospective, open-label study.
A prospective, open-label study in Japanese women with PMS evaluated the efficacy and safety of Vitex agnus-castus extract (Prefemin®). Significant decreases in PMS symptom scores were observed over three menstrual cycles, with a responder rate of 91% by the third cycle. Eight patients experienced non-serious adverse events.
Use of Vitex agnus-castus in migrainous women with premenstrual syndrome: an open-label clinical observation.
Open-label clinical observation of 107 migrainous women with PMS treated with Vitex agnus-castus (40 mg/day) for 3 months. 66 women reported a dramatic reduction of PMS symptoms, and 42% experienced a reduction higher than 50% in frequency of monthly migraine attacks. The treatment was safe and well tolerated.