Vitex (chasteberry): what it may help, who should skip it, and how to buy
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- Vitex fruit capsules, single herb. Best for: Adults who want plain chasteberry without a blend. See options on Amazon
- Organic vitex chasteberry capsules. Best for: Buyers who prefer certified organic herbs. See options on Amazon
- Vitex liquid extract. Best for: People who prefer drops. See options on Amazon
What vitex is
The chasteberry plant, also called chaste tree, monk's pepper or vitex, is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says the name may reflect an old belief that it promoted chastity, and that monks reportedly used it in the Middle Ages to lower sexual desire.
Supplements usually use the fruit (berries). LactMed, the National Library of Medicine's breastfeeding medicine database, lists essential oils, iridoid glycosides, diterpenes and flavonoids among its compounds, and notes that some of them appear to bind dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland, and that low doses raise prolactin levels.
What the research shows
| Use | What NCCIH reports |
|---|---|
| PMS, including breast pain or tenderness | Might help; studies low to moderate quality |
| Heavy bleeding with an IUD | One low quality study |
| Menopause symptoms | One preliminary study; more research needed |
| Infertility, sexual dysfunction | Not enough reliable evidence |
| Antifungal effects | Early reports only |
Today chasteberry is promoted for PMS, cycle-related breast pain, infertility, menopause and other conditions. NCCIH says several low to moderate quality studies have looked at PMS, and higher quality evidence is needed before firm conclusions. There is not much strong research for other uses.
Infertility. Vitex is often marketed for trying to conceive, but NCCIH says there is not enough reliable evidence that it helps, and it may be unsafe during pregnancy. Talk with your provider before using it while trying to conceive.
Safety
- Short-term use. NCCIH says chasteberry fruit extract has been used safely in studies for up to 3 months.
- Side effects. Usually mild: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache or itching. LactMed adds acne, rash and menstrual changes, all mild and reversible.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions. It may not be safe for women with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer.
- Pregnancy. Some preclinical evidence suggests it may be unsafe.
- Medicines. NCCIH advises talking with your provider before using any herb if you take medicine, since some herbs and medicines interact.
Breastfeeding: avoid it
Vitex is sometimes promoted to boost milk supply because low doses raise prolactin, but LactMed says no valid clinical trials support this. Higher doses may lower prolactin and might reduce milk supply, and it has been used in Persian traditional medicine to reduce oversupply.
Among 352 nursing mothers given chasteberry tincture, there were 15 cases of itching, rash or hives and some early periods. Because of these safety concerns and possible milk suppression, LactMed says chasteberry should be avoided during breastfeeding.
Reading a vitex label
- Latin name and part. Look for Vitex agnus-castus fruit or berry. Nature's Way Vitex Fruit, for example, gives 400 mg of fruit per capsule.
- Directions. That label directs adults to take 1 capsule two or three times daily for 8 to 12 weeks, then 1 capsule daily, and to consult a professional if pregnant, nursing or taking medicines.
- Extract vs whole fruit. Products may contain whole fruit or an extract, so compare the stated form, not just the mg.
- Blends. PMS and hormone blends may add dong quai or other herbs, each with its own cautions.
- Quality. LactMed notes labeled and actual ingredients often differ in supplements, and results from one product may not apply to another. Prefer brands that state third-party testing.
When to see a provider first
If you have severe PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, missed periods, new breast pain or trouble getting pregnant, talk with your provider before starting vitex, tell them about any hormone treatment or birth control you use, and stop and check in if new symptoms appear.
What to look for when you buy
Vitex fruit capsules, single herb
Best for: Adults who want plain chasteberry without a blend
Nature's Way lists 400 mg of Vitex agnus-castus fruit per capsule, with clear directions on how many to take and for how long.
Watch out: Not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or hormone-sensitive cancers. Ask your provider if you take medicines.
See options on AmazonOrganic vitex chasteberry capsules
Best for: Buyers who prefer certified organic herbs
Organic chasteberry capsules are widely sold if organic certification matters to you.
Watch out: Organic does not guarantee strength. Check the plant part and form on the label.
See options on AmazonVitex liquid extract
Best for: People who prefer drops
Tinctures let you adjust the amount in water, following the label.
Watch out: Strength varies by brand. Same pregnancy, breastfeeding and medicine cautions.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is vitex good for?
- It is mainly used for PMS and cycle-related breast tenderness. NCCIH says it might help these symptoms, but the studies are low to moderate quality.
- Does vitex help you get pregnant?
- There is not enough reliable evidence that it helps fertility, and it may be unsafe during pregnancy. Talk with your provider first.
- Can I take vitex while breastfeeding?
- LactMed says chasteberry should be avoided during breastfeeding because of safety concerns and possible lower milk supply.
- How long does vitex take to work?
- Follow the label. Nature's Way directs 8 to 12 weeks of two to three capsules a day before dropping to one. Research supports safety for up to 3 months.
- What are the side effects of vitex?
- Usually mild: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, itching, acne, rash or menstrual changes.
- Is vitex the same as chasteberry?
- Yes. Vitex, chasteberry, chaste tree and monk's pepper are common names for Vitex agnus-castus.
Sources
- Chasteberry: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Chasteberry - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), National Library of Medicine
- Vitex Fruit (naturesway.com), Nature's Way