Research Publications on Chaste Tree for PMS and Menopause

Several studies have investigated the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) in managing premenstrual and menopausal symptoms. A 2001 BMJ study evaluated the use of VAC for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms through a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, showing significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo. A 2000 study published in J Womens Health found that after three cycles, 93% of participants reported a reduction in PMS symptoms, with minimal adverse reactions. Further research in 2010 and 2013 reinforced VAC’s efficacy in reducing PMS symptoms, including a comparison study that found no significant difference between VAC and Hypericum perforatum in treating hot flushes. In 2017, a systematic review confirmed VAC as a safe and effective option for PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Despite the promising results, more standardized research is needed to validate VAC’s effectiveness fully and explore its potential mechanisms, particularly for menopause-related complaints where pharmacological studies suggest benefits but clinical evidence remains sparse.

Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study; BMJ, 2001; Link

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of agnus castus fruit (Vitex agnus castus L extract Ze 440) with a placebo in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Conducted in general medicine community clinics, it was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over three menstrual cycles involving 170 women. Participants received either agnus castus extract tablets or a placebo daily for three consecutive cycles. The primary outcome measured was the change in self-reported symptoms such as irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, breast fullness, and bloating from baseline to the end of the third cycle. Secondary outcomes included clinical global impression changes and responder rates, defined as a 50% reduction in symptoms. Results showed significant improvement in the agnus castus group compared to the placebo, with a notable difference in primary and secondary outcome measures (P<0.001). The responder rate was higher in the active group (52%) compared to the placebo group (24%). Mild adverse events were reported by seven women, but these did not lead to treatment discontinuation. The study concluded that agnus castus fruit extract is an effective and well-tolerated option for relieving PMS symptoms.

Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus; J Womens Health Gend Based Med, 2000; Link

In a study involving 1,634 patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a new preparation from Vitex agnus castus (VAC) extract was evaluated for its efficacy and tolerance. After three menstrual cycles of treatment, 93% of participants reported a reduction in PMS symptoms, with significant improvements across various symptom complexes. Physicians and patients highly rated the treatment's effectiveness and tolerance, with adverse drug reactions reported in only 1.2% of cases. The study concluded that the VAC preparation is highly effective and safe for treating PMS symptoms.

Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women; Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol., 2010; Link

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) extract in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in Chinese women. Conducted as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in China, participants received either VAC extract or a placebo over three menstrual cycles. The primary measure of efficacy was the percentage reduction in a score of 17 symptoms recorded in a PMS diary (PMSD) during the luteal phase of the third treatment cycle. Of the 67 patients enrolled, 64 completed the study, with 31 in the VAC group and 33 in the placebo group. The results showed a significant improvement in all 17 symptoms for the VAC group compared to the placebo, except for lower abdominal cramping, which did not show a significant difference. The study concluded that Vitex agnus castus extract is more effective than a placebo in treating moderate-to-severe PMS in Chinese women, particularly for symptoms related to negative affect and insomnia.

Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review; Archives of Women's Mental Health, 2017; Link

The study reviewed eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) for treating Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). It concluded that VAC is a safe and effective option for managing PMS and PMDD symptoms. Despite variations in study designs, diagnostic criteria, and VAC preparations, all studies showed positive results. The findings suggest VAC could be considered in clinical practice as an alternative treatment for PMS and PMDD, although more standardized research is needed.

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the Treatment of Menopause-Related Complaints; The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2009; Link

The use of Vitex agnus-castus for menopause-related complaints is a relatively recent development, with its efficacy supported more by pharmacological studies than by rigorous clinical trials. This review explores the potential mechanisms through which Vitex may alleviate menopausal symptoms, referencing current understandings of menopause's endocrinology and neuroendocrinology. Although conclusive evidence from randomized controlled trials is still lacking, the emerging pharmacological data suggests that Vitex could play a beneficial role in easing menopausal symptoms. This preliminary evidence indicates that further detailed investigation into Vitex agnus-castus is warranted.

Comparison the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus in hot flushes: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial; Chronic Diseases Journal, 2013; Link

This study compared the effectiveness of Hypericum perforatum and Vitex agnus-castus in managing hot flushes among menopausal women through a randomized, double-blinded controlled trial. Participants were divided into two groups, with one receiving 330 µg of Hypericum perforatum and the other receiving Vitex agnus-castus in identical tablet forms. The results, analyzed using the Greene Climacteric Scale, showed a decreasing trend in hot flushes for both groups over two months, but no significant difference was found between the two treatments. Both treatments were found to be similarly effective and did not cause any severe side effects, suggesting their potential utility in treating menopausal symptoms.

Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome; Acta Medica Iranica, 2012; Link

This study assessed the efficacy of Vitex agnus castus, a herbal remedy, for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms compared to a placebo. Conducted as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, it involved 128 women diagnosed with PMS out of 134 selected patients. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving 40 drops of Vitex agnus extract and the other a placebo, administered for 6 days before their menstrual period over 6 consecutive cycles. Before and after the 6-month treatment period, participants completed self-assessment questionnaires rating symptoms like headache, anger, irritability, depression, breast fullness, bloating, and tympani using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The results showed significant differences in symptom ratings before and after treatment in the Vitex agnus group compared to the placebo group (P<0.0001), indicating that Vitex agnus castus effectively and safely alleviates mild and moderate PMS symptoms.