Vitex agnus-castus: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Vitex agnus-castus, or "chaste tree," is a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia. The fruit has been historically used for reducing sexual desire.

Vitex agnus-castus fruit and seed contain chemicals that seem to affect many hormones involved in the female reproductive cycle.

People use vitex agnus-castus for conditions related to the menstrual cycle such as breast pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also used for bone fractures, infertility, menopause symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Breast pain (mastalgia). Taking vitex agnus-castus by mouth seems to relieve breast pain during the menstrual cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking vitex agnus-castus by mouth decreases some symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain or tenderness, moodiness, anxiety, anger, and headache.

Possibly Ineffective for

Fractures. Taking vitex agnus-castus extract by mouth does not seem to help broken bones heal.

There is interest in using vitex agnus-castus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract is likely safe when used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include upset stomach, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. There isn't enough reliable information to know if vitex agnus-castus seeds are safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vitex agnus-castus is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitex agnus-castus is possibly unsafe. Vitex agnus-castus might make it more difficult to get pregnant and might harm the fetus. Don't use it if you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis; uterine fibroids; or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries: Vitex agnus-castus can affect hormones and might affect estrogen levels. Don't use vitex agnus-castus if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.

In vitro fertilization: Vitex agnus-castus can interfere with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization. Don't use vitex agnus-castus if you are undergoing this procedure.

Parkinson disease. Vitex agnus-castus contains chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals affect the brain similarly to some medications used for Parkinson disease. Vitex agnus-castus might affect therapy for Parkinson disease.

Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Some medications for mental disorders help to decrease dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus might affect therapy for certain mental disorders.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus seems to change hormone levels in the body. Birth control pills contain hormones. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills and increase the chance of getting pregnant. If you take birth control pills along with vitex agnus-castus, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Estrogens interacts with Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Some medications for mental disorders help to decrease dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications used for Parkinson disease (Dopamine agonists) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus contains chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals affect the brain similarly to some medications used for Parkinson disease. Taking vitex agnus-castus with these medications might increase the effects and side effects of the medications used for Parkinson disease.
Metoclopramide (Reglan) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a certain brain chemical called dopamine. Metoclopramide also affects dopamine. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with metoclopramide might decrease the effects of metoclopramide.

Dosing

Vitex agnus-castus dried fruit extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 3.2-40 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Vitex agnus-castus - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus

Estrogens interacts with Vitex agnus-castus

Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus

Medications used for Parkinson disease (Dopamine agonists) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus

Metoclopramide (Reglan) interacts with Vitex agnus-castus

Dosing

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