---
title: Is Vitex agnus castus effective for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
description: Vitex agnus castus appeared to reduce PMDD symptoms with no reported side effects. However, this was a very small preliminary study without clear methodology
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/psychic-aspects-of-the-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorders-new-therapeutic-2011/
---

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- Is Vitex agnus castus effective for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Randomised trial, 2011

# Is Vitex agnus castus effective for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Vitex agnus castus appeared to reduce PMDD symptoms with no reported side effects. However, this was a very small preliminary study without clear methodology or statistical comparison, so firm conclusions cannot be drawn.

 Early or limited evidence

Women with PMDD (sample size not clearly specified)

## What they did

Clinical study comparing women with PMDD treated with Vitex agnus castus to results from a separate group treated with fluoxetine. The abstract does not clearly describe the number of participants, duration, dosage, or study design.

## What they found

Treatment with Vitex agnus castus was effective for PMDD with no side effects reported. The authors suggest results were comparable to fluoxetine treatment, although specific numbers and statistical comparison are not provided in the abstract.

## What it means for you

Vitex agnus castus may be helpful for PMDD, but this is a very preliminary study. The main limitations are unclear sample size, lack of statistical comparison between treatments, and limited information about methodology. Much larger, well-designed studies are needed.

effective

reported outcome with Vitex

## About the study

Original title [Psychic aspects of the premenstrual dysphoric disorders. New therapeutic strategies: our experience with Vitex agnus castus] Authors Ciotta L, Pagano I, Stracquadanio M et al. Journal Minerva ginecologica Year 2011 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Vitex agnus castus (dosage and duration not clearly specified) Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21654609/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21654609/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Systematic review, 2013

Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Review, 2001

What is the best treatment approach for PMS and PMDD?

Survey study, 2025

Which Kampo medicines do Japanese doctors use for PMS and PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2013

What treatments work for PMDD?

Randomised trial, 2003

Does chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus) work as well as fluoxetine for PMDD?

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