---
title: Does Vitex agnus castus help PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: This review of previous studies suggests that Vitex might help PMS by lowering a hormone called prolactin, but we need stronger research to be sure.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-premenstrual-syndrome-effectiveness-of-vitex-agnus-castus-2009/
---

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- Does Vitex agnus castus help PMS symptoms?

Review, 2009

# Does Vitex agnus castus help PMS symptoms?

This review of previous studies suggests that Vitex might help PMS by lowering a hormone called prolactin, but we need stronger research to be sure.

 Early or limited evidence

This is a review of research, not a study of specific women.

## What they did

This is a review article that looked at existing research on PMS and Vitex, a plant extract also called chaste berry. The review summarized what was known about whether Vitex could help PMS symptoms.

## What they found

Previous clinical studies and double-blind trials suggested that Vitex preparations might reduce high prolactin levels, which may be connected to PMS. The review concludes Vitex could be useful for treating PMS symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, depression, breast pain, and food cravings.

## What it means for you

The evidence in this review is indirect because it summarizes other people's research rather than presenting new findings. The review suggests a mechanism but does not give specific numbers about how well Vitex works or how many women benefit. We need proper clinical trials to know if Vitex actually helps PMS.

5

PMS symptoms listed

## About the study

Original title [The premenstrual syndrome: effectiveness of Vitex agnus castus] Authors Döll M Journal Medizinische Monatsschrift fur Pharmazeuten Year 2009 Study design Review What was tested Vitex agnus castus extract. Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19469189/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19469189/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[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.

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Is Vitex agnus castus safe and effective for treating PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2015

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

Systematic review, 2014

Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms?

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