--- title: Does chaste tree help treat high prolactin levels related to PMS? description: Some evidence suggests chaste tree might help with mild high prolactin levels, but the evidence is weak and unclear. We need larger, better studies. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/vitex-agnus-castus-effects-on-hyperprolactinaemia-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does chaste tree help treat high prolactin levels related to PMS? Randomised trial, 2023 # Does chaste tree help treat high prolactin levels related to PMS? Some evidence suggests chaste tree might help with mild high prolactin levels, but the evidence is weak and unclear. We need larger, better studies. Early or limited evidence Patients with high prolactin from published studies (literature review) ## What they did A literature review analyzing published studies on chaste tree extracts and high prolactin levels. The authors examined existing research to summarize what is known about this topic. ## What they found Some evidence suggests chaste tree may help manage mild high prolactin in selected patients, but results are inconsistent across studies. No large randomized controlled trials exist. How chaste tree works is still unclear. ## What it means for you Chaste tree may be safe to try for mild high prolactin, particularly for women who prefer plant-based treatment. However, this is only a summary of existing research, not a new study, and the evidence is not strong enough yet to recommend it widely. ## About the study Original title Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia Authors Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G Journal Frontiers in endocrinology Year 2023 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) extracts Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781](https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781) Original abstract Background: Vitex agnus castus (VAC), also known as chaste tree, is a plant from the Mediterranean area, Crimea, and central Asia. Its fruit has been used for more than 2500 years as phytotherapic agent. In the last century, VAC has been mostly used for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, fertility disorders, and symptoms of menopause. Since some degree of hyperprolactinaemia may be observed in patients with such disorders, VAC effects on hyperprolactinaemia have been assessed in a small number of studies and in some patient series or single case reports. It has been postulated that the diterpenes contained in VAC extract may interact with dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) and inhibit prolactin release via dopamine D2R activation in the anterior pituitary. Most of the published papers focus on the use of VAC for the management of PMS or infertility. However, due to its action on D2R, VAC could have a role in the treatment of mild hyperprolactinaemia, including patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia, microprolactinoma, drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: We have reviewed and analysed the data from the literature concerning the use of VAC extracts in patients with hyperprolactinaemia. Results: Some evidence suggests a possible role of VAC for the management of hyperprolactinaemia in selected patients, though in an inhomogeneous way. However, there are not any large randomized controlled trials supporting the same and the precise pharmacological aspects of VAC extract in such a clinical setting still remain obscure. Conclusion: It appears that VAC may represent a potentially useful and safe phytotherapic option for the management of selected patients with mild hyperprolactinaemia who wish to be treated with phytotherapy. However, larger studies of high quality are needed to corroborate it. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## 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/)[Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-pcos/) 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 Randomised trial, 2025 Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together? Randomised trial, 2023 Can herbal medicine prevent or treat PMS and menstrual disorders? Systematic review, 2017 Does Vitex agnus castus help treat premenstrual syndrome? Systematic review, 2017 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? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗