Chaste tree
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a Mediterranean shrub whose dried fruit, called chasteberry, is used in herbal preparations, mainly for premenstrual symptoms.
Also listed as Chaste Tree Berry, Chasteberry, Vitex Agnus-castus, Chaste Tree Fruit
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is chaste tree used for?
Chaste-tree preparations use the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus. EMA recognizes one specific dry extract for premenstrual syndrome; other preparations have a traditional-use classification for milder premenstrual symptoms. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Chaste tree's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does PMS evidence prove a fertility benefit?
No. The cited meta-analysis assessed premenstrual symptom response, not pregnancy or live-birth outcomes. 2
Are all vitex products equivalent?
The review required clearly characterized products; its results cannot establish equivalence among all formulations. 2
Can it be used while breastfeeding?
EMA does not recommend it; effects on lactation and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. 3
Sources
- Agni casti fructus European Medicines Agency
- Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019 · Study record
- European Union herbal monograph on Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus European Medicines Agency