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Is Vitex Berry/Chasteberry Safe? A Look at the Side Effects and Contraindications

Published on April 07, 2023


By Kristen Boye BS, Natural Health

Kristen Boye

Kristen Boye is a natural health expert, writer, copywriter, and editor. Kristen was raised on an organic farm in British Columbia which inspired her life’s work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, is a Certified Natural Foods Chef, co-owner of a medicinal herb farm, and is a natural foods and children’s health advocate. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in Western North Carolina.

https://www.holisticwritingconcepts.com

Vitex Berry, also known as Chasteberry or Chaste Tree, has long been used by herbalists and traditional practitioners to support women’s hormonal health and fertility.*

If you come across a herbal “hormone support” formula for women of child-bearing years, chances are it contains Vitex.

Vitex, when taken as whole herb/berry extract, is very safe, with a long track record of success and very few adverse events reported.REF#987

However, there are some rare but possible side effects and contraindications you should know about before taking Vitex.REF#987

This information is especially important if: 

  • You’re taking certain medications
  • You’re pregnant or nursing 
  • You’re taking high doses of Vitex
  • Or have certain types of chronic illness, especially hormone-driven illness

In this article, we share the potential side effects and contraindications of Vitex Berry/Chasteberry, plus the benefits of the herb and how to choose a safe and high-quality supplement.

What Is Vitex Berry/Chasteberry?

Vitex Berry, also known as Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Agnus Castus, or Vite, originated in the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and Southern Europe. 

Over 250 species of Vitex have been identified worldwide, with several, including Vitex Agnus-Castus (VAC), the most common form used in traditional, modern herbalism.REF#988

It is part of the mint family and is cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America.

Vitex Berry has been used for centuries in various traditional systems of wellness and herbalism as a female tonic for:

  • Menstrual difficulties such as PMS or irregular periods*
  • Fertility*
  • Occasional anxiety*
  • Immunity*
  • Hormonal imbalances in women*
  • Energy*
  • Fatigue*
  • Menopause*
  • And many more.*

    How Does Vitex Berry Work?

    Scientists have discovered over 200 active plant compounds in Vitex, including flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, iridoids, and lignans.REF#989

    These plant compounds are believed to be responsible for Vitex’s history of successful traditional use.

    Research has also confirmed Vitex may:REF#990 REF#991 REF#992

    • Support healthy menstruation*
    • Help ease premenstrual syndrome*
    • Support normal levels of prolactin*
    • Promote fertility*
    • Support normal progesterone levels*
    • Support normal estradiol levels*

    Like most herbs and plants, the side effects of taking Vitex are rare. 

    However, specific symptoms or contraindications are possible when taking Vitex.

    Potential Side Effects of Vitex Berry

    Before we get into the possible side effects of Vitex, it’s important to understand a few critical points based on the data.

    • Available data indicates side effects from Vitex Berry are considered rare/infrequent, mild, and reversible.REF#993 REF#994
    • Vitex has an extensive history of safe usage, going back thousands of years.
    • After an extensive review of available data on Vitex Berry reactions, researchers have concluded that although more robust studies and data are needed, Vitex Berry appears to be a safe herb.REF#993

    That being said, there have been side effects reported from Vitex.

    Although reactions to Vitex Berry are uncommon, the most common reactions reported include:REF#987 REF#993

    • Acne
    • Nausea 
    • Gastrointestinal trouble
    • Headache
    • Menstrual changes or disorders
    • Skin itching or eruptions

    Per the European Medicines Agency Community herbal monograph* on Vitex, very rare side effects may include severe allergic reactions with face swelling, dyspnoea, and swallowing difficulties.REF#995

    *An herbal monograph is a full, detailed description of a plant that includes history, ethnobotany, identification characteristics, traditional uses, and research. The European Medicines Agency Community is a government health agency for the European Union responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision, and safety monitoring of medicines in the EU.

    Vitex Berry Contraindications

    Although no studies have been conducted on Vitex Berry contraindications (an indication that a substance or procedure should not be used in certain circumstances), researchers believe it may affect dopamine (a neurotransmitter) and hormone levels.

    Therefore, Vitex Berry is not recommended for: REF#996 REF#995 REF#987

    • Women who are nursing or pregnant
    • Women with certain hormonal conditions including:
      • Fibroids
      • Breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
      • Endometriosis
    • Men with prostate cancer
    • Those with mental or cognitive health conditions involving dopamine, such as Parkinson’s Disease
    • Children and adolescents under the age of 18

      Vitex Berry Drug Interactions

      Again, there is no formal research on how Vitex Berry may interact with certain drugs.

      However, experts hypothesize it may negatively interact with the following drugs based on evidence on how Vitex may alter hormones and neurotransmitters:[10]

      • Birth control pills and other contraceptives
      • Drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease
      • Drugs used to treat psychotic disorders
      • Any drug that alters dopamine levels

      If you’re taking medicine, talk with your health care provider before using Vitex Berry.

      What Dosage is Safe?

      Vitex Berry dosage varies based on doctor or practitioner recommendations and different supplement formulas and concentrations.

      The European Medicines Agency community herbal monograph on Vitex (Section 4.2) recommends the following dosages for safety and efficacy based on well-established and traditional use:REF#995

      • Well-established use
      • Daily dose: 20 mg extract equivalent to 180 mg of the herbal substance once daily.
        • Duration of use: Continued use over three months is recommended for optimal effect. If the desired result is not achieved after use over three months, consult a doctor.
        • Traditional Use
          • Daily dose: 
            • 400 mg powdered herbal substance two times daily.
            • 30-40 drops corresponding to approximately 33 mg of the herbal substance once daily. 
            • 4 mg dry extract corresponding to 28-52 mg herbal substance once daily.
            • 2-3 mg dry extract corresponding to 30-48 mg herbal substance once daily.

        As you can see, the concentration and form of the Vitex (tincture vs. whole herb, for example) play a role in optimal dosing.

        Ask your doctor, practitioner, or herbalist about the best Vitex dose.

        Is Vitex Berry Safe?

        As previously outlined, Vitex Berry is considered safe for most people to take based on the very low incidents of reported side effects in studies and its long history of use.

        Although some drugs may be contraindicated, there is no formal evidence of serious drug interactions from taking Vitex Berry.

        However, if you have any health issues listed above or are on medication, always check with your doctor before taking Vitex Berry.

        Now let’s talk about quality.

        Quality is essential when choosing a Vitex Berry supplement—or any supplement.

        When choosing a safe Vitex Berry supplement, insist on:

        • Certified Organic Vitex Berry
        • Third-party testing for identity, potency, and contaminants
        • Avoid high doses of Vitex Berry—use the information provided in this article on established and traditional dosing as a baseline when talking to your doctor or practitioner about optimal dosing
        • Vitex Berry that’s free from fillers, binders, or excipients (excipients are non-active ingredients in supplements or medications added to enhance texture, bind, lubricate, color, flavor, or as preservatives)
        • Products made in a cGMP facility—cGMP stands for Current Good Manufacturing Practices which are enforced by the FDA to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in manufacturing, testing, and procurement of raw materials.

        By being proactive in your awareness of potential Vitex Berry side effects and contraindications, communicating with your doctor and healthcare providers, and following this quality criterion, you’re in a position to choose the safest herbs for you and your healthy lifestyle.

        To learn more about the benefits of Vitex Berry, check out the following articles:

        If these side effects and contraindications do not apply to you and you’re interested in trying Vitex Berry, check out these Gaia Herbs herbal supplements:

        Women’s Balance: Combines Vitex Berry with Black Cohosh, St. John’s Wort, and Oats to support hormonal balance.*

        REFERENCES:

        • 1. Daniele, C., Coon, J.T., Pittler, M.H. et al, "Vitex agnus castus", Drug-Safety 28, 319–332 (2005). https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004
        • 2. Shenghong Li, Shengxiang Qiu, Ping Yao, Handong Sun, Harry H. S. Fong, Hongjie Zhang, "Compounds from the Fruits of the Popular European Medicinal Plant Vitex agnus-castus in Chemoprevention via NADP(H):Quinone Oxidoreductase Type 1 Induction", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 432829, 7 pages, 2013. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/432829/
        • 3. Shenghong Li, Shengxiang Qiu, Ping Yao, Handong Sun, Harry H. S. Fong, Hongjie Zhang, "Compounds from the Fruits of the Popular European Medicinal Plant Vitex agnus-castus in Chemoprevention via NADP(H):Quinone Oxidoreductase Type 1 Induction", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 432829, 7 pages, 2013. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/432829/
        • 4. van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ, Bone KM, "Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials", Planta Med. 2013 May;79(7):562-75. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327831. Epub 2012 Nov 7. PMID: 23136064. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23136064/
        • 5. Schellenberg R, Zimmermann C, Drewe J, Hoexter G, Zahner C., "Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome", Phytomedicine. 2012 Nov 15;19(14):1325-31. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.08.006. Epub 2012 Sep 28. PMID: 23022391. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23022391/
        • 6. Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M., "Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus", Electron Physician. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. doi: 10.19082/3685. PMID: 28243425; PMCID: PMC5308513.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28243425/
        • 7. Daniele C, Thompson Coon J, Pittler MH, Ernst E, "Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events", Drug Saf. 2005;28(4):319-32. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004. PMID: 15783241.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15783241/
        • 8. M. Diana van Die et al.,, "Vitex agnus-castus Extracts for Female Reproductive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials", Planta Medica, 2012. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0032-1327831
        • 9. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), "Community herbal monograph on Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus", 25 November 2010 EMA/HMPC/144006/2009. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-vitex-agnus-castus-l-fructus_en.pdf
        • 10. , "Chasteberry", July 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chasteberry