Herbal Extract
Chasteberry Extract
Also known as: Vitex agnus-castus, Vitex, monk's pepper, chaste tree
A traditional herbal extract from the chasteberry fruit used primarily for hormonal balance and menstrual cycle support. Moderate clinical evidence suggests potential benefit for menstrual symptoms, though high-quality RCTs remain limited.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Chasteberry Extract product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Meta-Balance™ | 90 A | $1.60 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations Chaste tree (Vitex) | 84 A- | $0.28 |
| 3 | Bluebonnet Nutrition VITEX BERRY EXTRACT | 80 A- | $0.36 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations PMS Essentials | 79 B+ | $1.14 |
| 5 | Integrative Therapeutics Vitex Extract | 76 B+ | $0.46 |
| 6 | Vital Nutrients Menopause Support | 74 B+ | $0.70 |
| 7 | Herb Pharm Chaste Tree | 73 B+ | $0.45 |
| 8 | Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry | 72 B | $0.66 |
| 9 | MegaFood Women's Whole Body Tablets | 69 B | $0.67 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients PMS Support | 66 B- | $1.07 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Chasteberry Extract should I take?
The typical range is 400-500 mg daily (equivalent to 500 mg chasteberry; 1:1 extract as noted). Typically requires 3-6 months of consistent use for full benefit; effects may persist after discontinuation
When should I take Chasteberry Extract?
Morning or with breakfast. May be taken with or without food.
Which form of Chasteberry Extract is best?
1:1 extract. Other forms in the catalog: standardized extract, dried berry.
Is Chasteberry Extract safe?
Commonly reported: Mild gastrointestinal upset, Headache (rare), Dizziness (rare), Generally well-tolerated.
Which Chasteberry Extract supplement scores highest?
Thorne Meta-Balance™, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Menstrual cycle regularity
- PMS symptom relief
- Breast tenderness
- Hormonal balance
- Fertility support
How it works
- Believed to influence dopamine and prolactin regulation
- May modulate luteinizing hormone (LH) release
- Potential progesterone-supportive effects
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Mechanisms not fully elucidated in humans
Dosage
- Typical range
- 400-500 mg daily (equivalent to 500 mg chasteberry; 1:1 extract as noted)
- Timing
- Morning or with breakfast
- With food
- May be taken with or without food
- Duration
- Typically requires 3-6 months of consistent use for full benefit; effects may persist after discontinuation
- Special populations
- Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation; avoid if taking dopamine agonists or antipsychotics
Forms
- 1:1 extract· 70/100
- standardized extract· 70/100
- dried berry· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Headache (rare)
- Dizziness (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation (traditional precaution; limited safety data)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical concern; limited evidence)
- Concurrent dopamine antagonist medications
Products containing Chasteberry Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Chasteberry Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Several moderate-quality trials and systematic reviews suggest benefit for PMS and menstrual symptoms, but evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous outcomes, and lack of large RCTs. Mechanism of action remains incompletely understood.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Herbal Extract
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.