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.
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.
See all products →
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
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Chasteberry Extract fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
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.