Herbal Extract
Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract
Also known as: Chasteberry, Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus, Monk's Pepper
Vitex is a traditional herbal extract used to support hormonal balance, particularly for menstrual cycle regulation and premenstrual symptoms in women. Evidence for efficacy is moderate, with some clinical studies supporting symptom relief but limited mechanistic understanding.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Vitex (Agnus Castus) 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 Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract should I take?
The typical range is 400-500 mg daily standardized extract. May require 2-3 months of consistent use to observe effects on menstrual cycle
When should I take Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract?
Morning, consistently daily. Can be taken with or without food.
Which form of Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract is best?
Extract. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Tablet.
Is Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract safe?
Commonly reported: Headache, Gastrointestinal upset, Breast tenderness, Mild rash.
Which Vitex (Agnus Castus) 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
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) support
- Menstrual cycle regulation
- Hormonal balance
How it works
- Dopamine agonism (may suppress prolactin)
- Modulation of luteal phase progesterone
Dosage
- Typical range
- 400-500 mg daily standardized extract
- Timing
- Morning, consistently daily
- With food
- Can be taken with or without food
- Duration
- May require 2-3 months of consistent use to observe effects on menstrual cycle
- Special populations
- Not recommended during pregnancy; use with caution while breastfeeding
Forms
- Extract· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Breast tenderness
- Mild rash
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical risk)
- Concurrent dopamine antagonist use
Products containing Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vitex (Agnus Castus) Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Multiple RCTs demonstrate efficacy for PMS symptoms; however, mechanism of action remains incompletely understood and some studies are small or have methodological limitations.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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.