Planta Med 2013; 79(07): 562-575
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1327831
Women's Health
Reviews
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Vitex agnus-castus Extracts for Female Reproductive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

M. Diana van Die
1   Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology-University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
,
Henry G. Burger
2   Prince Henryʼs Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
,
Helena J. Teede
3   Monash University, Clayton; Southern Health, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
,
Kerry M. Bone
4   University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales; MediHerb/Integria, Warwick, Queensland, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 10 August 2012
revised 09 September 2012

accepted 17 September 2012

Publication Date:
07 November 2012 (online)

Abstract

Vitex agnus-castus L. (chaste tree; chasteberry) is a popular herbal treatment, predominantly used for a range of female reproductive conditions in Anglo-American and European practice. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy and safety of Vitex extracts from randomised, controlled trials investigating womenʼs health.

Eight databases were searched using Latin and common names for Vitex and phytotherapeutic preparations of the herb as a sole agent, together with filters for randomised, controlled trials or clinical trials. Methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias and Jadad scales, as well as the proposed elaboration of CONSORT for reporting trials on herbal interventions.

Thirteen randomised, controlled trials were identified and twelve are included in this review, of which eight investigated premenstrual syndrome, two premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and two latent hyperprolactinaemia. For premenstrual syndrome, seven of eight trials found Vitex extracts to be superior to placebo (5 of 6 studies), pyridoxine (1), and magnesium oxide (1). In premenstrual dysphoric disorder, one study reported Vitex to be equivalent to fluoxetine, while in the other, fluoxetine outperformed Vitex. In latent hyperprolactinaemia, one trial reported it to be superior to placebo for reducing TRH-stimulated prolactin secretion, normalising a shortened luteal phase, increasing mid-luteal progesterone and 17β-oestradiol levels, while the other found Vitex comparable to bromocriptine for reducing serum prolactin levels and ameliorating cyclic mastalgia. Adverse events with Vitex were mild and generally infrequent. The methodological quality of the included studies varied, but was generally moderate-to-high. Limitations include small sample sizes in some studies, heterogeneity of conditions being treated, and a range of reference treatments.

Despite some methodological limitations, the results from randomised, controlled trials to date suggest benefits for Vitex extracts in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and latent hyperprolactinaemia. Further research is recommended, and greater transparency in reporting for future trials.

 
  • References

  • 1 Upchurch DM, Chyu L, Greendale GA, Utts J, Bair YA, Zhang G, Gold EB. Complementary and alternative medicine use among American women: findings from The National Health Interview Survey, 2002. J Womenʼs Health (Larchmt) 2007; 16: 102-113
  • 2 Upchurch DM, Dye CE, Chyu L, Gold EB, Greendale GA. Demographic, behavioral, and health correlates of complementary and alternative medicine and prayer use among midlife women: 2002. J Womenʼs Health (Larchmt) 2010; 19: 23-30
  • 3 Domoney CL, Vashisht A, Studd JW. Use of complementary therapies by women attending a specialist premenstrual syndrome clinic. Gynecol Endocrinol 2003; 17: 13-18
  • 4 Christie S, Walker AF. Vitex agnus-castus L.: (1) A review of its traditional and modern therapeutic use; (2) Current use from a survey of practitioners. Eur J Herbal Med 1997; 3: 29-45
  • 5 [no authors listed] Agnus castus also effective in fertility disorders. Exeter: The 5th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care; 1999
  • 6 Van Die MD, Burger HG, Bone KM, Cohen MM, Teede HJ. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause 2009; 16: 156-163
  • 7 Singh BB, Berman BM, Simpson RL, Annechild A. Incidence of premenstrual syndrome and remedy usage: a national probability sample study. Altern Ther Health Med 1998; 4: 75-79
  • 8 Winer SA, Rapkin AJ. Premenstrual disorders: prevalence, etiology and impact. J Reprod Med 2006; 51: 339-347
  • 9 Halbreich U, Borenstein J, Pearlstein T, Kahn LS. The prevalence, impairment, impact, and burden of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2003; 28 (Suppl. 03) 1-23
  • 10 Frackiewicz EJ, Shiovitz TM. Evaluation and management of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash) 2001; 41: 437-447
  • 11 Ader DN, South-Paul J, Adera T, Deuster PA. Cyclical mastalgia: prevalence and associated health and behavioral factors. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 22: 71-76
  • 12 Halbreich U, Ben-David M, Assael M, Bornstein R. Serum-prolactin in women with premenstrual syndrome. Lancet 1976; 2: 654-656
  • 13 Muhlenstedt D, Bohnet HG, Hanker JP, Schneider HP. Short luteal phase and prolactin. Int J Fertil 1978; 23: 213-218
  • 14 Dietrich M, Hinney B, Link M, Kuhn W, Wuttke W. Latent hyperprolactinaemia as a cause of mastodynia and luteal function impairment. Kyoto, Japan: 5th International Congress Prolactin; 1988
  • 15 Wuttke W, Gorkow C, Jarry H. Dopaminergic compounds in Vitex agnus-castus . In: Leow D, Rietbrock N, editors Phytopharmaka in Forschung und klinischer Anwendung. Darmstadt: Steinkopff Verlag; 1995: 81-91
  • 16 Yen S. The human menstrual cycle: neuroendocrine regulation. In: Yen S, Jaffe RB, Barbieri RL, editors Reproductive endocrinology. Physiology, pathophysiology and clinical management. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1999: 191-217
  • 17 Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlova-Wuttke D. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine 2003; 10: 348-357
  • 18 Wuttke W. The use of chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus) extract in gynecology. Gynäkol Endokrinol 2008; 6: 82-86
  • 19 Noack M. Our experiences with Agnus castus oligoplex for increasing milk yield. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1943; 9: 204-206
  • 20 Bautze HJ. Investigations on the influence of Agnus castus on the breastfeeding performance. Medwelt 1953; 4: 189-190
  • 21 Ciotta L, Pagano I, Stracquadanio M, Di Leo S, Ando A, Formuso C. Psychic aspects of the premenstrual dysphoric disorders. New therapeutic strategies: our experience with Vitex agnus castus . Minerva Ginecol 2011; 63: 237-245
  • 22 Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ 2001; 322: 134-137
  • 23 Zamani M, Neghab N, Torabian S. Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Acta Med Iran 2012; 50: 101-106
  • 24 Turner S, Mills SY. A double-blind clinical trial on a herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome: a case study. Complement Ther Med 1993; 1: 73-77
  • 25 Higgins JPT, Green S. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (version 5.0.1). The Cochrane Collaboration; 2008. Available at http://www.cochrane-handbook.org Accessed May 13, 2012
  • 26 Jadad AR, Moore RA, Carroll D, Jenkinson C, Reynolds DJ, Gavaghan DJ, McQuay HJ. Assessing the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials: is blinding necessary?. Control Clin Trials 1996; 17: 1-12
  • 27 Gagnier JJ, Boon H, Rochon P, Moher D, Barnes J, Bombardier C. Reporting randomized, controlled trials of herbal interventions: an elaborated CONSORT statement. Ann Intern Med 2006; 144: 364-367
  • 28 Ma L, Lin S, Chen R, Wang X. Treatment of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women. Gynaecol Endocrinol 2010; 26: 612-616
  • 29 Ma L, Lin S, Chen R, Zhang Y, Chen F, Wang X. Evaluating therapeutic effect in symptoms of moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus (BNO 1095) in Chinese women. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2010; 50: 189-193
  • 30 [no authors listed] Agnus castus . UK: Gerard House Promotional Brochure; 1988
  • 31 He Z, Chen R, Zhou Y, Geng L, Zhang Z, Chen S, Yao Y, Lu J, Lin S. Treatment for premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: A prospective, randomized, multi-center placebo controlled study in China. Maturitas 2009; 63: 99-103
  • 32 Kilicdag EB, Tarim E, Bagis T, Erkanli S, Aslan E, Ozsahin K, Kuscu E. Fructus agni casti and bromocriptine for treatment of hyperprolactinemia and mastalgia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2004; 85: 292-293
  • 33 Lauritzen C, Reuter HD, Repges R, Bohnert KJ, Schmidt U. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus – Controlled, double-blind study versus pyridoxine. Phytomedicine 1997; 4: 183-189
  • 34 Pakgohar M, Moradi M, Jamshidi AH, Mehran A. Assessment of Vitex agnus-castus L. extract effect on treatment of premenstrual syndrome. J Med Plants 2009; 8: 98-107 , 185
  • 35 Di Pierro F, Prazzoli R, Candidi C, Attolico M. Premenstrual syndrome: Controlled clinical trial with a fast acting form of a highly standardized extract of Vitex agnus castus . Giorn It Ost Ginecol 2009; 31: 153-157
  • 36 Atmaca M, Kumru S, Tezcan E. Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Hum Psychopharmacol 2003; 18: 191-195
  • 37 Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H, Sienkiewicz K, Jedrzejak J, Teucher T, Schmitz H. Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Results of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung 1993; 43: 752-756
  • 38 Dante G, Facchinetti F. Herbal treatments for alleviating premenstrual symptoms: a systematic review. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2011; 32: 42-51
  • 39 Carmichael AR. Can Vitex agnus castus be used for the treatment of mastalgia? What is the current evidence?. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2008; 5: 247-250
  • 40 Daniele C, Thompson Coon J, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf 2005; 28: 319-332
  • 41 Jarry H, Leonhardt S, Gorkow C, Wuttke W. In vitro prolactin but not LH and FSH release is inhibited by compounds in extracts of Agnus castus: direct evidence for a dopaminergic principle by the dopamine receptor assay. Exp Clin Endocrinol 1994; 102: 448-454
  • 42 Mertz PG, Gorkow C, Schrodter A, Rietbrock S, Sieder C, Loew D, Dericks-Tan JS, Taubert HD. The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1996; 104: 447-453
  • 43 Dericks-Tan JSE, Schwinn P, Hildt C. Dose-dependent stimulation of melatonin secretion after administration of Agnus castus . Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2003; 111: 44-46
  • 44 Van Die M, Burger H, Teede H, Bone K. Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-tree/berry) in the Treatment of Menopause-related Complaints. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15: 853-862
  • 45 Diaz BL, Llaneza PC. Endocrine regulation of the course of menopause by oral melatonin: first case report. Menopause 2008; 15: 388-392
  • 46 Jarry H, Spengler B, Porzel A, Schmidt J, Wuttke W, Christoffel V. Evidence for estrogen receptor beta-selective activity of Vitex agnus-castus and isolated flavones. Planta Med 2003; 69: 945-947
  • 47 Whelan AM, Jurgens TM, Naylor H. Herbs, vitamins and minerals in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2009; 16: 407-429
  • 48 Bryant M, Cassidy A, Hill C, Powell J, Talbot D, Dye L. Effect of consumption of soy isoflavones on behavioural, somatic and affective symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome. Br J Nutr 2005; 93: 731-739
  • 49 Cos P, De Bruyne T, Apers S, Vanden Berghe D, Pieters L, Vlietinck AJ. Phytoestrogens: recent developments. Planta Med 2003; 69: 589-599
  • 50 Bendich A. The potential for dietary supplements to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. J Am Coll Nutr 2000; 19: 3-12
  • 51 Hagen I, Nesheim BI, Tuntland T. No effect of vitamin B-6 against premenstrual tension. A controlled clinical study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1985; 64: 667-670
  • 52 Doll H, Brown S, Thurston A, Vessey M. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J R Coll Gen Pract 1989; 39: 364-368
  • 53 Wyatt KM, Dimmock PW, Jones PW, Shaughn OʼBrien PM. Efficacy of vitamin B-6 in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ 1999; 318: 1375-1381
  • 54 Gumm R, Cunnick GH, Mokbel K. Evidence for the management of mastalgia. Curr Med Res Opin 2004; 20: 681-684
  • 55 Mansel RE, Dogliotti L. European multicentre trial of bromocriptine in cyclical mastalgia. Lancet 1990; 335: 190-193
  • 56 Van Die MD, Bone KM, Burger HG, Reece JE, Teede HJ. Effects of a combination of Hypericum perforatum and Vitex agnus-castus on PMS-like symptoms in late-perimenopausal women: findings from a subpopulation analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15: 1045-1048
  • 57 American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 3rd. edition, revised (DSM-III-R). Washington DC: APA; 1987: 715-718