--- title: "Chasteberry Seed: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chasteberry-seed/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) # Chasteberry Seed Vitex agnus-castus A Strong clinical evidence Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect. [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance The EMA classes standardised dry extract of chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus fruit) as "well-established use" for premenstrual syndrome. Use is limited to ready-made products with standardised extract; seed tea is outside this assessment. Because it may affect hormone and dopamine systems, some people should ask a doctor first. **Parts used:** fruits **Key constituents:** Agnusit, Flavonoidler Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - A Strong clinical evidence Standardised dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Food Adult women use a ready-made product with standardised dry extract as labelled (e.g. 20 mg dry extract once daily). **Amount:** Once daily **Duration limit:** 3 months for effect; see a doctor if symptoms persist after 3 months \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 18 years - Ask a doctor first if you have or had oestrogen-sensitive cancer or a pituitary disorder; it can mask symptoms of prolactin-secreting tumours. - Not recommended under 18. - Not recommended in pregnancy, or while breastfeeding as it may affect milk production. - If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist. \[1\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Dopamine agonists and antagonists, oestrogens and anti-oestrogens | Interactions cannot be excluded because of possible dopamine-like and oestrogenic effects; ask a doctor first. [1] | Moderate | ### Side effects - Severe allergic reactions with facial swelling or breathing difficulty; rash, hives, acne - Headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain - Menstrual irregularities #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Chasteberry extract needs regular use for premenstrual syndrome; the EMA accepts this based on clinical data. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Does chasteberry help PMS? Based on clinical data, the EMA accepts that standardised chasteberry extract may help with PMS symptoms. How long should I take chasteberry? Regular use for 3 months is recommended; see a doctor if symptoms persist after 3 months. Does chasteberry seed tea work the same? The EMA assessment covers standardised extracts; seed tea is not included. Who should not take chasteberry? Under-18s and pregnant or breastfeeding women; those on hormonal contraception, hormone therapy or dopamine medicines should ask a doctor first. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-vitex-agnus-castus-l-fructus-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 ### Cite This Page Chasteberry Seed (Vitex agnus-castus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chasteberry-seed/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Saffron](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saffron/) B Limited clinical evidence Crocus sativus The world's most expensive spice. Meta-analyses found 30 mg of saffron extract daily helped mild-to-moderate depression symptoms. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Tribulus](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/) B Limited clinical evidence Tribulus terrestris The spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Fennel](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/fennel/) T Traditional use Foeniculum vulgare Fennel seed tea is traditionally used for bloating and wind, for mild period cramps and for cough that comes with a cold. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) +1 [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Yarrow](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/yarrow/) T Traditional use Achillea millefolium Yarrow tea is traditionally used for loss of appetite, bloating and wind, mild period cramps and, on the skin, small superficial wounds. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Lady's Mantle](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ladys-mantle/) T Traditional use Alchemilla vulgaris A tannin-rich astringent herb. Traditionally taken as a tea for mild diarrhoea; its popular use for women's health rests on tradition only. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Seed) [Seed →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) +1 [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Cumin](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cumin/) B Limited clinical evidence Cuminum cyminum An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Sesame](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sesame/) B Limited clinical evidence Sesamum indicum The seed behind tahini and simit. It contains healthy fats, protein and lignans; small studies saw modest falls in cholesterol and blood pressure. [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.