Randomised trial, 2012
Does Vitex agnus castus work for PMS, and what dose is best?
Yes, Vitex at 20 mg daily significantly reduced PMS symptoms compared to placebo. A 30 mg dose did not work better, making 20 mg the optimal dose.
What they did
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 162 women aged 18-45 with PMS. Women received placebo or Vitex at 8, 20, or 30 mg daily for 3 menstrual cycles. They rated their symptoms daily using visual scales.
What they found
The 20 mg dose significantly improved total symptom score compared to placebo and 8 mg. The 30 mg dose was no better than 20 mg. All treatments were well tolerated. Symptoms tracked were irritability, mood changes, anger, headache, bloating, and breast fullness.
What it means for you
If you try Vitex for PMS, 20 mg daily appears most effective. The study was well-designed but lasted only 3 months.
162
women in study
20 mg
most effective daily dose
3
menstrual cycles tested
About the study
- Original title
- Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Schellenberg R, Zimmermann C, Drewe J et al.
- Journal
- Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 440
- What was tested
- Vitex agnus castus extract at 8, 20, or 30 mg daily
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.08.006
Topics
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