--- title: Do compounds from Vitex rotundifolia act like estrogen in the body? description: In laboratory cells, two compounds from Vitex rotundifolia (agnuside and rotundifuran) acted like estrogen and turned on estrogen-related genes. This suggests url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/evaluation-of-the-estrogenic-activity-of-the-constituents-in-the-fruits-of-vitex-2007/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do compounds from Vitex rotundifolia act like estrogen in the body? Study, 2007 # Do compounds from Vitex rotundifolia act like estrogen in the body? In laboratory cells, two compounds from Vitex rotundifolia (agnuside and rotundifuran) acted like estrogen and turned on estrogen-related genes. This suggests they might help regulate hormone levels, though testing in people is still needed. Early or limited evidence This is a laboratory study with cells, not a human study. ## What they did Researchers tested an extract from Vitex rotundifolia fruits and four specific compounds from it on breast cancer cells in the lab. These cells respond to estrogen, so the researchers could see if the plant compounds had estrogen-like activity. They measured cell growth and checked whether estrogen-related genes were activated. ## What they found Two compounds, agnuside and rotundifuran, made the cells grow in a dose-dependent way, meaning more of the compound caused more growth. This growth was blocked when the researchers added an estrogen receptor blocker, showing the effect worked through estrogen pathways. These two compounds also increased levels of estrogen receptor and related genes within 24 hours, and this increase was reversed by blocking estrogen. ## What it means for you These results suggest that agnuside and rotundifuran might act like estrogen in the body, which could be useful for treating hormone-related issues. However, this was done in cells in a lab, not in people, so we cannot know yet if Vitex rotundifolia actually helps PMS symptoms. More research in animals and people is needed. 4 compounds tested from Vitex rotundifolia 2 compounds that showed estrogen-like activity 100 nM to 10 µM dose range tested ## About the study Original title Evaluation of the estrogenic activity of the constituents in the fruits of Vitex rotundifolia L. for the potential treatment of premenstrual syndrome Authors Hu Y, Hou TT, Zhang QY et al. Journal The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology Year 2007 Study design Study What was tested Extract and four compounds from Vitex rotundifolia fruits. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1211/jpp.59.9.0016](https://doi.org/10.1211/jpp.59.9.0016) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2025 Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together? Randomised trial, 2023 Can herbal medicine prevent or treat PMS and menstrual disorders? Systematic review, 2017 Does Vitex agnus castus help treat premenstrual syndrome? Systematic review, 2017 Is Vitex agnus castus safe and effective for treating PMS and PMDD? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Systematic review, 2014 Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗