---
title: Does the herb chaste-berry (Vitex agnus-castus) really reduce PMS symptoms?
description: A pooled analysis of 14 trials found a large average benefit of chaste-berry over placebo for PMS symptoms, but the underlying studies had a high risk of bias
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-treatment-of-premenstrual-syndrome-with-preparations-of-vitex-agnus-castus-2017/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- Does the herb chaste-berry (Vitex agnus-castus) really reduce PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2017

# Does the herb chaste-berry (Vitex agnus-castus) really reduce PMS symptoms?

A pooled analysis of 14 trials found a large average benefit of chaste-berry over placebo for PMS symptoms, but the underlying studies had a high risk of bias and very inconsistent results, so this cannot be taken as a firm conclusion.

 Moderate study design

Women with PMS and/or PMDD, across 17 randomized controlled trials (14 combined in the meta-analysis).

## What they did

Researchers searched for all randomized controlled trials testing Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) in women with PMS and/or PMDD. They found 17 RCTs, and 14 of these could be combined in a quantitative meta-analysis.

## What they found

Almost all trials except one found VAC worked better than placebo, vitamin B6, or magnesium for total symptoms or specific symptom clusters. The combined effect in placebo-controlled trials was large (Hedge's g: -1.21, 95% CI -1.53 to -0.88), but results varied enormously between studies (I2 = 91%), and statistical tests suggested possible publication bias.

## What it means for you

The numbers look promising, but the high risk of bias, huge differences between study results, and signs of publication bias mean the true benefit of chaste-berry for PMS is still uncertain. It should be seen as an early, not a proven, finding.

17 / 14

RCTs found / in meta-analysis

-1.21

Pooled effect (Hedge's g)

91%

Heterogeneity (I2)

## About the study

Original title The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex Agnus Castus (Chaste-berry): A systematic review and meta-analysis Authors Peter F.J. Schulte, A. Verkaik, Astrid Mariska Kamperman et al. Journal European Psychiatry Year 2017 Study design Systematic review What was tested Vitex agnus-castus (chaste-berry) vs placebo, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), or magnesium. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1863](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1863)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Magnesium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-magnesium/)[Vitamin B6](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-b6/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)

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

Systematic review, 2013

Does Vitex (chaste tree) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?

Systematic review, 2009

Which herbs, vitamins and minerals help treat PMS?

Review, 2023

Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2025

Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS?

Review, 2025

Do yoga and dietary changes help with PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2006

Which dietary supplements and herbs work for PMS?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗