Randomised trial, 2001
Does agnus castus (Vitex) fruit extract reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
Yes. Women taking agnus castus had significantly greater symptom improvement than placebo, with 52% having at least 50% symptom reduction compared to 24% on placebo.
What they did
170 women (86 on active treatment, 84 on placebo) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They took one agnus castus tablet daily or placebo for three consecutive menstrual cycles.
What they found
Agnus castus was significantly better than placebo for reducing irritability, mood swings, anger, headache, breast fullness, and bloating. 52% of the agnus castus group had 50% or greater symptom reduction compared to 24% of the placebo group. Four women on active treatment and three on placebo reported mild side effects, but none stopped treatment.
What it means for you
Agnus castus appears to be an effective and safe herbal treatment for premenstrual syndrome. This is a large, well-designed randomized controlled trial with good-quality evidence.
170
women evaluated
52%
active group response rate
24%
placebo group response rate
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study
- Authors
- Schellenberg R
- Journal
- BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 178
- What was tested
- Agnus castus dry extract, one tablet daily, for three menstrual cycles
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7279.134
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2012
Does Vitex agnus castus work for PMS, and what dose is best?
Survey study, 2025
Can a chatbot help monitor PMS symptoms over time?
Randomised trial, 2012
Does Vitex agnus castus help women with PMS?
Survey study, 2025
Can a plant-based supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2024
What do pharmacy students know about using herbs for PMS?
Non-randomised trial, 2014
Does Vitex help PMS symptoms?