The Effects of Chaste Tree in Vilinea Plus on PMS and the Menstrual Cycle

Written by Aleksandra Komasz, BSc in Chemistry, Ayurvedic Medicine Specialist

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.) is one of the best-researched European medicinal plants for relieving premenstrual symptoms. Because preparations differ in composition, quality, extract type and dosage, research findings cannot automatically be applied to all food supplements containing chaste tree. In developing Vilinea Plus, the quality and quantity of the chaste tree extract were therefore carefully selected in light of the available scientific evidence regarding its effects. As part of a thoughtfully designed formula, chaste tree thus contributes to women’s well-being during the premenstrual period.

The Menstrual Cycle and Its Phases

The menstrual cycle is a coordinated sequence of hormonal changes in the ovaries and uterus, whose purpose is the maturation of an egg and the preparation of the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. The first day of menstrual bleeding is considered the first day of a new cycle. Although the cycle is often described as having four phases, menstruation is physiologically the initial part of the follicular phase. Menstruation begins when progesterone and oestrogen levels fall at the end of the preceding cycle. This causes the functional layer of the uterine lining to shed and be expelled as menstrual bleeding. At the same time, a new group of follicles has already begun to develop in the ovaries, which means that menstruation is not merely the end of the previous cycle, but also the beginning of a new one.

The follicular phase lasts from the first day of menstruation until ovulation. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), several follicles begin to grow in the ovaries, although usually only one, the dominant follicle, fully matures. It produces increasing amounts of estradiol, which stimulates the regrowth and thickening of the uterine lining. The duration of the follicular phase varies most widely between women and between individual cycles, so ovulation does not necessarily occur on day fourteen of the cycle. When estradiol reaches a sufficiently high level, it triggers a pronounced surge in luteinising hormone (LH). This causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release a mature egg from the ovary. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period, although its actual timing may vary depending on cycle length.

After ovulation, the remains of the follicle form the corpus luteum, which produces primarily progesterone as well as oestrogen. Progesterone transforms the uterine lining and prepares it for the possible implantation of a fertilised egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum gradually breaks down, progesterone and oestrogen levels fall, and the uterine lining begins to shed. This marks the beginning of a new menstrual period and the next menstrual cycle.

It is during the luteal phase, particularly in the days before menstruation, that some women experience the characteristic physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that recur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, usually in the days before menstruation, and subside when bleeding begins or shortly afterwards. The most common symptoms include irritability, emotional tension, breast tenderness, bloating, headache, changes in appetite and fatigue.

Occasionally feeling unwell before menstruation does not in itself indicate PMS. For a more reliable assessment, clinical guidelines recommend recording the type, intensity and timing of symptoms every day for at least two consecutive menstrual cycles. Only in this way can their cyclical pattern be confirmed and PMS distinguished from conditions with similar symptoms, such as depression, anxiety disorders, thyroid disease and perimenopause, as well as from the premenstrual exacerbation of an existing illness or disorder.

Severe mood changes that cause significant distress or substantially interfere with daily life may indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and require professional clinical assessment. If thoughts of self-harm or suicide occur, call 112 immediately or seek help from the nearest emergency medical service.

What Is Chaste Tree?

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus L.) is a shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Herbal preparations primarily use its ripe, dried fruits or extracts obtained from them. The fruits contain a diverse mixture of plant compounds, including diterpenes, flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which means that the effects of chaste tree cannot be attributed to a single active constituent.

Laboratory studies have found that certain extracts and individual diterpenes act on dopamine D₂ receptors and inhibit prolactin release. These findings underpin the hypothesis that some chaste tree extracts influence prolactin secretion and thereby alleviate some cyclical symptoms.

Traditional Use and the Current Monograph

Chaste tree has a long European tradition of use for menstrual complaints. For certain precisely defined fruit preparations, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) distinguishes between well-established medicinal use for PMS and traditional use. This classification relates to a specific herbal substance, extract type, extraction ratio, solvent, dosage and pharmaceutical quality.

What Does Clinical Research Show?

An Individual Randomised Trial

In a frequently cited double-blind study from 2001, 170 women with PMS received the standardised extract Ze 440 or a placebo for three cycles. The extract was more effective than placebo for several composite symptom measures, while adverse effects were mostly mild. The study supports a possible effect of this specific extract, but does not demonstrate that other products are equivalent.

Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews of the research generally suggest that chaste tree may help alleviate PMS symptoms. Van Die et al. (2013) reviewed 12 randomised trials addressing various reproductive health conditions. Most PMS-related studies reported a beneficial effect, but the studies differed in the preparations used, outcome measures and sample sizes. Cerqueira et al. (2017) included eight randomised trials of PMS or PMDD in their review and found that the results were generally positive. Verkaik et al. (2017) analysed 17 studies and found an overall effect. Csupor et al. (2019) focused on double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and found that clinical improvement with chaste tree was greater than with placebo.

Safety, Precautions and Possible Interactions

In clinical studies, adverse effects were generally mild.

A doctor should be consulted in the following cases:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when use is not recommended due to insufficient data;
• in the presence of pituitary disorders, as dopaminergic effects may influence symptoms or their interpretation;
• when using dopamine agonists or antagonists;
• during hormone therapy, when using hormonal contraception, or when taking medicines with oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects;
• in the presence of hormone-sensitive conditions.

When Do Symptoms Require Medical Attention?

Medical assessment is recommended when symptoms are new, worsen rapidly, significantly interfere with work or relationships, occur outside the premenstrual period, or are accompanied by very heavy or irregular bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, discharge, fever or difficulty conceiving. Keeping a diary of symptoms, cycle length, bleeding, sleep and medication is a useful first step.

Does Chaste Tree Regulate Hormones?

Laboratory data indicate that extracts have dopaminergic effects, while clinical data are available regarding their use for PMS.

When Can Its Effects Be Assessed?

The food supplement should be taken over several menstrual cycles, or for at least six months, to achieve a satisfactory effect.

Are All Extracts the Same?

No. The part of the plant used, extraction solvent, plant-to-extract ratio, standardisation, dosage and manufacturing quality are all important. Our Vilinea Plus food supplement uses an extract that has demonstrated efficacy in relieving PMS symptoms.

Can I Combine It with Hormonal Contraception?

Due to its possible hormonal and dopaminergic effects, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended.

Is It Suitable for PMDD?

In cases of severe mood symptoms and suspected PMDD, professional assessment should be the first course of action. Self-treatment must not delay effective treatment.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322:134–137.
2. van Die MD et al. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Med. 2013;79:562–575.
3. Cerqueira RO et al. Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017;20:713–719.
4. Verkaik S et al. The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017;217:150–166.
5. Csupor D et al. Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019;47:102190.
6. European Medicines Agency. Agni casti fructus: EU monograph and assessment documents.
7. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Managing premenstrual syndrome.
8. European Commission. EU Register of nutrition and health claims.
9. Court of Justice of the European Union. Novel Nutriology GmbH v Verband Sozialer Wettbewerb eV, C-386/23, judgment of 30 April 2025.