How does Vitex agnus-castus work to balance hormones?

Vitex agnus-castus works primarily through its effects on the pituitary gland rather than containing hormones itself. It binds to dopamine receptors, which helps inhibit the secretion of prolactin. By normalizing elevated prolactin levels, Vitex helps regulate the balance between estrogen and progesterone, specifically improving the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This dopaminergic mechanism allows it to address hormonal imbalances that contribute to conditions like PMS and irregular cycles (Evidence level B).

Can I take Vitex with birth control pills or HRT?

It is generally advised to avoid taking Vitex agnus-castus concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Because Vitex modulates estrogen and progesterone activity through the pituitary gland, it may interfere with the effectiveness of exogenous hormones found in birth control. Additionally, Vitex is contraindicated for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those undergoing IVF treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before combining this herb with any hormonal therapies.

What is the recommended daily dosage for Vitex?

The standard adult dosage for Vitex agnus-castus is typically 20-40 mg of a standardized extract daily, or 400-500 mg of dried fruit in capsule form. For Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), clinical studies (Evidence level B) often utilize the 20-40 mg range. It is usually taken once daily in the morning. Because Vitex works by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, it may take up to three months of consistent use to observe full therapeutic benefits.

Is Vitex (chasteberry) safe to take during pregnancy?

Vitex agnus-castus is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Due to its hormonal activity and ability to modulate prolactin, it may interfere with the natural hormonal shifts required to maintain a pregnancy. Historically, it was used to suppress libido, not to support gestation. Women trying to conceive should discontinue Vitex once pregnancy is confirmed. There is insufficient reliable data to support its safety during breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid use while nursing.

Does Vitex interact with dopamine agonists or antipsychotic medications?

Yes, Vitex agnus-castus has significant interactions with drugs that affect the dopaminergic system. Because Vitex acts as a dopamine agonist, it can antagonize the effects of antipsychotic medications (such as haloperidol or risperidone) and other drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease. This pharmacological antagonism can reduce the efficacy of these prescription medications. Patients taking dopamine-related medications should avoid Vitex unless supervised by a qualified physician.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Une interaction plante-médicament se produit lorsqu'une plante ou un complément modifie l'action d'un médicament dans votre organisme — en le rendant plus puissant, moins efficace, ou plus susceptible de provoquer des effets nocifs. Les plantes contiennent des composés actifs qui peuvent accélérer ou ralentir les enzymes et transporteurs utilisés pour métaboliser les médicaments.

Pourquoi c'est important

Millepertuis peut rendre la contraception, les antidépresseurs et les anticoagulants moins efficaces.

Ail peut augmenter le risque de saignement avec la warfarine et autres anticoagulants (aussi ginkgo, gingembre et curcuma).

Kava peut amplifier la sédation avec les médicaments contre l'anxiété ou le sommeil (aussi la valériane).

Le risque est plus élevé chez les personnes âgées, ceux qui prennent plusieurs médicaments et les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.

Indiquez toujours à votre médecin et à votre pharmacien toutes les plantes et compléments que vous prenez — et vérifiez ci-dessous avant toute association.

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

2 Modéré

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
Dopamine agonists (Bromocriptine)	Modéré	Vitex présente une activité dopaminergique et peut interagir avec des médicaments dopaminergiques.
Oral Contraceptives	Modéré	Les effets hormonaux du Vitex peuvent théoriquement interférer avec l'efficacité des contraceptifs hormonaux.

Cette liste reflète un sous-ensemble sélectionné d'interactions documentées et n'est pas exhaustive. L'absence d'un médicament ici ne prouve pas qu'il est sans danger à combiner. Confirmez toujours auprès d'un pharmacien ou d'un professionnel de santé.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 28 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chasteberry, is a botanical treatment primarily used for female reproductive disorders and premenstrual symptoms [PMID:23136064, PMID:30000866].

Contexte

Vitex agnus-castus is a shrub tree native to the Mediterranean region, grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions [PMID:28243425, PMID:36342880].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used for women's health conditions including menstrual pain, premenstrual tension, infertility, and as a galactagogue in Persian traditional medicine [PMID:36745730, PMID:30000866]. It has also been traditionally used to reduce sexual desire [PMID:16156340].

Composés actifs

The berries and leaves contain essential oils (e.g., limonene, sabinene, 1,8-cineole), iridoid glycosides (e.g., agnoside, aucubin, agnucastoside A, B, and C), diterpenes (e.g., vitexilactone, rotundifuran), and flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, castican, orientin, isovitexin) [PMID:30000866, PMID:12895546, PMID:36342880].

Mécanisme d'action

Some constituents, possibly the diterpene clerodadienols, bind to dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary [PMID:30000866]. It may affect physiological actions via multiple extra- and intracellular mechanisms, up-regulating the ovarian cycle and fecundity through hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian hormones [PMID:39853839].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve APremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that Vitex agnus-castus is effective for the alleviation of PMS symptoms [PMID:31780016, PMID:29063202, PMID:28237870].

Preuve BMastalgia / Cyclical Breast Pain

Double-blind placebo-controlled studies and retrospective cohort data show a substantial decrease in breast tenderness and beneficial influence on premenstrual mastodynia [PMID:12809367, PMID:38393671].

Preuve APolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A systematic review suggests Vitex agnus-castus may reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels [PMID:35916457].

Preuve AHyperprolactinaemia

Systematic reviews included trials investigating latent hyperprolactinaemia [PMID:23136064], and it is noted that high doses may decrease serum prolactin [PMID:30000866].

Preuve DMenstrual Cycle Disorders

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study found that three-month treatment substantially decreased the percentage of patients with irregular cycles [PMID:38393671].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Vitex is generally well tolerated; reported adverse effects are minor and may include gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, and dry mouth [PMID:16156340]. Oral forms have not been implicated in clinically apparent liver injury or serum aminotransferase elevations [PMID:36745730].

Grossesse et allaitement

Some evidence indicates high doses may decrease serum prolactin and might decrease lactation [PMID:30000866]. Its traditional use as a galactagogue is not well supported by scientific clinical trials and should be discouraged [PMID:16156340, PMID:30000866].

Interactions médicamenteuses

No herb-drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when used concomitantly with dopamine agonists or antagonists [PMID:16156340].

Synthèse des preuves

Strong evidence (Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews) supports the use of Vitex for PMS and PMDD. Moderate to strong evidence supports its use for mastalgia and PCOS-related hirsutism. Evidence for general fertility and menstrual irregularities is described as weak or requiring further study.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 23136064 (2013) — Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. · Planta medica
2.PMID: 35916457 (2023) — Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review. · JBRA assisted reproduction
3.PMID: 34946512 (2021) — Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 31780016 (2019) — Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials. · Complementary therapies in medicine
5.PMID: 27677719 (2016) — Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health.

Vitex

Sources et citations

Dong Quai

Shatavari Tonic

Vitex Negundo

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Vitex

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Dong Quai

Shatavari Tonic

Vitex Negundo

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales