Vitex for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

By Dr Jillian Stansbury: Botanical Medicine Clinician, Researcher, and Ethnobotanist, Associate Professor Botanical Medicine, Scientific Advisor for Restorative Formulations
Vitex agnus castus or Chaste Tree Berry has been used for centuries to treat menstrual, menopausal and fertility disorders in women, and has now become established as a valuable medicine to consider in treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).   Elevated prolactin and testosterone levels are the hallmarks of PCOS and Vitex can reduce elevated prolactin[1],[2], [3],[4] and testosterone[5], contributing to the age old usage of the plant for women with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, both common in PCOS.  Vitex may also optimize progesterone levels[6], elevated estrogens, and altered TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormones) from the hypothalamus[7], all helping promote ovulation, regulate menstruation, and support fertility.
Animal studies have shown Vitex fruit extracts to exert hormonal effects by promoting dopaminergic[8] pathways in the brain, which in turn regulates pituitary hormones[9].  Furthermore, Chaste tree berry has been shown to bind opiate receptors[10],[11],[12] which also promotes dopaminergic activity.  Casticin[13], a bioflavonoid in Vitex, as well diterpenes[14] may reduce elevated prolactin levels[15], and radioligand studies of Chaste Tree fruit extracts confirm that diterpenes bind type 2 dopamine receptors and all subtypes of opiate receptors.[16]  Promotion of dopaminergic activity will reliably reduce hyperprolactinemia[17], and Vitex may also reduce elevated luteinizing hormone and normalize the resultant elevated testosterone[18], that contributes to PCOS-associated acne and hirsuitism.
One clinical trial conducted by Stanford University’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department compared the use of Chaste Tree Berry to placebo in 93 women with infertility.  After 3 months, progesterone levels in the women on the Chaste Tree Berry were increased compared to those receiving the placebo.  Furthermore, 13 of the 53 women receiving Chaste Tree Berry achieved pregnancy,[19] while none of the women on the placebo became pregnant.
Another clinical trial dosed women with luteal phase defects due to elevated prolactin, either 20 mg Chaste Tree Berry or placebo.  The elevated prolactin was reduced and menstrual cycles were normalized after 3 months in only those receiving the verum.  Estradiol levels were also noted to increase in the luteal phase for those taking the Chaste Tree Berry, with all other hormonal parameters being the same.[20]
These findings explain how Vitex found its way to be one of the most important herbs to normalize the menstrual cycle in ancient time, and how modern research supports the use of the plant for women with PCOS.
As a clinician and herbal researcher I know it is always important to use the cleanest herbs and herbal extracts available.  When possible always choose CERTIFIED ORGANIC.