Chasteberry for Premenstrual Syndrome

A 2012 study found that a 20mg extract of chasteberry taken daily over 3 menstrual cycles was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome was assessed by reported levels of irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, bloating and breast fullness. The German Commission E, an expert committee in Germany to assess herbs, has approved chasteberry use for menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome and cyclical breast discomfort. Chasteberry may cause dry mouth, dizziness or stomach upset among other side effects.

Schellenberg R, Zimmermann C, Drewe J, Hoexter G, Zahner C. Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Phytomedicine. 2012 Nov 15;19(14):1325-31. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.08.006. Epub 2012 Sep 28. PMID: 23022391.

Blumenthal M. German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Commission E. Herbal Medicine: expanded Commission E monographs. 1st ed. Newton, Mass.: Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000.