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Renuka

Vitex agnus-castus L.

Renuka (Vitex agnus-castus L.) is a plant drug, from the Lamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) family. European Union herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC) established for premenstrual syndrome treatment; European Pharmacopoeia monograph exists; German Commission E approved; not in specific WHO monograph.

Key facts
Botanical nameVitex agnus-castus L.
FamilyLamiaceae (formerly Verbenaceae) · other entries in this family
OrderLamiales
Pharmacopoeia statusEuropean Union herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC) established for premenstrual syndrome treatment; European Pharmacopoeia monograph exists; German Commission E approved; not in specific WHO monograph
Taxon identifiersGBIF 2925562 · Wikidata Q259318 · NCBI Taxonomy 54477

The evidence at a glance

12papers on this site for this drug, published 2006 to 2026, 11 with a DOI.

  • 5Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • 6Other clinical studies and reviews
  • 1Laboratory and animal studies

A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishChaste tree / Chasteberry
SanskritRenuka
Latin/BotanicalVitex agnus-castus L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

How does it work?

  • Prolactin suppression via clerodane diterpene-mediated dopamine D2 receptor agonism on pituitary lactotrope cells
  • Phytoestrogenic modulation through flavonoid binding to estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta) with selective effects
  • Opioidergic activity through binding to mu-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors, contributing to menstrual pain relief
  • Anti-inflammatory action via casticin-mediated inhibition of NF-kB pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

  • Menstrual regulation and PMS: traditionally used for menstrual regulation and premenstrual complaints. Clinical studies have reported reduced PMS symptoms.
  • Stanya-shodhana: used in classical practice under this category. Clinical studies have reported reduced prolactin levels and proposed a dopamine D2 receptor mechanism.
  • Menopausal symptoms: traditionally used for menopausal complaints. Clinical studies have reported reductions in vasomotor symptoms, mood disorders and sleep disturbances.
  • Female reproductive health (Stri-roga): traditionally used for female reproductive conditions. Clinical studies have reported menstrual cycle normalization.

What do recent studies show?

Recent safety updates

  • Well-tolerated in clinical trials; common mild side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and skin reactions; a liver toxicity signal has been noted in rat studies, with no corresponding human reports
  • Potential interactions with dopamine agonists/antagonists, estrogens, anti-estrogens, and oral contraceptives; not recommended during pregnancy; may reduce efficacy of in vitro fertilization treatments

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

  • Diterpenes
  • Flavonoids
  • Casticin
  • Iridoids
  • Agnuside
  • Aucubin
  • Sabinene
  • Cineole

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (seed powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (oil), Lepa (paste)

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g seed powder twice daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach for hormonal effects. Continuous daily use for at least 3 menstrual cycles recommended for PMS/menstrual regulation. Take consistently at the same time daily.

Storage: Seeds and powder: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry. Store away from heat sources.

Marker Compounds: Casticin, Agnuside, Rotundifuran, Vitexilactone, Aucubin, p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Penduletin

Synergistic Combinations

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses5

  1. Manouchehri A, Abbaszadeh S, Ahmadi M and others. 2023. Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic reviewJBRA assisted reproduction. PMID 35916457 · doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220024
  2. Csupor D, Lantos T, Hegyi P and others. 2019. Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trialsComplementary therapies in medicine. PMID 31780016 · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024
  3. Cerqueira RO, Frey BN, Leclerc E and others. 2017. Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic reviewArchives of women's mental health. PMID 29063202 · doi:10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0
  4. Verkaik S, Kamperman AM, van Westrhenen R and others. 2017. The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysisAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology. PMID 28237870 · doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028
  5. van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ and others. 2013. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trialsPlanta medica. PMID 23136064 · doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327831

Other clinical studies and reviews6

  1. Sopjani M, Murati V, Mataj-Berisha D and others. 2026. Vitex agnus-castus in Menopause: Phytochemistry, Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Applications, and Safety PerspectivesPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 41630367 · doi:10.1002/ptr.70237
  2. Puglia LT, Lowry J, Tamagno G. 2023. Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemiaFrontiers in endocrinology. PMID 38075075 · doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781
  3. Kenda M, Glavač NK, Nagy M and others. 2021. Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological DisordersMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34946512 · doi:10.3390/molecules26247421
  4. Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M. 2017. Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus CastusElectronic physician. PMID 28243425 · doi:10.19082/3685
  5. Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL and others. 2016. Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's HealthPharmacological reviews. PMID 27677719 · doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843
  6. 2006. Chasteberry PMID 30000866

Laboratory and animal studies1

  1. Reinhardt JK, Schertler L, Bussmann H and others. 2024. Vitex agnus castus Extract Ze 440: Diterpene and Triterpene's Interactions with Dopamine D2 ReceptorInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 39519010 · doi:10.3390/ijms252111456

Reference lists that include it

Flavonoids

Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.

Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.

Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.