agnus castus at a glance
Type
Traditional herbal medicinal product
Usual role
Relief of irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating and menstrual cramps associated with PMS
Administration
Oral hard capsule swallowed whole with water
Age
Not recommended for anyone under 18 years
What is agnus castus used for?
The selected product has a UK traditional herbal registration for PMS symptom relief.
Relief of premenstrual irritability and mood swings
Relief of breast tenderness and bloating associated with PMS
Relief of premenstrual menstrual cramps
The indication is based on traditional use only
How does agnus castus work?
Its mechanism is not firmly established. Agnus castus fruit is thought to influence signalling between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, with possible dopamine-like and oestrogen-like effects.
How to take agnus castus
Use orally and follow the instructions in the product leaflet. Swallow the capsule whole with water and do not take more than the label states. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Use only the formulation described on your pack because herbal products may differ.
Do not use if you are under 18 years.
agnus castus side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported with unknown frequency: nausea or abdominal pain
- Headache or dizziness
- Acne
- Rash, hives or itchy skin
- Changes or disturbances in menstruation
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergy causing facial swelling, breathlessness or difficulty swallowing
agnus castus in pregnancy
Do not use agnus castus during pregnancy or while trying to become pregnant. The selected product is contraindicated in pregnancy, and reliable safety information for herbal products is limited.
agnus castus while breastfeeding
Do not use the selected product while breastfeeding. Agnus castus extracts may affect lactation, and there is insufficient information about transfer into breast milk or effects on the infant.
agnus castus interactions
Possible dopamine-related and oestrogen-related effects mean clinically relevant interactions cannot be excluded.
Dopamine agonists
Agnus castus could alter their effects; seek medical or pharmacist advice before combining them.
Dopamine antagonists
Their effects could be altered; this includes medicines acting by blocking dopamine receptors.
Oestrogen-containing medicines
Possible oestrogen-like activity may affect treatment, so discuss concurrent use with a clinician.
Common questions about agnus castus
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is agnus castus licensed for PMS in the UK?
The selected product has a traditional herbal registration for relieving PMS symptoms. This is based on traditional use rather than demonstrated clinical effectiveness.
Does agnus castus work for PMS?
The selected product's indication is based on traditional use only. The NHS notes that evidence for complementary therapies and supplements for PMS is limited.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.