Agnuside is an iridoid glycoside found in chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). It is considered one of the plant’s key active compounds used in women’s reproductive health supplements.

What are the potential benefits of Agnuside?

Agnuside-containing chasteberry extracts are commonly used to support menstrual cycle comfort and PMS-related symptoms. They are also associated with hormonal support, often discussed in relation to prolactin regulation.

What is a typical Agnuside dosage?

A commonly referenced range is 0.1–0.2 mg of agnuside, depending on the product and how it is standardized. Follow the label directions for the specific extract you are using.

How long does Agnuside take to work?

Effects are typically assessed over multiple menstrual cycles rather than days. Consistent daily use as directed is usually needed to evaluate response.

Who should avoid Agnuside or use caution?

People who are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or using hormone-related medications should consult a clinician before use. Use caution if you have hormone-sensitive conditions or are taking dopamine-related medications.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Agnuside

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Agnuside is a key active compound in chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), used primarily for hormone balance and women’s reproductive health.

Menopause Support Female Fertility Hormone Balance

dose range

0.1–0.2 mg

Once daily with or without food

Consumption

Take with a glass of water in the morning; follow product label instructions.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Most supplements are taken in the morning, but timing is flexible. Pure agnuside supplements are rare; standardized chasteberry extracts are more common.

Description

Agnuside is an iridoid glycoside considered a major active component of Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry). It is thought to contribute to the traditional use of the plant for female hormone regulation and cyclic discomfort.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Most clinical evidence focuses on whole Chasteberry extract, not isolated agnuside; agnuside is considered one of its primary actives, but human trials on agnuside alone are lacking.

Supports menstrual cycle comfort

Moderate

Agnuside-containing chasteberry extract may reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness and mood swings.

Particularly relevant for: Women with PMS

NIH-ODS-Vitex · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)Cochrane-Vitex · Cochrane Review - Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome

May promote hormonal balance in reproductive-age women

Limited

Agnuside in chasteberry is linked to restored cycle regularity and support for female fertility, mainly through effects on prolactin levels.

Particularly relevant for: Women with irregular cycles · Women seeking fertility support

NIH-ODS-Vitex · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)Examine-Vitex · Examine.com - Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)

Potential relief of menopausal symptoms

Limited

Preliminary data suggest chasteberry, and thus agnuside, may help manage mild menopausal discomforts, but robust evidence is lacking.

Particularly relevant for: Perimenopausal and menopausal women

NIH-ODS-Vitex · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)MedlinePlus-Vitex · MedlinePlus - Chasteberry

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Appears well tolerated at standard doses, but safety data on isolated agnuside are limited.

warning notices

Most adverse events are mild (e.g., nausea, headache, GI discomfort) and uncommon.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
May affect dopamine and hormone levels; caution advised with related medications.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding, unless directed by a qualified health professional.
Avoid in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions unless supervised by a clinician.
May interact with dopaminergic medications; consult a healthcare professional before use.

Known interactions with medications

Dopamine agonists
Hormone therapies

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast, uterine, ovarian cancers)

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Agnuside may affect hormone or dopaminergic balance and could interact with medicines affecting the reproductive system or dopamine.

Possible interaction with dopamine-related drugs

drug · Dopamine agonists

CautionLimited

Why

Chasteberry may decrease the effects of dopamine agonist drugs due to dopamine receptor activity.

recommendation

Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking dopamine agonists.

NIH-ODS-Vitex · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

May alter response to hormone therapies

drug · Hormone therapies (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, birth control)

CautionLimited

Why

Chasteberry may influence hormone levels, affecting medications that depend on steady hormone activities.

recommendation

Discuss with a clinician before using agnuside-containing supplements with hormone medications.

MedlinePlus-Vitex · MedlinePlus - Chasteberry

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Modulation of dopamine receptors and prolactin release

Agnuside may act via dopaminergic pathways to reduce prolactin secretion, contributing to menstrual cycle regulation.

NIH-ODS-Vitex · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)Examine-Vitex · Examine.com - Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)

Phytoestrogenic-like effects

Agnuside-containing chasteberry extracts may exhibit mild estrogenic activity, mediating hormone balance and menopausal support.

Examine-Vitex · Examine.com - Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

NIH-ODS-Vitex

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Examine-Vitex

Examine.com - Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)

PubChem-Agnuside

NIH PubChem - Agnuside

Cochrane-Vitex

Cochrane Review - Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome

MedlinePlus-Vitex

MedlinePlus - Chasteberry

EFSA-Vitex

EFSA - Safety of Chasteberry Extract

Last updated: February 6, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.