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The Effect of Vitex Agnus - Castus Plant on Some Markers of Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial Study.

  • 2026-01-01
  • JBRA assisted reproduction 30(1)
    • Aniseh Hatami
    • Fateme Seidi
    • Ali Khosrowbeygi
    • Azam Moslemi
    • Farideh Jalali-Mashayekhi

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
Sixty women with PCOS
Methods
randomly assigned to a Vitex group (5.8 mg daily, standardized to 0.42-0.82 mg Aucubin) or placebo for 12 weeks
Duration
12 weeks
Funding
Unclear

Objective

This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of standardized Vitex agnus-castus extract in managing features of PCOS. The primary aim was to assess changes in oxidative stress markers; secondary outcomes included lipid profile, insulin resistance, and clinical signs such as hirsutism and menstrual frequency.

Methods

Sixty women with PCOS were randomly assigned to a Vitex group (5.8 mg daily, standardized to 0.42-0.82 mg Aucubin) or placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary habits and physical activity and physical activity were maintained throughout the study. Serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and other biochemical and clinical parameters were assessed preand post-intervention. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests and ANCOVA.

Results

Compared to placebo, Vitex significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (effect size = 13.01), glutathione peroxidase (3.35), reduced glutathione (3.88), total thiol (3.34), and HDL (5.74) (all p<0.05). It decreased total oxidant status (-6.49), oxidative stress index (-9.30), malondialdehyde (-5.29), fasting blood sugar (-5.10), HOMA-IR (-0.31), LDL (-2.85), ALT (-3.51), and mFG score (-5.38). Menstrual frequency improved (3.51), and left ovarian volume reduced (-0.80).

Conclusions

Vitex agnus-castus improved oxidative stress markers and insulin resistance and favorably modulated clinical manifestations of PCOS. These findings suggest a clinically meaningful benefit and support further investigation into Vitex as an adjunctive therapy.

Research Insights

  • Vitex→Increased HDL Cholesterol

    It increased ... HDL (5.74) (all p<0.05)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
    Dose
    5.8 mg daily, standardized to 0.42-0.82 mg Aucubin
  • Vitex→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    It decreased ... LDL (-2.85)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    5.8 mg daily, standardized to 0.42-0.82 mg Aucubin
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