Agnus Castus for Acne Treatment

Research suggests that Vitex agnus-castus may help reduce androgen levels and improve hormonal acne, particularly in the context of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, with supporting evidence drawn from a systematic review, a 2014 review of 18 pre-clinical studies and 15 clinical studies including randomized controlled trials, a small 2020 randomized controlled trial in which women taking a chaste tree berry-containing herbal tea showed reductions in testosterone and improvements in acne, and a case report describing similar hormonal and skin improvements in a single PCOS patient. A broad 2013 review of the Vitex genus also identifies hormonal acne as one of the plant's historically recognized applications, while a 1967 publication appears to have examined a possible therapeutic relationship between Agnus castus preparations and acne vulgaris, though its full findings were not available for assessment. Studies indicate that side effects are generally mild and reversible, though one safety review noted that acne itself appears among the adverse events occasionally reported with Vitex agnus-castus use, suggesting the relationship between the herb and acne may not be straightforwardly beneficial in all cases. Overall, the available evidence is limited in volume and methodological rigor, with most supportive findings coming from small trials, reviews, and non-controlled studies, meaning firmer conclusions about efficacy will require larger and more carefully designed clinical research.