Vitexin (C-Glycosyl Flavone · Cardiovascular · Anxiolytic)
| Compound | Vitexin |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — C-Glycosyl Flavone (Apigenin-8-C-glucoside) |
| CAS | 3861-73-2 |
| Primary source | Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Vitex agnus-castus |
| Key applications | Cardiovascular, anxiolytic, antidiabetic |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Hawthorn or passionflower extract standardised to vitexin |
Name origin: From Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree), where it was first characterised, though hawthorn and passionflower are the primary commercial sources. Vitexin is a C-glycosyl flavone — the glucose is directly bonded to the flavone carbon ring (C-8 position) rather than via an O-glycosidic linkage, conferring acid stability. Traditional use: Hawthorn berry preparations have been used in European phytomedicine for cardiac tonic and heart failure support for over a century. Passionflower has been employed as a nervine for anxiety and insomnia across European and North American herbal traditions. Vitexin is a key marker compound in both. Research trajectory: Hawthorn extract containing vitexin has multiple human clinical trials in mild-to-moderate heart failure; passionflower extract (vitexin-standardised) has several small RCTs in anxiety. Commercial source: Herbuno supplies hawthorn extract (vitexin 1.8%) and passionflower extract (vitexin 4%).
Evidence for Vitexin Applications
Cardiovascular support and heart failure: Multiple RCTs using hawthorn extract standardised to oligomeric procyanidins and vitexin demonstrate improvements in exercise tolerance, maximal workload, and reduction of fatigue in NYHA Class II heart failure patients. The SPICE trial (n=2681) is the largest; results were neutral on primary endpoint but showed trend benefits in subgroups. Claim strength: High (for hawthorn extract; vitexin-specific attribution is moderate).
Anxiolytic activity: Passionflower extract standardised to vitexin has been evaluated in 3 small RCTs showing non-inferiority to oxazepam for generalised anxiety, with superior tolerability. GABA-A receptor modulation is proposed as the mechanism. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antidiabetic and glucose regulation: In vitro and animal studies show vitexin improves insulin sensitivity, inhibits α-glucosidase (slowing glucose absorption), and reduces advanced glycation end-products. Clinical translation is early-stage. Claim strength: Emerging.
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
Cardiovascular formulations (hawthorn context): 300–1800 mg/day of standardised hawthorn extract (typically 1.8–2.0% vitexin by HPLC), in two to three divided doses. The SPICE and WS 1442 studies used 900 mg/day of a specific hawthorn leaf-and-flower extract.
Anxiolytic formulations (passionflower context): 200–400 mg/day of passionflower extract standardised to 3.5–4.0% vitexin. Herbuno’s passionflower extract (vitexin 4%) is appropriate for this range. Evening or pre-sleep dosing aligns with traditional use patterns.
Vitexin as a C-glycoside is more acid-stable than O-glycosides (resistant to hydrolysis at gastric pH), which improves delivery to the small intestine intact. Water solubility is moderate; tablet, capsule, or aqueous liquid formats are all viable.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vitexin
Why is vitexin used as the standardisation marker for hawthorn and passionflower?
Vitexin is a characteristically abundant and analytically accessible C-glycosyl flavone specific to these botanicals, making it a reliable HPLC marker for extract identity and potency. It is considered one of several bioactive contributors (alongside OPCs in hawthorn and chrysin in passionflower) rather than the sole active compound.
Is vitexin itself the anxiolytic compound in passionflower?
Debate continues. Chrysin was historically proposed as the GABA-A modulator, but its bioavailability is low. More recent work attributes passionflower’s anxiolytic effect to a mixture of constituents including vitexin, isovitexin, and unidentified synergistic components rather than any single compound.
Can hawthorn extract containing vitexin be combined with cardiac medications?
Hawthorn has mild positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects. The SPICE trial raised a signal of possible adverse interaction with digoxin in a subgroup. Formulators should include advisory language for individuals on cardiac medications and antihypertensives.
What is the difference between vitexin 1.8% (hawthorn) and vitexin 4% (passionflower) from Herbuno?
These reflect different botanical sources and different intended applications. Hawthorn extract (1.8% vitexin) is positioned for cardiovascular support; passionflower extract (4% vitexin) for relaxation and anxiety management. The higher vitexin content in passionflower reflects the different botanical matrix and extraction optimisation for flavone yield.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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