Compound Monograph
Vitexin
Vitexin is an apigenin C-glycoside flavone common in hawthorn, passionflower and other herbs.
Classification
Vitexin is a flavonoid (c-glycosyl flavone), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (5)
Vitexin is a naturally occurring flavonoid (c-glycosyl flavone), found in Hawthorn, Passionflower and 3 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Vitexin is apigenin-8-C-glucoside, a flavone in which a glucose unit is bound directly to the flavonoid core through a carbon–carbon bond, making it relatively stable to hydrolysis. It is a notable constituent of hawthorn and passionflower, both of which have traditional use for cardiovascular support and calming effects respectively, and it is often used as a marker compound for standardising these herbs. It has been studied in preclinical research for antioxidant and other activities, though human evidence for vitexin specifically is limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Vitexin occurs in widely used herbs and foods and is generally considered to have low toxicity at the levels normally encountered. Detailed safety data for isolated high-dose use are limited.