Plant extracts in focus: turmeric, green tea, saffron and more

Nine plant extracts in one formula

Vita Energy Complex for women contains nine plant extracts. The following overview names the plant, the part of the plant used according to the ingredients list and the amount per daily serving of 3 capsules.

Extract	Plant and plant part	Amount per daily serving
Pine bark with OPC	Pinus pinaster, bark	80 mg
Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera, root	80 mg
Turmeric	Curcuma longa, root	50 mg
Pomegranate	Granatum punica, fruit	50 mg
Green tea	Camellia sinensis, leaves	50 mg
Grape seed with OPC	Vitis vinifera, seeds	10 mg
Ginger	Zingiber officinale, root	10 mg
Saffron	Crocus sativus L., stigma	8 mg
Black pepper	Piper nigrum, fruit	5 mg

An extract is obtained from a part of a plant, for example from the root, leaf, fruit or bark. The information in brackets in the ingredients list shows which part was used. The amounts in the table refer to the extract, not to the fresh plant.

We have dedicated a separate guide to the ashwagandha extract: Ashwagandha root extract.

Why there are no claims about the effects of the extracts

In the EU, health claims may only be used if they are authorised. There are currently no authorised claims for plant extracts such as turmeric, pomegranate, green tea, saffron, ginger, pine bark or grape seed. Claims relating to plant substances have been under review at EU level for years, and a final assessment is still pending. That is why we only describe the extracts here: where they come from and how much is contained. We also refrain from indirect descriptions of effects.

The authorised claims for the product relate to the vitamins and minerals it contains. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Turmeric and black pepper

Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, is a plant from the ginger family. The rootstock, known as the rhizome, is used. The plant originally comes from South and Southeast Asia. Its yellow root is known as a spice and colours curry blends, for example. Energy Complex for women contains 50 mg of turmeric root extract per daily serving. In the ingredients list, the extract is listed together with cyclodextrin, a ring-shaped carbohydrate used as a carrier in foods. In the ingredients list, the turmeric extract comes first, directly after the capsule shell.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is often used in formulas together with turmeric. Here, it is 5 mg of pepper extract per daily serving. No effect is claimed for it.

Pomegranate, ginger and saffron

Pomegranate: The pomegranate tree is widespread in the Mediterranean region and in Western Asia. Its fruits contain numerous seeds surrounded by red, juicy flesh. The extract comes from the fruit. Each daily serving contains 50 mg.

Ginger: Like turmeric, Zingiber officinale belongs to the ginger family. The rootstock is used in the kitchen fresh, dried or as a tea and is known for its spicy taste. The extract is contained at 10 mg.

Saffron: Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the saffron crocus, botanically Crocus sativus. Each flower bears three red stigmas, in botanical terms the stigma. They are harvested by hand and dried and are known as a spice and colouring, for example for risotto or paella. Each daily serving contains 8 mg of saffron extract.

Green tea extract: 50 mg and important notes

Green tea extract is obtained from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Black tea is also made from the same plant. The difference lies in the processing: for green tea, the leaves are not fermented after harvesting. A daily serving contains 50 mg. The manufacturer gives three notes on green tea that you should observe:

• Do not take on an empty stomach.
• Do not take during a strict low-calorie diet.
• Do not take at the same time as other products based on green tea.

You should therefore take the 3 capsules with a glass of water with a meal. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

OPC from pine bark and grape seed

OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These are plant substances from the group of polyphenols, which are found in pine bark and grape seeds, among other things. In Energy Complex for women, OPC comes from two sources: 80 mg of extract from the bark of the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and 10 mg of extract from grape seeds (Vitis vinifera). The maritime pine grows on the coasts of south-western Europe. Grape seeds are a by-product of processing grapes.

The manufacturer points out that a product containing OPC does not replace a diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. A food supplement supplements the diet; it does not replace a balanced, varied diet.

Further notes on intake

In addition to the plant extracts, the formula contains astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis. The product is therefore not suitable for children and adolescents under 10 years of age. Do not consume it if you take other food supplements containing astaxanthin esters on the same day. If you take medication regularly, clarify taking it in advance at the pharmacy or with your doctor.

At 3 capsules daily, one pack of 90 capsules lasts 30 days. The manufacturer recommends courses of at least 60 days. A volume discount applies to multiple packs: 5% from 2 packs, 8% from 3 packs, 12% from 4 packs. You can find more products for women under For women.