In Oöna, the extracts of both black cohosh and chaste tree berry work to normalize hormone production through the pituitary gland.* Black cohosh appears to address a wide range of menopausal symptoms, in part by selectively and significantly reducing levels of luteinizing hormone (released from the pituitary gland), which often results in suppression of hot flashes.* Chaste tree berry is known to work on lowering prolactin levels,(prolactin is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland found in the serum of both normal females and males) which in turn increases the production of progesterone.* Low progesterone production is known to be responsible for many PMS symptoms and menstrual irregularity.*

Scientists believe that the triterpene glycosides and flavonoids in black cohosh appear to work together in a myriad of ways, a belief echoed in the flavonoids of the chaste tree berry.* Some studies suggest that the compounds in black cohosh bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the effect of estriol, the weakest of the three levels of estrogen, one which has never been associated with increased risk of breast, ovarian or endometrial cancers.* And scientists have determined that black cohosh does not produce an estrogenic effect in target organs of the uterus or vagina. Additionally, most recent studies concluded that black cohosh runs interference with neurotransmitters as its method of working with the body to regulate and thus alleviate signs of menopause.* It is fairly certain that one mode of action for chaste tree berry is through neurotransmitters, interacting with hormone receptors to initiate a reaction in the pituitary to lower and adjust the production of prolactin. Both black cohosh and chaste tree berry appear to promote mild relaxation.* Further, clinical studies show that the effects of the ingredients in Oöna increase when taken for the prescribed amount of time, indicating that it encourages the body to regulate itself and help prevent common symptoms of menopause from occurring in the first place.* Black cohosh extract has been studied extensively for 20 years and safely used by more than one and a half million women in Europe and Australia. The safety and effectiveness of chaste tree berry extract has been studied since the 1950s. Now Oöna brings a delicate yet effective combination of the two extracts to American women.