English Hawthorn
Also known as: Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Hawthorn, Mayflower, Maybush
Overview
Hawthorn, derived from the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the hawthorn bush, is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It is primarily utilized as a herbal supplement for cardiovascular health, particularly in managing heart failure and hypertension. The plant is abundant in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which contribute to its health benefits. The current research surrounding hawthorn is moderate, with a collection of clinical trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy in heart health, although more studies are required to explore additional uses. Overall, hawthorn is noted for its safety profile and potential effectiveness in improving heart function and related symptoms.
Benefits
Extensive evidence supports hawthorn’s efficacy in alleviating symptoms of chronic heart failure. A meta-analysis highlighted an increase in maximal workload by 7 Watts (95% CI: 3 to 11 Watts) in patients using hawthorn compared to placebo, showcasing its significant impact. The benefits are most apparent in patients classified within New York Heart Association classes I to III. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence suggesting its potential utility for angina and hypertension; however, further investigation is warranted for these conditions. Overall, hawthorn provides clinically meaningful improvements in heart function and symptom management, with noticeable benefits typically arising within weeks to months of treatment.
How it works
Hawthorn's cardioprotective effects are attributed to its vasodilatory properties, enhanced cardiac contractility, and antioxidant capabilities. The active compounds, particularly flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, interact with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, promoting vasodilation and increased blood flow. This helps to reduce cardiac workload and improve oxygen supply to the heart, thereby supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Side effects
Generally, hawthorn is considered safe when used appropriately. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. Less frequently (1-5%), some users may report cardiac complaints. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, are not well-documented. Caution is advised for those on heart medications due to potential interactions, and hawthorn should not be used in severe heart conditions without medical supervision. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a healthcare provider before use. Overall, while side effects are typically mild, individual reactions may vary, necessitating careful monitoring.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of hawthorn ranges from 500 mg to 1,800 mg per day, depending on the formulation and condition being treated. For heart failure management, an optimal dosage falls between 900 mg and 1,800 mg daily. It is advisable to take hawthorn with meals to mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects. While no maximum safe dosage is established, caution should be observed when exceeding recommended dosages. Standardized extracts are preferred for efficacy, and bioavailability may be enhanced when consumed alongside food.
FAQs
Is hawthorn safe to use alongside conventional heart treatments?
Hawthorn should not replace standard heart failure treatments without medical supervision, as it may interact with certain medications.
How long does it take to see results from hawthorn?
Patients can usually expect to see improvements in symptoms and exercise tolerance within several weeks to months of consistent use.
Can hawthorn cure heart disease?
No, hawthorn is not a cure for heart disease; it may serve as a valuable adjunctive treatment to conventional therapies.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – This meta-analysis evaluated 13 trials and demonstrated that hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload and reduced symptom severity, indicating its potential in treating heart failure.
- https://www.cochrane.org/CD005312/VASC_hawthorn-extract-may-be-used-as-an-oral-treatment-option-for-chronic-heart-failure – The systematic review underscored hawthorn's role as an oral treatment option for chronic heart failure, with promising outcomes observed in clinical trials.
- https://findresearcher.sdu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/182535660/Open_Access_Version.pdf – This systematic review covered the traditional uses and pharmacological aspects of hawthorn, emphasizing its significance in cardiovascular health.
