Certified Organic Hawthorn Dried Berries Extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, hawthorn berries, hawthorn extract, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus spp.
Overview
Certified Organic Hawthorn Dried Berries Extract is derived from the berries of various Crataegus species, primarily Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata. It is a botanical supplement traditionally used for cardiovascular health, particularly as an adjunct treatment for chronic heart failure (CHF). The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and polyphenols, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, supports its efficacy in managing symptoms of mild to moderate CHF, improving exercise tolerance, and reducing cardiac oxygen consumption. While generally considered safe and well-tolerated, its long-term effects on mortality and morbidity require further investigation.
Benefits
Hawthorn extract offers several evidence-based benefits for cardiovascular health. Its primary effect is the improvement of symptoms associated with chronic heart failure (CHF), such as shortness of breath and fatigue, with a statistically significant weighted mean difference (WMD) of -5.47 (95% CI -8.68 to -2.26). It also enhances exercise tolerance and maximal workload capacity in CHF patients (WMD 5.35 Watts, 95% CI 0.71 to 10.00) and reduces cardiac oxygen consumption. These benefits are most pronounced in patients with mild to moderate CHF (NYHA class I–III). Secondary benefits include lipid-lowering effects by reducing serum LDL cholesterol and inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect endothelial function and reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation. Hawthorn also exhibits vasorelaxation and hypotensive effects through nitric oxide stimulation. The improvements in exercise capacity and symptom scores are clinically meaningful and statistically significant, observed within weeks to months of adjunctive treatment.
How it works
Hawthorn extract exerts its cardioprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. Its antioxidant activity scavenges free radicals and inhibits neutrophil elastase, thereby reducing myocardial ischemic damage. Flavonoids within the extract promote vasodilation by increasing endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) and inhibiting phosphodiesterase, leading to vascular smooth muscle relaxation and reduced blood pressure. Hawthorn also demonstrates positive inotropic effects, improving myocardial contractility and the force-frequency relationship in failing hearts. Furthermore, it modulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and synthesis and promoting cholesterol efflux, which helps reduce foam cell formation and slow atherosclerosis progression. The primary bioactive compounds responsible for these actions are oligomeric procyanidins, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Side effects
Hawthorn extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials. The most common side effects are mild and transient, including nausea, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and occasional cardiac complaints, with an incidence typically below 5%. There are no significant reports of serious adverse events. Some studies have noted a non-significant increase in hospitalization for heart failure progression, but this was balanced by a reduction in sudden cardiac death. Potential drug interactions include additive hypotensive effects when taken with antihypertensives, and caution is advised with anticoagulants due to possible inhibition of platelet aggregation. Contraindications are not well-defined, but caution is recommended in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA class IV) due to limited research data. Data on use during pregnancy and lactation are also limited, so it is not recommended for these populations.
Dosage
Effective doses of standardized hawthorn extract in clinical trials typically range from 300 mg to 900 mg daily. The minimum effective dose appears to be around 300 mg per day, particularly for extracts standardized to oligomeric procyanidins (e.g., WS 1442). Higher doses may be considered for more severe heart failure, but these should only be administered under medical supervision. The extract is usually taken orally, often in divided doses with meals to enhance absorption. Standardized extracts, such as WS 1442 or LI 132, are preferred to ensure consistent potency and efficacy. Absorption can be improved by co-administration with food, and no specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Is hawthorn extract safe for heart failure patients?
Yes, it is generally safe and well-tolerated as an adjunct therapy for mild to moderate chronic heart failure, with a low incidence of side effects.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Improvements in symptoms and exercise tolerance can typically be observed within a few weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Can hawthorn replace conventional heart failure medications?
No, hawthorn extract is intended as an adjunct therapy and should not replace prescribed conventional heart failure medications.
Does it reduce mortality?
Current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate a reduction in mortality with hawthorn extract use.
Are berries as effective as extracts?
Standardized extracts are generally more reliably effective than raw berries because they ensure a consistent concentration of active compounds.
Research Sources
- https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD005312_hawthorn-extract-may-be-used-oral-treatment-option-chronic-heart-failure – This Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs involving 855 CHF patients concluded that hawthorn extract significantly improved exercise capacity, symptoms, and cardiac function compared to placebo. It was found to be safe and well-tolerated, though it lacked data on mortality. The review highlights the robust methodology and high quality of the included studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/ – This narrative review discusses preclinical and clinical studies on hawthorn extracts, emphasizing their ability to lower serum lipids, reduce oxidative stress, and protect the cardiovascular system. It details mechanisms such as modulation of lipid metabolism and endothelial protection. While providing strong mechanistic understanding, it notes that much of the data is preclinical, with limited clinical trials specifically on atherosclerosis.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249900/ – This article, which includes an RCT and review of the WS1442 extract, supports hawthorn's positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects. It suggests a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death and confirms its safety as an adjunct therapy for CHF. The study acknowledges some anomalous findings regarding progression events and the potential need for higher doses in severe CHF, but its findings are consistent with broader meta-analytic data.
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This source provides a general overview of hawthorn's use in cardiovascular health, detailing its mechanisms of action, including antioxidant activity, vasodilation, and positive inotropic effects. It also touches upon its safety profile, potential drug interactions, and dosage guidelines, emphasizing the importance of standardized extracts for consistent therapeutic effects.
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