Hawthorn Leaf And Flowers Extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, Hawthorn leaf and flower extract, Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn)
Overview
Hawthorn leaf and flower extract is derived from the leaves and flowers of various Crataegus species, primarily Crataegus oxyacantha and Crataegus monogyna. It is a well-researched herbal supplement traditionally used for cardiovascular health. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and polyphenols, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Its primary applications include supporting chronic heart failure, managing hypertension, and potentially mitigating atherosclerosis. Research on hawthorn is extensive, encompassing preclinical studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate to advanced maturity in its scientific understanding.
Benefits
Hawthorn extract offers several evidence-based cardiovascular benefits. Meta-analyses have shown a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo, though effects on diastolic pressure are less consistent. For chronic heart failure patients, clinical trials demonstrate improved exercise tolerance and cardiac function, attributed to positive inotropic effects that increase myocardial contractility. Preclinical and some clinical evidence suggests hawthorn can lower serum LDL cholesterol and improve endothelial function by increasing nitric oxide availability, contributing to better vascular health. Its rich content of flavonoids and procyanidins provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, scavenging free radicals and protecting myocardial tissue from oxidative damage. These benefits typically become apparent after weeks to months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Hawthorn's therapeutic actions are primarily mediated by its flavonoid and oligomeric procyanidin content. These compounds enhance endothelial function by activating endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) and inhibiting phosphodiesterase, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow. Its antioxidant properties reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammation, thereby protecting myocardial tissue from ischemic damage. Hawthorn also contributes to lipid-lowering by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption, suppressing hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and promoting cholesterol efflux, which helps reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation. Furthermore, it exerts positive inotropic effects, improving myocardial contractility, possibly through modulation of calcium handling within cardiac muscle cells. The bioavailability and efficacy depend on the extract's standardization, typically to oligomeric procyanidins or flavonoids.
Side effects
Hawthorn leaf and flower extracts are generally well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse effects. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are rare; however, mild gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported occasionally. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include dizziness or headache. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not well documented but could include allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. While no major drug interactions have been consistently reported, caution is advised when co-administering hawthorn with cardiovascular medications such as digoxin or beta-blockers due to potential additive effects that could alter their efficacy. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to hawthorn. The safety of hawthorn during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently established, and therefore, its use is not recommended in these populations.
Dosage
Effective doses of hawthorn extract in clinical trials typically range from 160 mg to 900 mg daily, often in divided doses. For optimal consistency and efficacy, extracts standardized to specific active compounds, such as WS 1442 standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins, are preferred. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific indication; lower doses might be used for hypertension, while higher doses are often employed for heart failure support. Although a maximum safe dose is not firmly established, doses up to 1800 mg/day have been used in studies without serious adverse events. Timing of supplementation is flexible, and absorption may be enhanced when taken with food. No specific cofactors are required for its absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is hawthorn safe for long-term use?
Generally yes, hawthorn has a low risk of adverse effects with monitored long-term use, making it suitable for chronic conditions.
Can hawthorn replace prescribed heart medications?
No, hawthorn is an adjunct therapy and should not replace standard heart medications without explicit guidance from a healthcare professional.
How soon do effects appear?
Improvements in blood pressure and heart function may be observed within a few weeks of consistent supplementation.
Are all hawthorn supplements equal?
No, standardized extracts, such as WS 1442, have the strongest evidence base and are generally recommended for consistent efficacy.
Does hawthorn interact with blood pressure drugs?
Potential additive effects exist with blood pressure medications; therefore, monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12298042/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effect of hawthorn extract on blood pressure. It found a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo, though effects on diastolic pressure were not significant. The study highlighted the need for larger trials despite its rigorous methodology.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/ – This systematic review summarized preclinical and clinical evidence regarding hawthorn's cardiovascular effects, including its lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. It elucidated the mechanisms of action and identified key bioactive compounds, while noting that clinical data on coronary atherosclerosis remain limited. The review was of high quality due to its comprehensive literature synthesis.
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This review discussed the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of hawthorn in chronic heart failure. It highlighted that WS 1442 extract improved exercise tolerance and myocardial function in randomized controlled trials. The review concluded that hawthorn has a favorable safety profile with rare adverse events, supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy.
- https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/78/table-of-contents/article3258/ – This article provides a comprehensive overview of hawthorn, including its historical use, chemical constituents, and clinical applications. It reinforces the evidence for hawthorn's benefits in cardiovascular health, particularly in heart failure, and discusses its safety profile. The article emphasizes the importance of standardized extracts for consistent therapeutic outcomes.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.10.003 – This study investigated the effects of hawthorn extract on cardiac function. It provided evidence for hawthorn's positive inotropic effects, demonstrating its ability to improve myocardial contractility. The research contributes to understanding the mechanisms by which hawthorn supports heart function in conditions like chronic heart failure.