Hawthorn Flower; Leaf Extract; Natural
Also known as: Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxyacantha, Hawthorn, English hawthorn, oneseed hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne, Crataegus monogyna
Overview
Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or small tree belonging to the rose family, prevalent in temperate regions globally. It is primarily harvested for its flowers and leaves that are abundant in flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins, compounds known for their cardiovascular benefits. Traditionally, hawthorn has been employed to manage heart-related ailments, digestive issues, and kidney disorders. Today, it is particularly noted for its efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, anxiety, and managing blood pressure levels. Research supporting its use has led to the commercialization of standardized extracts, with doses tailored to contain specific percentages of active compounds, enhancing its utility in herbal medicine. The current body of research on hawthorn indicates moderate maturity, with numerous systematic reviews validating its effectiveness, particularly in short-term applications.
Benefits
Hawthorn extract has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in patients suffering from chronic heart failure, notably enhancing exercise tolerance and maximal workload by approximately 5-7 Watts in clinical assessments. Key studies have reported that patients demonstrate increased exercise capacity of about 122-130 Watt-minutes after administration. These findings are supported by systematic reviews showcasing hawthorn's ability to improve physiological markers associated with heart function. While evidence suggests potential benefits in managing blood lipid levels, this remains less substantiated compared to its primary application in heart failure support. Overall, most notable benefits are seen in individuals with mild to moderate heart failure, although no conclusive evidence indicates a reduction in mortality rates. Benefits of hawthorn generally manifest within a few weeks after commencing treatment.
How it works
Hawthorn's positive cardiovascular effects are attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins. These compounds enhance cardiac contractility and improve coronary blood flow, consequently increasing the structural integrity of blood vessel walls. The flavonoids are believed to contribute significantly to these mechanisms, promoting better oxygen utilization in cardiac tissues. While specific molecular targets remain unclear, the interaction with cardiovascular pathways plays a pivotal role in its therapeutic potential.
Side effects
Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated; however, mild and transient side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort can occur in more than 5% of users. Less commonly reported side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, may include sleeplessness, agitation, and epistaxis. Caution is recommended when hawthorn is used concurrently with medications that affect heart function; it may potentiate or inhibit the effects of vasodilators or drugs for heart conditions, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Due to limited safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid its use. Patients with severe heart failure or those on multiple medications should consult medical professionals before using hawthorn.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for hawthorn typically begins at 160 mg daily of a standardized extract, with optimal dosages ranging from 160 mg to 900 mg, often divided into two or three doses throughout the day. Although doses as high as 1,800 mg per day have been explored without significant adverse events, establishing a maximum safe dose remains ambiguous. It is advisable to take hawthorn with meals to mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects. Specific forms such as LI 132 and WS 1442 are recommended for their therapeutic efficacy, although details regarding absorption and required cofactors are yet to be fully elucidated.
FAQs
Is hawthorn safe to use?
Generally, yes. However, it may interact with certain medications, necessitating monitoring by healthcare professionals, particularly for patients with severe heart conditions.
Should hawthorn be taken at a specific time?
No specific timing is required. It can be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
How soon can I expect results from hawthorn?
Improvements in heart failure symptoms and exercise tolerance are typically observed within weeks of starting treatment.
Is hawthorn a substitute for conventional heart treatments?
No, hawthorn should not be viewed as a replacement but rather as a complementary therapy alongside standard treatments.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18254076/ – This Cochrane systematic review analyzed data from 855 patients with chronic heart failure, demonstrating that hawthorn extract significantly improved exercise tolerance and symptoms when compared to placebo. The evidence supports its use for short-term symptom management, but long-term outcomes remain unclear.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11887407/ – The SPICE trial further supports the efficacy of hawthorn extract in patients with heart failure, contributing to existing literature about its positive impacts on cardiovascular health. While specific data was not detailed, the findings are consistent with previous studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – The HERB CHF trial investigated the use of hawthorn in patients with mild to moderate heart failure, reinforcing its potential benefits. However, more granularity on trial findings was not provided.
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthorn – The NCCIH reports on hawthorn's traditional uses and current scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in cardiovascular health, highlighting both its advantages and necessary precautions for safe usage.
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This article provides insights into hawthorn's uses in heart disease management, safety profile, and interactions with other treatments, reinforcing the need for caution when used alongside specific medications.