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Hawthorne Berry Extract

Also known as: Hawthorn, Hawthorn Berry Extract, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxyacantha

Overview

Hawthorn, known scientifically as *Crataegus oxyacantha*, is a small tree or shrub recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its benefits to cardiovascular health. The leaves, flowers, and berries of this plant are utilized in various herbal preparations. Rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, hawthorn extract has been extensively studied for its role in treating cardiovascular conditions like chronic heart failure (CHF), hypertension, and angina. Robust evidence from clinical trials and systematic reviews indicates that it can enhance cardiac function and improve exercise tolerance in patients with CHF. The extract is primarily available in forms such as capsules, tablets, and liquid tinctures, reflecting its versatility in therapeutic applications.

Benefits

1. **Chronic Heart Failure**: Numerous meta-analyses support hawthorn extract's effectiveness in improving symptoms and physiological outcomes in CHF patients, enhancing exercise tolerance and reducing breathlessness. 2. **Hypertension**: Clinical studies have reported a moderate decrease in diastolic blood pressure in mild hypertensive patients, demonstrating beneficial cardiovascular effects. 3. **Improved Blood Lipids**: Emerging studies suggest its potential lipid-lowering effects, contributing positively to heart health, especially notable in NYHA class II CHF patients, with improvements typically visible within weeks of treatment.

How it works

Hawthorn extract operates through several mechanisms affecting cardiovascular health. It enhances myocardial contractility, augments coronary blood flow, and optimizes oxygen utilization within the heart. The active compounds, particularly flavonoids, play a crucial role in these processes, but complete elucidation of their molecular targets is ongoing. Moreover, hawthorn promotes vascular integrity, offering protective benefits to blood vessel walls and enhancing overall cardiovascular health through its multifaceted action.

Side effects

Hawthorn extract is widely regarded as safe and well-tolerated, with potentially mild and infrequent side effects. Commonly reported issues, occurring in over 5% of users, include nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects (below 1%) are not thoroughly documented but may occur. Important precaution should be taken in conjunction with vasodilators, ACE inhibitors, or heart medications due to potential interactions that may modify therapeutic effectiveness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare professionals due to insufficient data on safety. Overall, adverse effects are generally mild and transient, with no severe events documented in clinical evaluations.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of hawthorn extract varies between 160-900 mg per day, ideally divided into multiple doses for optimal results. It is crucial to use a standardized extract that contains active components like flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. While some individuals may find lower doses effective, higher doses beyond 900 mg are not typically recommended given the limited evidence surrounding their safety and efficacy. Taking the supplement with meals can enhance its absorption. Regular health monitoring is advised for individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions or those taking other medications.

FAQs

Is hawthorn extract safe?

Yes, hawthorn extract is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses. However, individuals with severe heart conditions or those on multiple medications should use it under medical supervision.

Can I take hawthorn extract with other medications?

Hawthorn may interact with certain medications like vasodilators and ACE inhibitors. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other drugs.

How long does it take to see benefits?

While individual responses vary, significant improvements in exercise tolerance and symptom relief may be observed within several weeks to months of regular use.

Should I take hawthorn extract with food?

Yes, taking hawthorn extract with meals can help improve its absorption and overall effectiveness.

Research Sources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hawthorn-extract – This article discusses the cardiovascular benefits of hawthorn extract, supported by numerous clinical studies. It emphasizes hawthorn's role in improving heart function and outlines the recommended dosages and safety measures.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17124686/ – This systematic review evaluates the effects of hawthorn on heart failure patients. It indicates positive outcomes regarding exercise tolerance and symptom management, particularly in patients with NYHA class II heart failure, underscoring the extract's efficacy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5144215/ – This meta-analysis investigates the impact of hawthorn on hypertension. It reports a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure among study participants, reinforcing the extract's beneficial cardiovascular effects.