Organic Hawthorn extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, Mayflower, Whitethorn, Crataegus, Crataegus oxyacantha
Overview
Hawthorn extract is a herbal supplement derived from the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the hawthorn bush, primarily *Crataegus oxyacantha* or other species within the *Crataegus* genus. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for cardiovascular conditions. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is predominantly used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure, and also shows promise for other cardiovascular issues like hypertension and angina. Research on hawthorn extract is well-established, with numerous high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy and safety, especially in patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA functional classes I to III).
Benefits
Hawthorn extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for individuals with chronic heart failure (NYHA functional classes I to III). High-quality evidence from meta-analyses indicates significant improvements in several key areas. It has been shown to significantly improve maximal workload (weighted mean difference [WMD] 5.35 Watt, 95% CI 0.71 to 10.00), enhancing the heart's ability to perform under stress. Exercise tolerance is also increased (WMD 122.76 Watt x min, 95% CI 32.74 to 212.78), allowing patients to engage in physical activity more comfortably. Furthermore, hawthorn extract significantly decreases the pressure-heart rate product (WMD -19.22 mmHg/min, 95% CI -30.46 to -7.98), an important indicator of cardiac oxygen consumption. Patients also experience significant improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue (WMD -5.47, 95% CI -8.68 to -2.26). While less extensively studied, hawthorn extract may also positively influence blood lipids and coronary blood flow. The observed effect sizes are considered clinically significant, contributing to better physiological outcomes and improved symptom control in affected populations.
How it works
Hawthorn extract exerts its therapeutic effects primarily on the cardiovascular system. Its mechanism of action is attributed to its content of flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These compounds are believed to contribute to positive inotropic activity, meaning they can increase the force of heart muscle contractions. Additionally, hawthorn extract is thought to improve the integrity of blood vessel walls and enhance coronary blood flow, ensuring better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heart muscle. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, these bioactive components interact to improve overall heart function and alleviate symptoms associated with heart failure. The bioavailability of its components is generally considered adequate for therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Hawthorn extract is generally considered safe for use at therapeutic doses, with adverse events being infrequent, mild, and transient. The most commonly reported side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include nausea, dizziness, and mild gastrointestinal complaints. Less common side effects, reported in 1-5% of users, can include cardiac complaints, headache, sweating, palpitations, sleepiness, and agitation. Rare side effects are not well-documented, and no severe adverse events have been consistently reported in clinical trials. However, hawthorn may interact with certain medications. It can potentially potentiate or inhibit the actions of vasodilating drugs and other medications used for heart failure, hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. Therefore, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, especially when combining hawthorn extract with other cardiovascular medications. There are no specific contraindications, but individuals with severe heart failure or those undergoing significant changes in their medication regimen should seek medical advice before starting hawthorn.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for hawthorn extract typically ranges from 160 to 900 mg per day of a native water-ethanol extract. This daily amount is generally administered in two or three divided doses. For standardization, these dosages are often equivalent to 30-169 mg of epicatechin or 3.5-19.8 mg of flavonoids. While a precise minimum effective dose is not strictly defined, therapeutic benefits have been observed within this range. The maximum safe dose is not clearly established, but doses up to 900 mg per day have been used in studies without significant adverse effects. There are no specific timing recommendations beyond evenly spacing doses throughout the day. Hawthorn extracts are commonly derived from the leaves, flowers, and fruits, with the German Commission E specifically approving extracts of hawthorn leaf with flower. The bioavailability may vary based on extraction methods, but this is not extensively studied. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Hawthorn extract safe to use?
Hawthorn extract is generally considered safe at recommended doses. Side effects are usually mild and infrequent, such as nausea or dizziness. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are taking other medications, due to potential interactions.
How should I take Hawthorn extract?
Recommended daily doses typically range from 160 to 900 mg, usually divided into two or three doses throughout the day. It's best to follow the specific instructions on the product label or your healthcare provider's advice.
What results can I expect from taking Hawthorn extract?
For individuals with chronic heart failure, you may experience improvements in exercise tolerance, maximal workload, and a reduction in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. These benefits typically become noticeable over several weeks to months of consistent use.
Can Hawthorn extract replace my heart medication?
No, Hawthorn extract is not a substitute for prescribed heart medications. It is considered an adjunctive therapy, meaning it can be used alongside conventional treatments under medical supervision, but it should not replace them.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – This meta-analysis by Pittler et al. (2003) evaluated the efficacy of hawthorn extract in 632 patients with chronic heart failure. It found significant improvements in maximal workload, pressure-heart rate product, and symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue, providing high-quality evidence for its benefits as an adjunctive treatment.
- https://www.cochrane.org/CD005312/VASC_hawthorn-extract-may-be-used-as-an-oral-treatment-option-for-chronic-heart-failure – This Cochrane systematic review by Guo et al. (2008) analyzed data from 855 patients with chronic heart failure. It concluded that hawthorn extract offers significant benefits in symptom control and physiological outcomes, including maximal workload and exercise tolerance, supporting its use as an oral treatment option.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11887407/ – This review by Tassell et al. (2008) provides a comprehensive overview of hawthorn's pharmacology and therapeutic uses, particularly for cardiovascular conditions. It highlights the promise of hawthorn extract in treating congestive heart failure, especially in NYHA functional class II patients, by summarizing various studies.
