Organic Hawthorne Berry Extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, Haw, Maytree, Whitethorn, Crataegus oxyacantha
Overview
Hawthorn includes several species within the Crataegus genus, particularly Crataegus oxyacantha and Crataegus pinnatifida, known for their medicinal properties, especially concerning cardiovascular health. It is primarily used in herbal supplements, with extracts sourced from its leaves, flowers, and berries. Hawthorn is rich in beneficial compounds like flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. A substantial body of research, including systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, supports its efficacy for treating heart-related conditions such as chronic heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, highlighting a moderate to high level of research maturity.
Benefits
Key benefits of hawthorn extract include significant improvements in maximal workload and symptom reduction in patients with chronic heart failure, particularly those with NYHA functional class II. Studies indicate a weighted mean difference of 7 Watts (95% CI: 3 to 11 Watts; P < 0.01). Additionally, hawthorn may aid in lowering diastolic blood pressure and enhancing serum lipid profiles. Its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to cardiovascular health. Improvements can be expected within a few weeks to months of consistent use, with a focus on symptomatic relief and exercise tolerance in individuals with chronic heart conditions.
How it works
Hawthorn extracts function primarily through their cardiovascular protective mechanisms, including enhancing coronary blood flow and improving oxygen utilization. The bioactive compounds stimulate the eNOS pathway, leading to increased nitric oxide production, which promotes vasodilation. This is coupled with beneficial effects on blood vessel integrity and the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which reduces oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.
Side effects
Hawthorn is generally regarded as safe when taken at therapeutic doses, with common side effects occurring in more than 5% of users, including mild rash, headache, dizziness, palpitations, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. Uncommon side effects reported include cardiac complaints and other stomach-related issues, while rare side effects (<1%) may involve the potential risk of heart failure progression in some patients. Caution is advised with concurrent use of other cardiovascular medications, as hawthorn may interact with vasodilators and affect their efficacy, necessitating medical supervision for certain high-risk populations.
Dosage
The typically recommended dosage of hawthorn extract ranges from 160 to 900 mg daily, with 160-300 mg being the minimum effective dose. It is often administered in divided doses throughout the day to enhance absorption. Water-ethanol extracts are preferred for their bioavailability. There isn't a well-established maximum safe dose, but doses exceeding 900 mg per day are less commonly studied. Timing of administration does not significantly affect its efficacy.
FAQs
Is hawthorn safe to use?
Hawthorn is generally safe but may interact with certain medications. Use under medical supervision is recommended for those on cardiovascular drugs.
When can I expect to see results from hawthorn?
Most users can expect improvements in symptoms within a few weeks to months of consistent use.
How should I take hawthorn?
Hawthorn can be taken at any time of day, but it is typically recommended to be divided into doses to enhance absorption.
Can hawthorn replace my heart medication?
No, hawthorn should not replace conventional heart treatments but may serve as a supportive adjunct therapy.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – A meta-analysis reviewing hawthorn extract's effects on chronic heart failure, highlighting significant improvements in exercise capacity and symptom relief compared to placebo.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00118/full – This review discusses the various roles and mechanisms of hawthorn extracts, demonstrating their cardiovascular protective properties through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthorn – The NCI website outlines key information on hawthorn, including its uses in dietary supplements for heart conditions and highlights safety and efficacy concerns.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11887407/ – This systematic review provides evidence on the effectiveness of hawthorn extract in heart failure patients, emphasizing its benefits on workload and cardiovascular function.
- https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/hibiscus-hawthorn-and-heart – The article provides insights into the combined effects of hibiscus and hawthorn, underlining hawthorn's significance in improving heart health outcomes in clinical settings.