Crataegus Pinnatifida Extract
Also known as: Crataegus pinnatifida extract, Chinese hawthorn, Shan Zha, Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge
Overview
Crataegus pinnatifida extract is derived from the fruit of the hawthorn plant, native to East Asia, and is a botanical extract traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It is increasingly studied for its cardiovascular and neuropsychological benefits. Its primary applications include the management of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The extract is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which contribute to its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and vasodilatory effects. Research maturity is moderate, with a growing number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, particularly for cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence quality ranges from moderate to high for cardiovascular effects, with emerging preclinical data for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
Benefits
Crataegus pinnatifida extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health. A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials demonstrated that Crataegus spp. extracts, including C. pinnatifida, significantly reduce systolic blood pressure, indicating clinically meaningful antihypertensive effects, though diastolic blood pressure effects were less consistent. For lipid-lowering, clinical observations and animal studies show that flavonoid-rich extracts reduce serum total cholesterol and triglycerides by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and downregulating hepatic enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis, contributing to improved lipid profiles and potential atherosclerosis plaque stabilization. Emerging evidence from animal studies suggests neuropsychological benefits, with C. pinnatifida extract exhibiting anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in stressed mice comparable to standard antidepressants. Benefits typically manifest over weeks to months of consistent administration, with cardiovascular improvements documented in trials ranging from several weeks to months.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Crataegus pinnatifida extract are primarily attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds exert antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress in cardiovascular tissues. They inhibit intestinal acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), which reduces cholesterol absorption, and modulate hepatic enzymes to decrease endogenous cholesterol synthesis and improve bile acid metabolism, thereby enhancing lipid profiles. Vasodilatory effects, contributing to blood pressure reduction, likely involve the enhancement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. For neuropsychological effects, the extract may modulate neurotransmitter systems, as suggested by animal models, though the exact molecular targets are still under investigation. The oral bioavailability is moderate, with flavonoid absorption influenced by formulation and other dietary components.
Side effects
Crataegus pinnatifida extract is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. Common side effects, defined as occurring in more than 5% of users, are rare; however, mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been occasionally reported. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established, caution is advised when the extract is combined with antihypertensive or anticoagulant medications due to the potential for additive effects, which could lead to excessively low blood pressure or increased bleeding risk, respectively. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are insufficient. Therefore, these individuals should avoid using the extract until further research confirms its safety. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, but users should consult a healthcare professional, especially if they are on existing medications or have underlying health conditions.
Dosage
Clinical studies have utilized a range of doses for Crataegus pinnatifida extract. For cardiovascular effects, common dosages have been around 250–500 mg of standardized extract daily, though an optimal dose has yet to be definitively established. The duration of treatment in trials typically spans 4–12 weeks or longer to observe significant lipid and blood pressure effects. It is recommended to use extracts standardized to their flavonoid content to ensure consistency in potency and efficacy. While the timing relative to meals and co-administration with other supplements may influence absorption, specific guidelines for these factors are not well defined. There are no clearly established upper limits or safety thresholds, but adherence to clinically studied dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is Crataegus pinnatifida extract effective for lowering blood pressure?
Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure with Crataegus pinnatifida extract.
Can it improve cholesterol levels?
Yes, flavonoid-rich extracts have demonstrated lipid-lowering effects in both clinical observations and animal studies.
Is it safe to use long-term?
Current data suggest good safety with low adverse effects, but long-term human studies are limited.
Does it have mood benefits?
Preclinical data are promising for anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, but human trials are needed for confirmation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12298042/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that Crataegus spp. extracts significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. While diastolic blood pressure effects were not statistically significant, the study highlights the antihypertensive potential and calls for larger, more standardized trials to optimize dosing and confirm long-term efficacy. It provides high-quality evidence for cardiovascular benefits.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022-01970-6 – This controlled animal study demonstrated that Crataegus pinnatifida extract exhibited anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in stressed mice. The observed effects were comparable to those of standard antidepressants like escitalopram, suggesting potential benefits for mood disorders. While promising, these findings are from an animal model and require human trials for validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/ – This review and clinical observation study elucidated the lipid-lowering mechanisms of Crataegus pinnatifida, primarily through its flavonoid content. It showed that the extract improves lipid profiles by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and modulating hepatic enzymes. The study also noted improved plaque stability in a small clinical sample, providing mechanistic insights into its cardiovascular benefits.