Fresh Hawthorn Flower Extract
Also known as: Crataegus laevigata, Hawthorn, Hawthorn flower extract, Hawthorn leaf and flower extract, Crataegus monogyna
Overview
Fresh hawthorn flower extract, primarily derived from *Crataegus monogyna* and *Crataegus laevigata*, is a botanical supplement rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and polyphenols. It is widely used as an adjunctive treatment for various cardiovascular conditions, including chronic heart failure (CHF), hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The extract is known for its antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and improve endothelial function, thereby enhancing overall cardiac health. Research on hawthorn extract is well-established, with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy and safety, particularly in mild to moderate CHF.
Benefits
Hawthorn flower extract offers significant benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. In patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA class I-III), it has been shown to significantly improve maximal workload capacity (mean increase of 7 Watts; 95% CI: 3 to 11 Watts; p < 0.01) and reduce the pressure-heart rate product, indicating decreased cardiac workload. Patients also report improvements in symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue. Beyond CHF, hawthorn exhibits lipid-lowering effects by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption and hepatic cholesterol synthesis, promoting cholesterol efflux, and potentially slowing atherosclerosis progression. Its potent antioxidant activity protects myocardial and endothelial cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, studies indicate positive inotropic effects (increased myocardial contractility) and improved coronary blood flow. While benefits are most established for CHF, potential advantages in hypertension and atherosclerosis are suggested by preclinical data. The improvements observed in exercise capacity and symptom relief are statistically significant and clinically meaningful as an adjunctive therapy.
How it works
Hawthorn flower extract exerts its cardiovascular benefits through multiple mechanisms. Its potent antioxidant compounds scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing myocardial ischemic damage and protecting cells from oxidative stress. It also inhibits human neutrophil elastase, which helps reduce inflammation and tissue damage within the cardiovascular system. Vasodilation is achieved through flavonoid-mediated activation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and phosphodiesterase inhibition, leading to improved blood flow. Additionally, hawthorn modulates lipid metabolism by reducing the absorption and synthesis of lipids and enhancing cholesterol clearance, contributing to its potential anti-atherosclerotic effects. These actions collectively improve heart muscle contractility, enhance vascular endothelial function, and modulate inflammatory pathways. Bioactive components like flavonoids and procyanidins have moderate bioavailability, with standardized extracts ensuring consistent delivery of active compounds.
Side effects
Hawthorn flower extract is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of mild adverse effects. Common side effects, reported infrequently and in less than 5% of users, include nausea, dizziness, and mild gastrointestinal complaints. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include cardiac complaints, though these are not consistently attributable to hawthorn. Serious adverse events are rare, with no consistent links established in clinical trials. Potential additive effects may occur when used concurrently with cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin) and antihypertensive medications, necessitating caution and medical supervision. However, no major or severe drug interactions have been definitively documented. Contraindications are not well-defined, but caution is advised for patients on multiple cardiovascular drugs. Data on use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children are limited, and its safety in these populations has not been established.
Dosage
Clinical trials commonly utilize standardized hawthorn extract, such as WS 1442, at a minimum effective dose of 900 mg per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Optimal dosage ranges from 900 mg to 1800 mg per day, depending on the specific formulation and the intended therapeutic indication. Doses up to 1800 mg per day have been safely used in clinical trials, with no established maximum safe dose. The extract is usually administered in divided doses throughout the day for consistent therapeutic levels. For best results, standardized extracts with a defined content of oligomeric procyanidins are preferred due to their consistent active compound profile. While food may influence absorption, standardized extracts are formulated to improve bioavailability. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is fresh hawthorn flower extract effective for heart failure?
Yes, evidence supports its use as an adjunctive therapy, improving exercise capacity and symptoms in mild to moderate chronic heart failure (CHF).
Is it safe to use with other heart medications?
Generally safe, but it should be used under medical supervision due to potential additive effects with cardiac glycosides and antihypertensives.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Benefits are typically observed within weeks of consistent use, as demonstrated in various clinical trials.
Does it lower cholesterol?
Preclinical and some clinical data suggest lipid-lowering effects, but more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm this benefit.
Is fresh flower extract different from berry or leaf extracts?
While pharmacologically similar, most clinical data are derived from leaf and flower extracts standardized for procyanidins, which may differ from berry-only extracts.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – This meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA I-III) found that hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload capacity by 7 Watts and provided symptom relief as an adjunctive therapy. Adverse events were mild and infrequent, supporting its safety profile.
- https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=043482c6746d1209c8658690b124f88d1a4d42df – This source, likely a review or meta-analysis, supports the findings of Pittler et al. (2003) regarding the efficacy of hawthorn extract in improving exercise capacity and reducing cardiac workload in patients with chronic heart failure. It reinforces the conclusion that hawthorn is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/ – This review summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence for hawthorn's cardioprotective effects, highlighting its mechanisms such as lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions. It identifies bioactive flavonoids and procyanidins as key components responsible for these effects, noting strong experimental support for its role in cardiovascular health despite limited clinical data on atherosclerosis.
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This review details the pharmacology of hawthorn leaf and flower extracts, emphasizing the role of oligomeric procyanidins in free radical scavenging, inhibition of neutrophil elastase, and vasodilation. It cites in vivo studies demonstrating positive inotropic effects and improved coronary blood flow, confirming hawthorn's safety profile and its potential as an adjunctive treatment for heart failure.
