Dried Hawthorn Berry; Flower & Leaf Extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, hawthorn berry, hawthorn flower, hawthorn leaf, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus spp.
Overview
Dried hawthorn berry, flower, and leaf extracts are derived from the Crataegus genus, a group of shrubs and small trees native to Europe, North America, and Asia. These extracts are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and polyphenols, which contribute to their therapeutic effects. Primarily, hawthorn is used for cardiovascular health, including the management of hypertension, chronic heart failure, and atherosclerosis. It acts as an adjunct to conventional cardiovascular therapies, offering antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. Research on hawthorn is well-established, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its cardiovascular benefits, though study designs and dosing can vary.
Benefits
Hawthorn extracts offer several evidence-based cardiovascular benefits. A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs involving 428 participants showed a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure by approximately 6.65 mmHg after 2–6 months of treatment with hawthorn extracts (250–1200 mg/day). While diastolic blood pressure reduction was not statistically significant, a trend was observed. For chronic heart failure, a Cochrane systematic review of 14 trials (855 patients) found that hawthorn extract, when used as an adjunct to conventional treatment, significantly improved maximal workload, exercise tolerance, and reduced symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Secondary benefits include lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects through the reduction of serum LDL cholesterol and inhibition of lipid absorption and synthesis. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress. These benefits are particularly relevant for patients with mild to moderate hypertension and chronic heart failure (NYHA class I–III). The observed blood pressure reductions and improvements in exercise capacity are considered clinically meaningful.
How it works
Hawthorn exerts its cardiovascular effects through multiple biological pathways. Its flavonoids activate endothelium-derived relaxing factors and inhibit phosphodiesterase, leading to vasodilation. Oligomeric procyanidins act as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and thereby reducing myocardial ischemic damage. Hawthorn also modulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption and hepatic cholesterol synthesis, while promoting cholesterol efflux. These actions collectively improve myocardial contractility, enhance coronary blood flow, support endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within the cardiovascular system. Molecular targets include human neutrophil elastase and phosphodiesterase inhibition, and prevention of LDL oxidation. Standardized extracts, such as WS 1442, are often used to ensure consistent bioavailability of active compounds.
Side effects
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects, reported in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, and dizziness. Less common side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, may include cardiac complaints and transient headaches. Serious adverse events are rare and have not been consistently reported. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with cardiovascular medications like antihypertensives and anticoagulants, necessitating careful monitoring. Hawthorn should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiac conditions and only under medical supervision. Data on its use in pregnancy and pediatric populations are limited, and medical advice is recommended for these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for hawthorn extract is approximately 250 mg per day of a standardized extract. The optimal dosage range typically falls between 250 mg and 1200 mg per day, depending on the specific formulation and the intended therapeutic indication. Doses up to 1200 mg per day have been safely used in clinical trials, and no established maximum safe dose has been identified. Dosing is usually administered daily, often in divided doses. For consistent efficacy, standardized extracts, such as WS 1442 or LI 132, which are standardized to their oligomeric procyanidin or flavonoid content, are preferred. While bioavailability of flavonoids can vary, it may be enhanced when taken with food. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is hawthorn safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials up to 6 months indicate a good safety profile for hawthorn; however, data on use beyond this period are limited.
Can hawthorn replace conventional heart failure or hypertension medications?
No, hawthorn is recommended as an adjunct therapy to conventional medications, not as a replacement for them.
How soon can benefits be expected from hawthorn?
Improvements in blood pressure and heart failure symptoms are typically observed within approximately two months of consistent use.
Are all hawthorn extracts equally effective?
Standardized extracts with known concentrations of flavonoids and procyanidins tend to have more reliable and consistent therapeutic effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12298042/ – This meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials (n=428) investigated the effect of hawthorn extract on blood pressure. It found a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure by approximately 6.65 mmHg over 2–6 months, though diastolic blood pressure reduction was not significant. The study noted heterogeneity in dosage and protocols among the included trials and assessed quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
- https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD005312_hawthorn-extract-may-be-used-oral-treatment-option-chronic-heart-failure – This Cochrane systematic review of 14 trials (n=855) concluded that hawthorn extract, when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy, significantly improved maximal workload, exercise tolerance, and symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. The review reported mild and infrequent adverse events, but no conclusive data on mortality.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/ – This review synthesized preclinical and clinical data supporting the cardioprotective effects of hawthorn extracts. It highlighted lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and endothelial protective mechanisms, primarily attributed to flavonoids and procyanidins. While clinical evidence on anti-atherosclerotic effects is still emerging, the review suggests promising potential for hawthorn in this area.
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This source provides general information on hawthorn, including its traditional uses and some scientific backing for its cardiovascular benefits. It serves as a broader overview of hawthorn's role as a herbal supplement in cardiovascular health, touching upon its mechanisms and applications.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.10.003 – This article discusses the role of hawthorn in heart failure, often focusing on specific standardized extracts like WS 1442. It delves into the clinical evidence supporting hawthorn's ability to improve symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure, reinforcing its utility as an adjunctive therapy.