Hawthorn Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Hawthorn, hawthorn berry, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus spp.
Overview
Hawthorn glycerite liquid extract is an alcohol-free herbal preparation derived from hawthorn berries, primarily from the species Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna. It is produced by extracting the berries using a glycerin-water solvent, a method that helps preserve the plant's bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and other polyphenols. Traditionally, hawthorn has been used to support cardiovascular health, particularly in conditions such as chronic heart failure and hypertension. While extensive research, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, supports the cardiovascular benefits of hawthorn extracts in general, specific clinical data on glycerite liquid extracts are less abundant, with most evidence stemming from studies on standardized dry extracts or tinctures. Nevertheless, the glycerite form is valued for its alcohol-free nature and potential for good bioavailability.
Benefits
Hawthorn glycerite liquid extract offers several evidence-based cardiovascular benefits: - **Chronic Heart Failure:** Strong evidence from a Cochrane meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 632 patients demonstrated that hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload (+7 Watts) and reduced symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy. This indicates its efficacy in improving exercise capacity and quality of life in individuals with mild to moderate chronic heart failure. - **Blood Pressure Regulation:** A recent meta-analysis indicated that hawthorn significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to placebo. While the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was not statistically significant, this suggests a potential role in managing hypertension. - **Endothelial Function Improvement:** Hawthorn extracts, such as WS 1442, have been shown to improve endothelial function. This is achieved by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and stimulating endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) pathways, which contribute to vasodilation and overall vascular homeostasis. This mechanism supports better blood flow and arterial health. Secondary benefits, such as anxiolytic and lipid-lowering effects, have been observed in animal studies, but robust clinical confirmation in humans is currently lacking.
How it works
Hawthorn's beneficial cardiovascular effects are primarily attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins. These compounds work by enhancing myocardial contractility, leading to a stronger heart pump, and promoting vasodilation, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Hawthorn also exhibits antioxidant activity, protecting cardiovascular cells from oxidative damage. A key mechanism involves modulating endothelial function by increasing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and stimulating the release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). This improves vascular relaxation independently of NO and prostacyclin pathways. The glycerite extraction method, utilizing a glycerin-water solvent at low temperatures, is crucial for preserving these delicate bioactive compounds, ensuring their stability and bioavailability for optimal therapeutic action.
Side effects
Hawthorn glycerite liquid extract is generally well tolerated, with adverse events being infrequent, mild, and transient. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, dizziness, and minor cardiac or gastrointestinal complaints. These effects are typically not severe enough to warrant discontinuation of use. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been consistently reported in high-quality clinical trials, caution is advised when hawthorn is combined with conventional cardiovascular medications. This is due to the potential for additive effects, which could theoretically lead to an excessive reduction in blood pressure or heart rate. Patients taking medications for heart conditions, such as digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or nitrates, should consult their healthcare provider before using hawthorn. Safety data specifically for glycerite liquid extracts are limited, but their safety profile is expected to be similar to other hawthorn preparations given their comparable phytochemical composition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should also seek medical advice before use.
Dosage
Optimal dosing for hawthorn glycerite liquid extracts is less precisely defined compared to standardized dry extracts, as most clinical trials have utilized the latter (e.g., WS 1442). For chronic heart failure, clinical trials typically employed standardized hawthorn extracts at doses ranging from 900 to 1800 mg daily, often divided into two or three doses. When using glycerite liquid extracts, the goal is to achieve an equivalent flavonoid content to these standardized preparations. This often requires consulting the product's specific concentration and recommended serving size, which is usually based on traditional use and extraction ratios. Glycerin-based extracts are generally considered to offer good bioavailability and patient tolerability. The timing of dosage is not extensively studied for glycerite forms, but consistent daily intake is generally recommended to achieve therapeutic effects. It's important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking other medications. There are no established upper limits for hawthorn, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is hawthorn glycerite extract effective for heart failure?
Yes, evidence supports hawthorn extracts as an adjunctive therapy, improving exercise capacity and reducing symptoms in mild to moderate chronic heart failure when used consistently.
Is hawthorn glycerite extract safe to use?
Generally, yes, with mild and transient side effects. However, individuals on cardiovascular medications should consult their healthcare provider due to potential additive effects.
How soon can I expect to see benefits from hawthorn glycerite extract?
Clinical improvements from hawthorn are typically observed over weeks to months of consistent daily use, as its effects build gradually over time.
Is glycerite extract better than alcohol tinctures?
Glycerite extracts are alcohol-free, making them suitable for sensitive populations. They also preserve bioactive compounds through low-temperature extraction, potentially maintaining stability.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – This Cochrane meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (n=632) concluded that hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload and reduced symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure, with mild side effects. The study highlights hawthorn's efficacy as an adjunct therapy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12298042/ – This meta-analysis found that hawthorn significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to placebo, though diastolic reductions were not statistically significant. The study suggests hawthorn's potential role in blood pressure management, warranting further research.
- https://www.jpp.krakow.pl/journal/archive/08_17/articles/03_article.html – This review focused on the WS 1442 hawthorn extract, detailing its mechanistic insights into improving endothelial function via NO synthesis and EDHF pathways. It also summarized clinical benefits in heart failure, emphasizing the extract's role in vascular health.