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Hawthorn Leaf And Flower Extract

Also known as: Hawthorn, Hawthorn leaf and flower extract, Mayflower, Whitethorn, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus spp.

Overview

Hawthorn leaf and flower extract is derived from the _Crataegus_ plant species, primarily _Crataegus monogyna_ and _Crataegus laevigata_. It is a herbal supplement rich in bioactive compounds such as oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids. Primarily used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure (CHF), it is also used to improve cardiovascular health. Standardized extracts are often employed, specifying the percentages of oligomeric procyanidins or flavonoids. Research on hawthorn extract is mature, supported by multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses. High-quality evidence, particularly from the Cochrane Database, supports its efficacy. The extract is obtained from the leaves, flowers, and sometimes berries of the hawthorn plant. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

Benefits

Hawthorn extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for individuals with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III). Studies have shown a significant increase in maximal workload compared to placebo. Exercise tolerance was also significantly improved. The pressure-heart rate product, an index of cardiac oxygen consumption, decreased significantly with hawthorn treatment. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue improved significantly. Improvements in clinical symptoms, pressure-heart rate product, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have also been reported. These effects suggest that hawthorn extract can be a beneficial adjunct to conventional treatments for CHF, improving both symptom control and physiologic outcomes. Trials ranged from three to 16 weeks, indicating benefits can be observed within this timeframe.

How it works

Hawthorn extract's bioactive compounds, particularly oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids, act as free-radical scavengers and inhibit human neutrophil elastase, potentially reducing myocardial damage during ischemia. These compounds also enhance coronary blood flow and exert a positive inotropic effect, improving the force-frequency ratio in failing human myocardium. The extract interacts with the cardiovascular system, enhancing cardiac function, increasing exercise tolerance, and alleviating heart failure symptoms. The oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids target molecular pathways involved in cardiovascular health, including those related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Side effects

Hawthorn extract is generally considered safe when used as directed, with adverse events being infrequent, mild, and transient. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, may include nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal complaints, though these are not frequently reported. Data on uncommon side effects (1-5%) is limited, but they are not frequently documented. No significant rare side effects (less than 1%) have been reported in reviewed studies. There is a potential for interaction with other cardiovascular medications, but this is not well-documented; caution is advised when using hawthorn extract with other heart medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use hawthorn extract with caution and under medical supervision due to limited safety data in these populations. It should be used under medical supervision, especially in patients with severe heart failure or those taking other cardiovascular medications.

Dosage

Clinical recommendations suggest doses ranging from 600 to 1,800 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. While the minimum effective dose is not clearly established, doses as low as 160 mg per day have been used in some studies. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 1,800 mg per day are not commonly recommended. The timing of doses is not critical, but dividing the dose throughout the day may help maintain consistent levels of bioactive compounds. Standardized extracts to oligomeric procyanidins or flavonoids are recommended. The absorption of hawthorn extract is not well-studied, but standardized extracts are designed to optimize bioavailability. There are no specific cofactors required for the efficacy of hawthorn extract.

FAQs

Is hawthorn extract safe?

Hawthorn extract is generally safe, but it should be used under medical supervision, especially for patients with severe heart failure or those taking other cardiovascular medications.

When should I take hawthorn extract?

Doses can be taken at any time of day, but dividing the dose may help maintain consistent levels of bioactive compounds throughout the day.

What results can I expect from taking hawthorn extract?

Patients can expect improvements in symptom control and physiologic outcomes, such as increased exercise tolerance and reduced symptoms of heart failure.

Can hawthorn extract replace conventional heart failure treatment?

No, hawthorn extract is not a replacement for conventional heart failure treatment but rather an adjunctive therapy to support overall cardiovascular health.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18254076/ – This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 trials involving 855 patients with chronic heart failure. The review found significant improvements in maximal workload, exercise tolerance, pressure-heart rate product, and heart failure symptoms with hawthorn extract treatment.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2/abstract – This Cochrane systematic review assessed the efficacy and safety of hawthorn extract for chronic heart failure. The review included multiple trials and found that hawthorn extract led to improvements in cardiac function and symptoms, suggesting it may be a beneficial adjunct therapy.
https://dsld.od.nih.gov/ingredient/Hawthorn+leaf+and+flower+extract – This NIH resource provides an overview of hawthorn leaf and flower extract, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It highlights the bioactive compounds in hawthorn and its traditional use for cardiovascular health.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0215/p465.html – This article from American Family Physician discusses the use of complementary and alternative medicine in heart failure, including hawthorn. It reviews the evidence supporting hawthorn's benefits and cautions regarding its use alongside conventional treatments.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341469316_Hawthorn_Crataegus_spp_An_Updated_Overview_on_Its_Beneficial_Properties – This research provides an updated overview of the beneficial properties of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). It covers various aspects, including its chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and potential therapeutic applications, highlighting its role in cardiovascular health.