Hawthorne Extract
Also known as: Crataegus oxyacantha, Hawthorn, Mayflower, Haw
Overview
Hawthorn extract is derived from the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the hawthorn bush (*Crataegus* species). It has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly for cardiovascular conditions. The extract is characterized by its rich content of flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and other bioactive compounds, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. It is primarily used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure and to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular disorders. Research on hawthorn extract is mature, with numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing its efficacy. The available evidence is generally of high quality, derived from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
Benefits
Hawthorn extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. It significantly increases maximal workload and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure. Studies have shown a weighted mean difference of 5.35 Watts (95% CI: 0.71 to 10.00, P < 0.02) in maximal workload and 122.76 Watt x min (95% CI: 32.74 to 212.78) in exercise tolerance compared to placebo. It also reduces the pressure-heart rate product, an index of cardiac oxygen consumption. Furthermore, hawthorn extract has been found to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, including those with type 2 diabetes. Improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue have also been reported, with benefits typically noticeable after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment. The most robust evidence supports its use in patients with chronic heart failure, particularly those in NYHA functional classes I to III.
How it works
Hawthorn extract is believed to exert its beneficial effects through several mechanisms. It exhibits positive inotropic activity, improving the heart's ability to contract. It also enhances the integrity of the blood vessel wall and improves coronary blood flow. Flavonoids present in the extract are thought to be key contributors to these effects. At the molecular level, hawthorn extract influences endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, leading to vasorelaxation. By improving cardiac function and reducing cardiac oxygen consumption, hawthorn extract positively impacts the cardiovascular system.
Side effects
Hawthorn extract is generally considered safe when used in recommended dosages. Adverse events are infrequent, mild, and transient. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal complaints. Less common side effects include headache, palpitations, and mild rash. Due to potential interactions, hawthorn should be used with caution in individuals taking digoxin, beta-blockers, phenylephrine, nitrates or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. It is not recommended for children, and its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women is not well-studied and should be approached with caution. It should be used under medical supervision, especially in patients taking other cardiovascular medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of hawthorn extract is typically around 160-300 mg per day of a standardized extract. Recommended daily doses range from 160 to 900 mg of a native water-ethanol extract of the leaves or flowers, administered in two or three doses. The maximum safe dose is generally considered to be up to 1,800 mg per day, although doses above 900 mg are less well-studied. Standardized extracts are preferred to ensure consistent bioactive compound content. There are no specific timing recommendations, but it is often taken in divided doses throughout the day. The absorption of hawthorn extract is not significantly affected by food intake, but this can vary depending on the formulation.
FAQs
Is hawthorn extract safe?
Hawthorn is generally safe but should be used under medical supervision due to potential interactions with other medications, especially cardiovascular drugs.
When and how should I take hawthorn extract?
It can be taken at any time of day, but divided doses are recommended. Standardized extracts are preferred for consistent bioactive compound content.
How long does it take to see results from hawthorn extract?
Improvements in symptoms and physiological outcomes may take 6 to 12 weeks to become noticeable, so consistent use is important.
Can hawthorn extract replace my heart failure medication?
No, hawthorn is not a replacement for conventional heart failure treatment but rather an adjunctive therapy to be used under medical guidance.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18254076/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 trials involving 855 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) found significant improvements in maximal workload, exercise tolerance, and symptom control compared to placebo. The study highlights the potential benefits of hawthorn extract as an adjunctive treatment for heart failure, though it notes the absence of data on mortality and morbidity outcomes.
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2/full – This Cochrane systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of hawthorn extract for chronic heart failure. The review includes multiple randomized controlled trials and suggests that hawthorn extract can lead to improvements in cardiac function and symptoms. However, the authors emphasize the need for further research to confirm these findings and to assess long-term outcomes.
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/hawthorn – This review provides a general overview of hawthorn, including its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. It notes that hawthorn has been traditionally used for cardiovascular conditions and may help lower blood pressure and improve heart function. The review also cautions about potential drug interactions and the need for medical supervision.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12798455/ – This meta-analysis of 13 trials involving 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) demonstrated significant benefits in maximal workload and pressure-heart rate product. The study also reported improvements in symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue, supporting the use of hawthorn extract as an adjunctive therapy for heart failure.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11887407/ – This systematic review of 29 clinical studies, encompassing over 5,500 patients, focuses on the safety profile of hawthorn extract. The review concludes that hawthorn extract is safe when used in recommended dosages, with rare and mild adverse events reported, reinforcing its potential as a well-tolerated adjunctive treatment.
Supplements Containing Hawthorne Extract
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Bio Nutrition
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Dr. Venessa's Formulas
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Indiana Botanic Gardens
HTN Complex
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Thermal Spark
Imperial Nutrition