The hawthorn bush, also called thornapple or May-tree, is a deciduousplant. 2002;16(1):48-54. doi:10.1002/ptr.947. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider if you're considering the use of hawthorn in the treatment of a heart problem. "The New Healing Herbs.". The leaves, berries, and flowers of hawthorn are used to make medicine. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, which are compounds in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. You may not notice any improvement for 6 to 12 weeks. WebHawthorn berry benefits (1) Cardiotonic: This is a property attributed mainly to flavonoids, which prevent ATPase, an enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of ATP, the substance that serves as a source of energy for cells, including those of the heart muscle.When impeding ATPs destruction, cells have more energy; thus, there is an increase in the heart rates People have used hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers for traditional herbal remedies for centuries. Extracts of hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers are used to prevent hypertension and heart failure . Supplementing with hawthorn is recommended for short-term use by adults. In modern times, this ancient medicinal herb, which is widely available in many forms as a dietary supplement, is still popular for its effects on heart health, primarily: The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn contain an abundance of phytonutrients (antioxidants) called oligomeric proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which are thought to be responsible for its pharmacologic effect. When included as a part of your regular diet, they help treat heart failure, improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce anxiety. Is cranberry juice really effective against urinary tract infections? Dried berries, tincture 1:5, 1-5ml three times daily. In one rat study, the group that received hawthorn berry drinks showed significantly lowered body weights after the 10th week of treatment (26). However, more studies are needed to say for sure whether hawthorn is effective. The benefits of hawthorn berries can be attributed to their rich nutrients profile. You should store these berries carefully to avoid damage. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine. 1. The tiny red hawthorn berries are commonly found in North America, Asia, and Europe. (6), Here are just some of the many chemical compounds and nutrients found in hawthorn:(7), Hawthorn berry is best known for its helpful toningeffects on the heart. After 2 years, the clinical symptoms of heart failure (palpitations, breathing problems, and fatigue) decreased significantly in people taking the hawthorn supplement. Hawthorn Berry: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage The leaves, flowers, berries, stems, and even the bark of the plant are often used in herbal medicine to help treat heart disease, digestive issues, and more. Generally, Hawthorn berry enhances heart, liver, and skin-related functions. China has 3,000 years of cultural history. Thisbasically means that it can do wonderful things for the heart. 4. Hawthorn berries are rich in fiber, which we all know is the number one solution to many of our stomach problems. Castleman M. The New Healing Herbs, The Essential Guide to More Than 125 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies. But they may cause side effects in some individuals. Holubarsch Christian J. F., Wilson S. Colucci, Jaan Eha. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The study compared conventional methods of treating heart failure (with different medications) with hawthorn alone and in addition to the drugs. Pharmacotherapy. She has a masters degree in nutrition and dietetics and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes more, Sindhu Koganti Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach, Sindhu Koganti is a certified health and nutrition life coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. People taking hawthorn also took less medication for their condition. And, you should definitely speak to your doctor before incorporating hawthorn into your treatment plan. But, true angina can be a symptom of coronary heart disease. Schmidt U, Albrecht M, Schmidt S. [Effects of an herbal crataegus-camphor combination on the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases]. (. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety., In a study published in 2006, scientists discovered that taking 1,200 milligrams a day of hawthorn extract helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes., However, a more recent study, published in 2012, found that taking 1,000 milligrams, 1,500 milligrams, or 2,500 milligrams of hawthorn extract twice daily for three and a half days did not affect blood pressure in hypertensive individuals., Hawthorn did show benefit for chest pain (angina) in patients with congestive heart failure. Antioxidants play very important role in fighting free radicals which damaging cells even killing the cell. Hawthorn berry has been used for treating high blood pressure (5). 2006;56(527):437-43. 2006 56(527):437-43. Table of Contents Show However, more studies are needed to understand this benefit of hawthorn berries in humans. Both animal and human studies suggest hawthorn increases coronary artery blood flow, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. 2006;20(3):177-84. Its flowers bloom in May. Environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, smoking, some medicines, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. These Hawthorn Berry Muffins are a delicious and healthy treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Another German study also showed that a hawthorn extract (LI132 Faros) worked nearly as well as a prescription heart failure drug (captopril). According to a 2008 review of 14 studies that included a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients, hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure. What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Hawthorn Berry? Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, et al. It is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) belonging tothe genusCrataegus. 10 Best Male Enhancement Pills for Libido, Stamina, & Performance Congestive heart failure and hypercholesterolemia. Hawthorn berry benefits include heart health support, anti-inflammatory support, digestive health support, anti-anxiety support, and anti-aging support. Hawthorn berries also have traditionally been used to treat digestive issues, including constipation. J Agric Food Chem. Its active components were found to cause vasorelaxation (reduction in tension of the blood vessel walls) in rat studies (8), (9). Drug Saf. Take four cups of water in a large saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 40 minutes. These antioxidant flavonoids, including OPCs, may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect blood vessels from damage. However, people should talk with a healthcare professional about whether they can or should take hawthorn berries and how often. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? ", However, one long-term study completed in 2009 did not confirm these benefits. What are OPCs? The hawthorn herb is loaded with health beneficial compounds. Apart from all these benefits, hawthorn berries also help prevent early aging signs and symptoms as they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is important that people who wish to try hawthorn talk with their doctor first, especially if they are taking medication. 2008 23;(1):CD005312. Hawthorn berries contain phytonutrients including anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins antioxidants that strengthen blood vessel walls. The study attempted to test the herbs with the use of 16S rDNA sequence analysis and understand the change in their metabolism and prebiotic potential. Prosolution Plus: Best for premature ejaculation. When Jesus was crucified, the crown of thorns 2001;8(4):262-266. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: arandomisedcontrolled trial. 2002;59(5):417-422. Br J Gen Pract. However, the effect may not be the same in humans, so scientists need to study this potential benefit further. 8 Hawthorn Benefits + How to Use to Lower Blood Pressure However, further research into them is necessary. Hawthorn Berries According to a report by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, scientists think hawthorn benefits the The hawthorn plants stems, leaves, and bark also possess important medicinal properties. Phytother Res. The first study on hawthorn, published in 1896, reported on 43 patients suffering from various forms of heart disease who were treated with hawthorn with promising results.. Hawthorn should not be given to children. Hawthorn is a thorny, flowering tree or shrub of the rose family. Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, et al. Boil 2 cups of water and place the hawthorn berries into a pot. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. Hawthorn berries can reduce anxiety (13). Thiscan improve blood flow to the heart, making hawthornvery useful for angina. How can you incorporate hawthorn berries into your life? Additionally, it answers some common questions about hawthorn berries. (10). Hawthorn berries are rich in several vitamins and plant nutrients (5). By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Hawthorn. Hawthorn is approved for congestive heart failure by Germany's Commission E, an expert panel that evaluates herbal remedies. They grow in small white, red, or pink clusters. As per studies, hawthorn can also interact with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates (22), (23). DO NOT use hawthorn if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor practicing in Santa Monica, California. These rich berries have a tart, tangy taste and mild sweetness. 2008 Dec;10(12):1255-63. A patient whose blood flow is lower than normal. The health benefits of hawthorn berries could be associated with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastro-protective properties. You can also freeze these fruits in the refrigerator. Preliminary evidence suggests hawthorn may help combat chest pain (angina), which is caused by low blood flow to the heart. How do they taste? Am Fam Physician. 2009;37(5):903-8. A study conducted by the University of Reading found that hawthorn extract can have a hypotensivei XA patient whose blood flow is lower than normal. Hawthorn Berries Can Benefit Your Heart Lets look closer at exactly how a tiny little hawthorn berrycan actually make huge improvements in many peoples health. She has a masters degree in nutrition and dietetics and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. Traditionally, the berries were used to treat heart problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. Though the tiny sweet red berries ("haws") are used in jams, jellies, candies, and wines, all parts of the plantthe leaves, flowers, berries, stems, and even the barkhave long been used in herbal medicine as digestive, kidney, and anti-anxiety aids. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Sep 10;56(17):7700-9. Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension. A scientific study published in The British Journal of General Practice had 79 type 2 diabeticpatients either take 1200 milligrams of hawthorn extractdaily or a placebo for a total of 16 weeks. Calming properties. American Family Physicians. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, Dominik R, Caughey M, Hinderliter AL. Store in the refrigerator. She has a bachelors degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. The hawthorn group also showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure during physical activity. A review notes that historic medical records going back to 659 AD recognize hawthorn as a treatment for various conditions, including indigestion and hernia. Adverse-event profile of Crataegus spp. She has a bachelors degree in biotechnology from Acharya N more. However, consult a doctor before consuming hawthorn berries as they may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and rashes. HAWTHORN - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD 2012 Mar 29;12:26. even with ordinary physical activity) found that those who took hawthorn berry extract had fewer symptoms (3). Hawthorn leaves, flower and berries are also contain antioxidant including proanthocyanidins and flavonoids that help strengthen blood vessels and heals any damaged vessels walls. Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. The antioxidants specific to hawthorn berries may benefit some cancers, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, asthma and premature skin aging. A subclass of major flavonoids that is widely distributed in multiple parts of a plant. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use hawthorn without first talking to your provider: Digoxin: Hawthorn may enhance the activity of digoxin, a medication used for irregular heart rhythms. 1998;158(20):2200-2211. Hawthorn Berry Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berry Hawthorn (Shan Zha), also known as red berries, Shan Lihong, rouge fruit. This plant may offer These compoundshave been shown to really boost heart health. 2008 Sep 10;56(17):7700-9. Avoid taking hawthorn with digoxin (21). Many species of hawthorn are used to makebonsai trees. However, this article will refer to these fruits as berries, as this is what people commonly call them. Research shows that the flavonoids in hawthorn berries interact with enzymes that help enhance myocardial contractility (the ability of the heart muscle to contract) (5). Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial. Studies also suggest that the herb can enhance a person's ability to exercise following heart failure. Only take it under your healthcare provider's supervision if you've been prescribed blood pressure medication or Lanoxin (digoxin), and don't take it with other herbs or supplements that have cardiac effects.. Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). Furthermore, it may even help heart failure and reduce inflammation, signs of aging, and aid digestion. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. WebStudies have shown that hawthorn had benefits for healthy blood cholesterol levels and cardioprotective properties. These includeheart failure, heart disease, angina pectoris, changes incardiac rhythm, and atherosclerosis. (8). Boost your heart health and rejuvenate your mind with this delicious and vibrant fruit. It has also been used on the skin to treat boils and skin sores. If you have heart disease or any other health condition or are currently taking medication(s), check with your doctor before taking a hawthorn berry product or any other hawthorn supplement. Recommended dosages range from 160 to 1,800 milligrams a day in two or three divided doses for over three to 24 weeks, but it's believed that greater therapeutic effectiveness results from higher dosages. 2000;3(1):24-32. (15). Hawthorn berries are known for their numerous health benefits, including their ability to improve heart health and regulate blood pressure. We will explore more in the next section. OPCs are some of the most prevalentpolyphenolic substances found in plants. BMC Complement Altern Med. Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension. They are antioxidants and protect healthy cells. It is also important to note that heart failure is a very serious health condition. Hawthorn: pharmacology and therapeutic uses. Fresh hawthorn can be prepared as a tincture, a concentrated liquid herbal extract, and an infusion, which is basically a tea. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. In addition, the polyphenols in hawthorn berries help in lowering cholesterol levels. The narrowed arteries in the heart gradually leave your heart too weak to pump blood efficiently, leading to heart failure. A large study found that a standardized hawthorn supplement was effective in 952 people with heart failure. Trials conducted on 855 patients with chronic heart failure showed that hawthorn improved heart function when used in combination with conventional treatments (2). Rigelsky JM, Sweet BV. They may also In another small-scale study conducted on 79 individuals with type 2 diabetes, a daily intake of 1200 grams of hawthorn extract for sixteen weeks along with prescription drugs was found to lower blood pressure (10). Benefit-Risk Assessment ofCrataegusExtract WS1442: An Evidence-Based Review. However, more human studies are warranted to further understand this benefit of the hawthorn berry. Hawthorn has herbal properties that may have potential health benefits, and scientists have studied the plants effectiveness in treating various conditions. What is better, hawthorn berries or leaves? Some people refer to these as haws. Haws are not technically berries, as they contain stones, similar to plums. Hawthorn berries are not poisonous. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This resulted in lower levels of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. (. However, given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's imperative not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Alternative therapies: Part II. Hypotensive drugs were also taken by 71 percentof the study participants. There is even research to suggest that hawthorn might be effective when used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate heart failure. In addition, the berries contain complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, which may have potentially helpful uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Although there are hundreds of species of Crataegus, when people refer to the common hawthorn, they typically mean Crataegus monogyna. Tadi VM, Dobri S, Markovi GM, et al. 2004;11 Suppl 1:36-9. Individual hawthorn extracts that retailers sell will typically provide instructions on how often to take the preparation. Walker AF, Marakis G, Morris AP, Robinson PA. Hawthorn flowers arered, pink or white. Hawthorn berry is said to possess anti-atherosclerosis properties and may prevent the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and plaque on the artery walls (6). Although hawthorn has not been studied specifically in people with high blood pressure, some people think its benefits in treating heart disease may carry over to treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Eur J Heart Fail. The second group took a hawthorn extract. Hawthorn is used to help protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Clinical efficacy of crataegus extract WS 1442 in congestive heart failure NYHA class II. Vegetable Oil: Nutrition Fac Olive Oil Vs. The plant belongs to the same family as that of roses and likely offers many of the same benefits. Hawthorn can make the effects of these drugs stronger. Hawthorn berries are rich in the triterpene carboxylic acid crataegus acid considered responsible for coronary vasodilating effects noted. Many herbal practitioners recommend hawthorn berries, flowers and leaves as natural blood pressure reducers. In this article, we will discuss the various health benefits of hawthorn berries, their nutrition profile, dosage, and any potential side effects. They are an essential source of antioxidants and flavonoids and provide sufficient natural fibers to keep Cancer and Asthma at bay. Hawthorn contains many substances that may benefit the heart. In an animal study, the ethanol extract of hawthorn could suppress the stimulation effect of a high-fat diet (16). Learn more about Hawthorn health benefits, uses, side effects, effectiveness, safety, precautions, and warnings Hawthorn is a plant. Hawthorn Berries: Whole Herb Vs. Most of the time, you can find hawthorn growing along the sides of sunny wooded hills. Around 7000 BC, the ancient Chinese used beverage made of hawthorn berries for medicinal and religious use because of its therapeutic properties. No herb-drug interactions were recorded during this controlled trial. Castleman, Michael. In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 milligrams of magnesium, 500 milligrams of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. Uses have included the treatment of digestive ailments, dyspn It was found to exhibit bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus subtilis, and Lysteria monocytogenes. People most commonly use hawthorn for chest pain, heart failure, blood circulation So far, safe hawthorn doses appear to be between160 to 1,800 milligrams per day fora three to 24 week time period. This graph from a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Genetics explains the prebiotic potential of 11 immunomodulatory herbs, including hawthorn berry. Although the consumption of hawthorn berries is generally safe, there have been reports of these berries causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Hawthorn Extract Alleviates Atherosclerosis through Regulating Inammation and Apoptosis-Related Factors: An Experimental Study. These propertiescan help a range ofchronic health problems fromhigh cholesterol to angina. For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub. The authors noted that researchers should further investigate hawthorn for potential diabetes treatments. Of course, you should not take heart problems lightly. The effects of hawthorn on chest pain, blood clots, high cholesterol, skin aging, and AIDS were tested in clinical trials with small populations (below 50 people). The research on most other conditions (except heart disease and blood pressure) is limited to animals and cells. High-quality, large-scale studies are needed to confirm the results. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. Miller L. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. A minimum effective dose for adjunctive therapy in mild congestive heart failure is 300 milligrams of standardized extract daily. (4). : a systematic review. You can also pick up a hawthorn supplement in the form of a capsule or a hawthorn extract in liquid tincture form. Benefits After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. Hawthorn One of the best ways to start adding a moderate amount of hawthorn to a healthy lifestyle is having a cup of hawthorn berry tea. Arzneimittelforschung. Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) More studies are needed to understand how effective it may be. Heart failure is a serious condition, and you should never try to self treat with hawthorn. The berries are most frequently used, although the leaves and flowers possess beneficial qualities as well.