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| Hawthorn |
| Description: Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is used for its leaves, flowers, and berries. These contain a number of bioflavonoid complexes that are responsible for the plant’s cardiac benefits, including improvement of blood flow.1
Roman physicians used hawthorn as a heart drug in the first century A.D. Hawthorn also acts as an antioxidant,2 improves overall circulation, and lowers blood pressure. It also improves the heart’s ability to pump blood, like the plant derived medication digitalis. However, whereas digitalis can cause instability of the heart’s normal rhythm, hawthorn actually can stabilize the rhythm.3 Hawthorn often takes up to three months to show its effects on the body; care should be taken to continue other treatments while waiting to see if hawthorn will be effective. Useful in treatment of: Congestive Heart Failure: There is a significant body of research indicating that hawthorn is useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, and appears to be equally effective as a low dose of the commonly used captopril. Long term comparison data are not available.4 Angina, atherosclerosis: Although in theory it may be useful, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate these claims. Benign Heart Palpitations: Because of it’s stabilizing effect on heart muscle rhythm, hawthorn may be useful for this condition; again, there are no formal studies documenting benefit. Recommended Dosage: Up to 300 mg extract two to three time daily. Extracts should be standardized to contain 2 to 3% flavonoids or 18 to 20% procyanidins. Contraindications: Patients taking heart medications should consult with a health care professional before taking hawthorn. References: 1Rewerski VW, Piechoscki T, et al. Some pharmacological properties of oligomeric procyanidin isolated from hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1967;17:490–91. |
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