Description
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The hawthorn tree/shrub, otherwise known as Crataegus laevigata, is native to Europe; its fruit and blossoms
are used medicinally. The white flowers are strong-smelling and grow in large bunches from April to June. The
fruit of the hawthorn, the berry, is known as Crataegi fructus, or Fructus oxycanthae. The berry is a wine-red to
yellowish brown, wrinkled false fruit, inside of which is a brownish yellow tissue (fruit flesh) in which are
embedded up to 3 hard yellow stones, or seeds.
Composition
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The flowers and berries of hawthorn are rich in plant flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.
Flavonoids
These components include: Quercetin, quercetin-3-galactoside, hyperoside, vitexin, vitexin-4’-rhamnoside, and
others.
Proanthocyanidins
These phytochemicals are special flavonoids found in darkly colored fruits and vegetables.
Carditonic amines
These include: phenylethylamine, o-methoxyphenylethylamine, tyramine and isobutylamine.
Purine derivatives
These include: adenosine, adenine, guanine and caffeic acid.
Triterpene acids
These include: ursolic, oleanolic and crataegolic acids.
Other constituents
These include: choline, acetylcholine, amygdalin, catechins and pectins.
Pharmacological Action
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The main organ which hawthorn berries target is the heart.
The proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants and have proven beneficial effects, especially on stabilizing
capillaries, decreasing permeability and fragility. The flavonoids in hawthorn berries can protect against the
enzymatic destruction of inflammation (Biochem Pharm 1983;32:1141-1148), and prevent the release of
inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, proteases and histamine. They improve blood
supply to the heart by dilating blood vessels (Planta Medica 1981;43:105-120), improve metabolic processes in
the heart, increase the force of contraction, reduce rhythm disturbances, and inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting
enzyme) (Arzneimittel-Forsch 1993;43:945-949; Jpn J Pharmacol 1987;43:242-245). Some of the flavonoids
increase the force of contraction of the heart by inhibiting the enzyme cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (Planta
Medica 1981;43:183-186).
Clinical Applications/Research
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* Heart tonic
* Mild diuretic
* Heart disorders
* Congestive heart failure
* Atherosclerosis
* Angina
* High blood pressure
* Arrhythmias
* Sore throat
A phytopharmaceutical encyclopedia lists some of the areas in which hawthorn berries are utilized:
cardiotonics, coronary remedies, antihypertonics, arteriosclerosis remedies, geriatric remedies, and general
tonics (Grainger, NB ed., Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC
Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 1994).
Hawthorn berries have a favorable effect on blood pressure (Forsch Med 1993;111:352-354; Planta Medica
1981;43:313-322). This is probably due to the flavonoids having a stabilizing effect on collagen structures, such
as the blood vessels and small capillaries, and by affecting vasodilation by the response in the prostaglandin
pathway. The ability to inhibit angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) (Jpn J Pharmacol 1987;43:242-245), and
to demonstrate mild diuretic activity also help reduce hypertension. The dilation of the vessels results in
reduced peripheral resistance and increased coronary circulation (Hamon NW. Canad Pharm J 1988;
Nov:708-724). Angiotension converting enzyme converts a relatively inactive form of angiotensin (angiotensin I)
into an active, very powerful vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II. The ability of the proanthocyanidins to inhibit the
converting enzyme results in relaxed blood vessels, and its action has rivaled that of the drug, Captopril (Jpn J
Pharmacol 1987;43:242-245), a synthetic enzyme inhibitor used widely for hypertension.
Hawthorn berries have been traditionally used in the area of congestive heart failure, because of their ability to
increase the contraction of the heart. They do this by inhibiting the enzyme cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase
(Planta Medica 1981;43:183-186). Since the enzyme breaks down the energy-boosting signaller, cyclic AMP,
inhibition of the enzyme results in more forceful contractions. Hawthorn is commonly used in conjunction with
other drugs for heart failure, such as digitalis, or in combination with other herbs containing cardiac glycosides
(i.e. Cereus grandifloris), as it potentiates the action of the glycosides. Since hawthorn does enhance the action
of the cardiac glycosides, it allows for lower doses of adjunctive therapy to be used. Magnesium also has an
enhancing action on digitalis, and can be considered a good synergistic nutrient. Double-blind studies have
consistently shown that hawthorn is effective for congestive heart failure in the early stages (and also minor
arrhythmias) where digitalis is not yet indicated (no adverse reactions occurred in the studies) (Forsch Med
1992;110:290-292; Forsch Med 1986;104:805-808; Forsch Med 1993;111:352-354). For moderate to severe
heart failure, a health care professional can recommend a combination with other cardiac glycosides.
Persistance in supplementation is recommended, as it can take up to 2 weeks to reach a satisfactory tissue
saturation level. Extended use of hawthorn berries has had a beneficial effect on cholesterol, triglycerides, and
blood sugar levels in Chinese animal studies (Chung His I Choeh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:361).
Drug/Nutrient Interactions
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Hawthorn increases the contraction of the heart by inhibiting the enzyme cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (Planta
Medica 1981;43:183-186 resulting in more forceful contractions. Hawthorn is commonly used in conjunction
with other drugs for heart failure, such as digitalis, or in combination with other herbs containing cardiac
glycosides (i.e. Cereus grandifloris), as it potentiates the action of the glycosides. Since hawthorn does
enhance the action of the cardiac glycosides, it allows for lower doses of adjunctive therapy to be used. A
physician should be consulted as to the recommended combinations of these drugs. Double-blind studies have
consistently shown that hawthorn is effective for congestive heart failure in the early stages (and also minor
arrhythmias) where digitalis is not yet indicated (no adverse reactions occurred in the studies) (Forsch Med
1992;110:290-292; Forsch Med 1986;104:805-808; Forsch Med 1993;111:352-354).
Magnesium also has an enhancing action on digitalis, and can be considered a good synergistic nutrient. A
health care professional can recommend a combination of magnesium with other cardiac glycosides.
Suggested Dosage
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Up to 3-5 grams can be taken 3 times per day, however a much lower dose would be recommended when
using with synergistic ingredients, i.e. approximately 100mg 3 times per day.
Contraindications/Toxicology
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Hawthorn berries are determined to have low toxicity. The average acute 50% lethal dose in rats is 25 ml per kg,
and chronic dose is approximately 5 ml per kg, which is a high dose that is never achieved with standard
recommendations, much less at lower levels found in synergistic combination formulas. Medicinal amounts of
any herb should only be taken with the advice of a trained licensed healthcare professional.
The statements above have not evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health. The Professional Notes, Patient Instructions, and items marked with an astrisk (*) are provided by the practitioner and are the sole responsibility of the practitioner.Copyright © 1998-2002 Standard in Natural Solutions, LLC.