The hawthorn berry and flowering-top extract is widely used by physicians in Europe for their effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown hawthorn extracts to be helpful in reducing angina attacks by dilating the coronary vessels, as well as improvement of the metabolic processes in the heart. They also lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels.
As the amount of active ingredients can vary from product to product, standardized extracts are the preferred form. The dosage for hawthorn extracts standardized to contain 1.8 percent vitexin-4′-rhamnoside or 10% procyanidins is 100 to 250mg tid.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) can help with the following
Congestive Heart Failure
In 1,011 patients with stage II cardiac insufficiency, a standardized hawthorn extract containing 84mg of oligomeric procyanidins improved ejection fraction and resting pulse rate, and produced a reduction in cardiac arrhvthmias. Duration of the study was 24 weeks. [Eur J Heart Fail 2000;2(4): pp.431-437]
Clinical trials with an extract (WS 1442) have successfully demonstrated improved cardiac function and improved quality of life primarily in patients with early stage CHF. For the treatment of early stage CHF, the effective daily dosage of WS 1442 (standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins) has ranged from 160-900 mg per day, divided in 2-3 doses. Benefit has been shown in the 160-480mg per day range. [Fortschr Med 1996;114: pp.291-6]
Atherosclerosis
Hawthorn is particularly recommended. Proanthocyanadins stabilize collagen to prevent cholesterol deposits on arterial walls, prevent free radical damage, reduce peripheral vascular resistance, angina, cholesterol, and increase coronary and myocardial perfusion; hawthorn has a historic use in congestive heart failure; dosage 3 to 5gm as either dried herb, solid extract, or liquid extract.
Ginkgo (250mg tid) is also recommended. Concentrated extracts may be required to achieve the recommended doses. In addition, a tincture (30 to 60 drops tid) or tea (1 cup tid) of one to four of the suggested herbs, taken before meals, may be helpful.
Cardiomyopathy
Hawthorn can be an effective therapy for congestive heart failure, which is the main complication of cardiomyopathy. The clinical trials with heart failure patients have demonstrated efficacy using 80-300mg per day of standardized extract of hawthorn per day (containing > 2% vitexins). A study of cardiomyopathy and hawthorn has yet to be done.
Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
Hawthorn has been used traditionally for treating arrhythmias, although its use for this purpose has not been studied in humans.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
Glossary
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Angina
Angina pectoris. Severe, restricting chest pain with sensations of suffocation caused by temporary reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle through narrowed diseased coronary arteries.
Metabolism
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.
TID
Three times a day.