Hawthorn is a popular traditional herb for heart health.
The berries, leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn trees were traditionally used for cardiovascular health, bladder and kidney issues, and as a general heart tonic. It has also been enjoyed as a culinary treat.
This article will look at the health benefits of hawthorn, as well as its safety and history.
Table of Contents
What is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn is a tree or shrub that is well known for its ability to support the heart.
The scientific name for hawthorn is Crataegus monogyna. It’s famously known for consistently blooming in May and has symbolic cultural meanings in many countries.
Traditional reports recommend hawthorn for numerous heart conditions, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (plaque build up in the arteries), and congestive heart failure. It’s also been said to help with digestive issues and menstruation.
Modern research suggests that hawthorn benefits heart health. Research also shows that hawthorn benefits gut health and may help to reduce indigestion.
Some of hawthorn’s main active constituents, like flavonoids, polyphenols, and glycosides, may attribute to its various health benefits.
Health Benefits of Hawthorn:
A combination of clinical research, traditional knowledge, and contemporary herbalist accounts have observed various hawthorn benefits.
Below are the primary health benefits of hawthorn and its main constituents.
1. May Support Heart Health
Clinical research and traditional evidence show that hawthorn is a beneficial heart herb for promoting cardiac function.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US. Numerous issues, like diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and diet, can affect heart health and cause detrimental symptoms.
A review of hawthorn concluded that its active constituents, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, may be responsible for its heart-supporting properties.
A. Decreased Blood Pressure
In a clinical study observing participants with mildly high blood pressure, researchers discovered that a hawthorn supplement reduced high diastolic blood pressure by 8.1% after 10 weeks of supplementation. Subjects also experienced a significant anxiety reduction.
Another clinical trial involving patients with type 2 diabetes found that hawthorn extract significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats). Participants took 1200mg of hawthorn extract daily for 16 weeks.
B. Improved Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms
A clinical study observing subjects with chronic congestive heart failure discovered that hawthorn extract significantly increased the participants’ ability to exercise. Subjects were given 1800mg per day for 16 weeks.
In another clinical study involving subjects with mild chronic heart failure, researchers noted that a hawthorn extract improved exercise tolerance and oxygen utilization.
A research review noted that hawthorn supplementation, along with conventional heart health treatments like diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium antagonists, significantly reduced chronic heart failure symptoms. Researchers reported hawthorn was safe and well tolerated by the study participants.
C. Reduced Cholesterol
A research review of hawthorn discovered that hawthorn extract reduced cholesterol levels in the bloodstream by 23%, lowering the risk and symptoms of atherosclerosis (cholesterol build-up on artery walls). The review also noted the heart-protecting effects of hawthorn.
In Canada, hawthorn can legally be used as an ingredient to maintain and support heart health.
The European Medicines Agency recommends hawthorn for individuals with heart palpitations.
Well-renowned AHG herbalist, David Hoffmann, mentions that “[h]awthorn’s primary attribute appears to be an ability to improve coronary circulation. It dilates the coronary arteries, relieving cardiac hypoxemia [low oxygen levels].” This effect decreases the chance of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
Summary:
Clinical research has found that hawthorn may benefit heart function by lowering blood pressure, improving symptoms of congestive heart failure, and decreasing cholesterol.
2. May Support the Gastrointestinal Tract
Hawthorn has traditionally been used for stomach issues due to its ability to regulate and improve gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
A healthy digestive system optimizes the body to process and eliminate ingested food optimally. Gastrointestinal health also contributes to mental health due to the gut-brain connection.
An animal study observing rats with indigestion discovered that hawthorn improved the overall gut function. The hawthorn also helped regulate food intake and weight gain and supported the GI microbiome.
In another animal study, hawthorn extract exhibited gastroprotective effects on rats with induced stress. The results were comparable to a pharmaceutical drug (ranitidine) that reduces stomach acid.
In a review of hawthorn and its active constituents, researchers noted that hawthorn extract protected the GI tract by regulating the gut’s metabolism. The extract also regulated bile excretion, which can help to reduce indigestion symptoms.
The American Botanical Council suggests using dried, ripe Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) for bloating, diarrhea, and food stagnation. Researchers also mention that Chinese hawthorn has been used for stomach complaints for millennia.
Traditional herbalist Henriette Kress recommends sour hawthorn berries to strengthen digestion and help with diarrhea.
Summary:
Animal studies indicate that hawthorn may work to promote gastrointestinal health. Human clinical trials are needed for confirmation of this finding
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Research suggests that hawthorn is beneficial for reducing and regulating inflammation.
Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system responds to trauma, infection, toxins, and phys