Crataegus, or Hawthorn tree, has been used for centuries for ailments of the circulatory system. It is commonly prescribed by herbalists for conditions of the heart, as well as edema, palpitations, nervousness, and as a general tonifying herb.
Because of its long standing use in Western herbalism, researchers wanted to determine if the use of Hawthorn tree extract would affect lifespan in patients with congestive heart failure. The herb is believed to improve the function of heart muscle and improve performance. Individuals with end stage congestive heart failure often die because the heart is no longer able to pump the blood efficiently and fluid backs up in the lungs and venous system.
The study enrolled more than 2,600 men and women with congestive heart failure. They were then randomized to receive Hawthorn extract or placebo in addition to their conventional medication.
After 6 and 18 months on the extract patients had an improved chance of living, but this difference disappeared at 24 months. The risk of cardiac related death was 20 percent lower in patients receiving the extract, a difference which may seem small, but can be a huge advantage to those living with advanced congestive heart failure.
The results of the study were presented at the annual American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans last month.
Though a benefit was observed at 18 months, the primary outcome was to find signficant benefit after 2 years or 24 months, which was not evdient by this study.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on April 2, 2007 02:55 PM
