The name Crataegus
Oxyacantha is derived from the
Greek phrase kratos,
interpreted as hardness (of wood),
oxcus (sharp), and akantha
(a thorn). Hawthorn is
perhaps best known for its use in
cardiovascular conditions. The
folk history of this herb is
profound, with
applications for several conditions
relating to the cardiovascular
system. Older folk history regarded
the hawthorn as sacred for
some traditions; the 'Crown
of Thorns' was made from this plant. [1] Among
its most prominent historical uses
include its inclusion in topical poultice
for sores and
ulcers, or as a wash for itching and
frost bite. Other uses included
indigestion, gas, diarrhea, and
abdominal pain in general. Internally, it was used for tapeworm
infections and dysentery, a
bacterial infection of the
intestines. [2]
Other than its use as a medicinal
herb today, hawthorn
is made into jams, jelly, candied
fruit, and even wine.
Parts Used
Several parts of
hawthorn are used medicinally. The leaves, fruit, and flower all
have varying levels of active
constituents. The majority of the
active constituents from hawthorn
are known as flavonoids; these
include vitexin, rutin, quercitin,
and hyperoside. Others include a
class known as oligomeric
proanthocyanidins (OPCs); these
compounds are responsible for the
beneficial medicinal effects of
other herbs such as bilberry and
green tea, among others. OPCs
are also found in red wine. Researchers believe that
this OPC content may explain some of the benefits observed from
drinking these types of wines.
Hawthorne Uses
Much of the existing
research on hawthorn
continues to validate its role in cardiovascular
conditions. Hawthorn exerts its
effects on the heart muscle by strengthening the force of the
contraction and increasing the brief
period of time between heartbeats; during which, the heart muscle has a
chance to ‘rest'. [3] By exerting these effects, blood
flow to the heart (coronary blood
flow) is improved and cardiac
output (the amount of blood pumped
with each beat) in increased.
Additionally, as these effects
increase the efficiency of the heart
muscle, requiring less oxygen for
sustainment. Newer research has also
defined a role for hawthorn in the
use of irregular heartbeats, as it
appears to have some antiarrhythmic
activity. [4]
Modern research lends
the most concrete evidence to using
hawthorn for congestive heart
failure (CHF). Subjects taking the
herb for this condition were noted
to have improved exercise tolerance
(the ability to exercise without
discomfort), improved heart function
(as evidenced by increased ejection
fraction), and decreased negative
perceptions/symptoms associated
with having CHF. [5,
6]
Additionally, subjects with CHF who
were on additional diuretic
medicines experienced an improvement
in exercise tolerance and a decrease
in adverse CHF symptoms when taking hawthorn
after roughly 3.5 months of
treatment. [7]
The actions of
hawthorn on the heart tissue
make it suitable for use in
conditions other than CHF as well. These
may include; poor coronary blood flow,
angina, and arrhythmias. In
hypertension (high blood
pressure) hawthorn is used to
increase cardiac output, enhancing
the efficiency of the heart. For the
peripheral vascular system, hawthorn
is employed for treatment of
elevated blood lipids (lowers serum
cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride
levels), Buerger's disease, and
atherosclerosis.
The active
constituents in hawthorn are
noted for their antioxidant
activity as well.
Some recent research
has investigated the use of hawthorn
in conditions of anxiety, combined
with the mineral magnesium and
another sedative-type herb
(California poppy). [8]
Investigators found that this
combination was more effective than
placebo and had minimal side effects
when treating mild to moderate anxiety
conditions.
Several
hawthorn preparations are
standardized to contain a higher active
constituent content of flavonoids and OPCs. When standardized, it is
typical to contain 2.2% flavonoids
and 18.75% OPCs. [4]
Hawthorn is
typically dosed at 160 to 1800
milligrams total, administered in divided doses
throughout the day. [9] Oftentimes, the effects of
hawthorn take 1 to 2 months to
become apparent.
|
Hawthorn Toxicities and
Contraindications |
Hawthorne
Side Effects:
Hawthorn rarely
causes side effects and is well
tolerated as a medicine. However,
some reports list vertigo and
dizziness as possible side effects. [3] Other less often reported side
effects include nausea,
gastrointestinal discomfort,
headaches, insomnia, and sweating.
Hawthorne
General interactions (supplement,
herb, food, lab):
Hawthorn will not
interfere with any foods. The blood
pressure lowering effects of
hawthorn may enhance the effects of
other herbs or supplements with
similar effects. Use caution when
combining multiple supplements and
herbs with similar effects as a
synergistic response may occur. Because hawthorn has cardiac
boosting effects, it should also be
used with caution with other
cardiac-specific herbs. [10] Consult with a physician that is
knowledgeable about natural
medicines regarding these
interactions.
Hawthorne
Drug interactions:
Hawthorn's
cardiovascular effects may either
cause additive medication effects
(thereby disrupting prescribed dose
regimens) or antagonize the effects
of other prescription medicines. In
general, beta-blockers, calcium
channel blockers, digoxin, and
nitrates should be used with
exceptional caution and guidance
when taking hawthorn as well.
Taking hawthorn with
an additional drug class,
i.e. phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, may
lead to additive effects as well. Some of the
most popular drugs existing within
this classification include; Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.
Hawthorne Disease conditions:
Use of hawthorn in
cardiovascular conditions may either
interfere or potentiate existing drug
therapies used for treatments of
these conditions.
The following table lists various
products that contain a safe and
reliable source of Hawthorn:
|
Manufacturer |
Ingredient |
Amount |
US RDA |
Learn More |
|
NSI |
Standardized Hawthorn Extract |
450 mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
|
Nature's Way
|
Hawthorn Berries
|
510 mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
|
Nature's Way
|
Standardized Hawthorn Extract |
300mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
