Hawthorn
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Evidence Summary
Hawthorn is a botanical supplement primarily researched for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly in managing chronic heart failure. Extensive evidence from meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials suggests it may improve clinical progression, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate heart failure.
Evidence by Condition
Multiple meta-analyses and RCTs support the use of hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure and improving patient outcomes.
Evidence suggests that combinations of hawthorn with camphor may help manage blood pressure fluctuations, such as reducing pressure drops in orthostatic hypotension.
There is limited evidence regarding the use of hawthorn in combination with other nutrients for managing stress and cognitive function.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Meta-analyses support the efficacy of hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure (PMID: 18254076, PMID: 12798455).
- The combination of hawthorn extract and camphor can significantly increase blood pressure (PMID: 31255877).
- A combination of camphor and Crataegus berry extract dose-dependently reduces blood pressure falls during tilt tests in orthostatic hypotension (PMID: 12487321).
- Standardized Crataegus berry extracts can improve exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure (PMID: 11715631).
Limitations
Much of the research focuses on specific standardized extracts (e.g., WS 1442) or combinations with other substances like camphor, making it difficult to isolate the independent effects of hawthorn.
Safety & Interactions
The provided research does not explicitly list contraindications, though it notes the supplement's impact on blood pressure regulation when combined with other agents.
AI-generated summary from 11 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 71% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 2% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 2% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 1% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (11)
**Pittler et al., 2008** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Pittler M H, Guo R, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008-Jan-23;2008(1):CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 BACKG...
**Csupor et al., 2019** | Phytomedicine | Meta Analysis Csupor Dezső, Viczián Réka, ... Tóth Barbara. The combination of hawthorn extract and camphor significantly increases blood pressure: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2019-O...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is no evidence on antioxidant-rich diets in preventing hypertension in heat-exposed workers. We aimed to evaluate the effects of formula supplemented with vitamin C (Vit C) and hawthorn beverage on reducing blood pres...
**Pittler et al., 2003** | Am J Med | Meta Analysis Pittler Max H, Schmidt Katja, Ernst Edzard. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med. 2003-Jun-01;114(8):665-74 The aim of this meta-analysis...
**Zick et al., 2009** | Eur J Heart Fail | Rct Zick Suzanna M, Vautaw Bonnie Motyka, ... Aaronson Keith D. Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009-Oct;11(10):990-9. doi:10.1093/eurjhf/hfp116 ...
**Zick et al., 2008** | Eur J Heart Fail | Rct Zick Suzanna M, Gillespie Brenda, Aaronson Keith D. The effect of Crataegus oxycantha Special Extract WS 1442 on clinical progression in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of heart failure. Eur J He...
**Weikl et al., 1996** | Fortschr Med | Rct Weikl A, Assmus K D, ... Siegrist J. [Crataegus Special Extract WS 1442. Assessment of objective effectiveness in patients with heart failure (NYHA II)]. Fortschr Med. 1996-Aug-30;114(24):291-6 METHOD: In a...
**Zapfe et al., 2001** | Phytomedicine | Rct Zapfe jun G. Clinical efficacy of crataegus extract WS 1442 in congestive heart failure NYHA class II. Phytomedicine. 2001-Jul;8(4):262-6 In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study th...
BACKGROUND: Chronic stress is prevalent in most societies, impairing cognition, mood, and social functioning. Research suggests that supplements containing extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis root and Crataegus laevigata fruits may offer support in...
**Rietbrock et al., 2001** | Arzneimittelforschung | Rct Rietbrock N, Hamel M, ... Wolf G K. [Actions of standardized extracts of Crataegus berries on exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure]. Arzneimittelfors...
**Belz et al., 2002** | Phytomedicine | Rct Belz G G, Butzer R, ... Loew D. Camphor-Crataegus berry extract combination dose-dependently reduces tilt induced fall in blood pressure in orthostatic hypotension. Phytomedicine. 2002-Oct;9(7):581-8 In ord...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawthorn and what is it used for?
Hawthorn is a botanical supplement primarily used for cardiovascular health. There is strong evidence suggesting it can help improve clinical progression and quality of life for individuals managing chronic heart failure.
Does Hawthorn help with heart failure?
Yes, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses supporting the use of hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. It has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and overall quality of life in patients with mild to moderate heart failure.
Can Hawthorn help with low blood pressure?
There is moderate evidence that combining hawthorn with camphor may help manage blood pressure fluctuations, such as pressure drops in orthostatic hypotension. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for this purpose.
Can I take Hawthorn for anxiety or stress?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support using hawthorn for managing stress or cognitive function. Most existing research focuses on its benefits for heart health rather than mental health.
What is the recommended dose of Hawthorn?
The provided research does not explicitly state a specific effective dose range for hawthorn. You should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific health needs.
Are there any side effects or drug interactions with Hawthorn?
While no specific drug interactions are documented, hawthorn can impact blood pressure regulation when taken in combination with other agents. It is important to monitor how it affects your blood pressure if you are taking other supplements or medications.
Who should avoid taking Hawthorn?
The research does not explicitly list specific groups who should avoid hawthorn, but because it can influence blood pressure regulation, individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor first. Always seek medical advice before starting a new supplement.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.