Hawthorn
Also known as crataegus, crataegus laevigata, crataegus monogyna, mayflower
Key takeaways
- Meta-analyses of hawthorn for chronic heart failure show varying degrees of efficacy in symptom management (PMID: 18254076, PMID: 12798455).
- Combination of hawthorn extract and camphor significantly increases blood pressure (PMID: 31255877).
- Standardized extract WS 1442 has been evaluated for clinical progression in NYHA class II heart failure patients (PMID: 18490196, PMID: 8974970).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 11 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Hawthorn is a botanical supplement primarily studied for its effects on cardiovascular health, specifically chronic heart failure and blood pressure regulation. Research suggests potential benefits for heart failure symptoms, though evidence is mixed across different meta-analyses and trials.
By condition
Chronic Heart Failure
Moderate
Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses suggest hawthorn may improve symptoms and exercise tolerance in patients with mild to moderate heart failure, though results vary by study.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Weak
A small RCT indicates that a combination of camphor and hawthorn berry extract may reduce blood pressure drops during tilt tests.
Hypertension
Insufficient
Limited evidence exists regarding its use in preventing hypertension in specific populations, such as heat-exposed workers.
Effective doses
Specific standardized extracts (e.g., WS 1442) are used in trials, but exact milligram dosages are not consistently detailed across the provided abstracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific contraindications provided in the abstracts, but the combination with camphor is noted to affect blood pressure.
Limitations
Research is limited by small sample sizes in several RCTs and inconsistent results across meta-analyses regarding heart failure. There is a lack of long-term data on diverse populations.
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How it's sold
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Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 11 sources, sorted by quality
**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.…
**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. Phytomedici…
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 …
**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 met…
**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/eurj…
**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…
**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 ME…
**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 clinica…
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 …
**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]. Arznei…
Frequently asked questions
What is Hawthorn and what is it primarily used for?
Hawthorn is a botanical supplement primarily studied for its effects on cardiovascular health, specifically for managing chronic heart failure and regulating blood pressure. It is commonly used by consumers looking for natural support for heart function and circulation issues.
Does Hawthorn work for chronic heart failure?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that Hawthorn may improve symptoms and exercise tolerance in patients with mild to moderate heart failure, based on multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. However, results vary across studies, so research is mixed regarding its consistent efficacy for this condition.
Can Hawthorn help lower high blood pressure?
Evidence regarding Hawthorn's ability to prevent or treat hypertension is currently insufficient, with limited data available for specific populations like heat-exposed workers. While some studies look at blood pressure regulation, there is not enough robust evidence to confirm it as a reliable treatment for high blood pressure.
What is the effective dose of Hawthorn?
Specific standardized extracts, such as WS 1442, have been evaluated in clinical trials for heart failure patients. However, exact milligram dosages are not consistently detailed across the provided research abstracts, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing guidance.
Is Hawthorn safe to take with other medications?
While no specific drug interactions are documented in the provided evidence, Hawthorn can affect blood pressure, particularly when combined with other substances like camphor. Because it influences cardiovascular function, individuals on blood pressure medications or other heart drugs should consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid potential complications.
Who should avoid taking Hawthorn?
Individuals with low blood pressure or those taking medications that affect blood pressure should exercise caution, as Hawthorn can lower blood pressure further. Additionally, because specific safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals is not provided in the evidence summary, they should avoid use or strictly follow medical advice.
Does Hawthorn help with orthostatic hypotension?
There is weak evidence suggesting that a combination of Hawthorn berry extract and camphor may reduce blood pressure drops during tilt tests. However, this finding comes from a small randomized controlled trial, so the evidence is limited and not yet conclusive.