Hawthorn berry, derived from trees and shrubs of the Crataegus genus, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine since at least 659 A.D. These tiny fruits, ranging in color from yellow to dark red, offer a tart, tangy flavor and mild sweetness. While hawthorn root itself is not as commonly discussed as the berries, leaves, and flowers, understanding the benefits associated with the entire hawthorn plant provides valuable insights. This article delves into the potential health benefits of hawthorn, drawing upon both traditional uses and scientific research.
A Rich Source of Antioxidants
Hawthorn berry is a notable source of polyphenols, powerful antioxidant compounds found in plants. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals - unstable molecules that, when present at high levels, can damage the body. Exposure to environmental toxins like air pollution and cigarette smoke, as well as certain foods, can increase free radical production. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols is linked to a reduced risk of various health issues, including heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain infections. While initial research in animals and cells shows promise, further human studies are necessary to fully understand the impact of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Potential for Lowering Blood Pressure
Hawthorn berry has long been recommended in traditional Chinese medicine for managing high blood pressure. A 2020 review indicated that hawthorn, in tablet or liquid drop form, could reduce blood pressure in individuals with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. Importantly, the review reported no serious side effects. However, it's crucial to recognize that using an extract in tablet or liquid form differs from consuming the berries directly, and more research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Impact on Cholesterol Levels
Studies suggest that hawthorn extract may positively influence blood cholesterol levels due to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin, a type of fiber, plays a role in cholesterol metabolism. Imbalanced blood cholesterol levels, specifically high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol, are implicated in atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. Plaque accumulation can obstruct blood vessels, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke. Research indicates that hawthorn extract may help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Despite these promising results, further human studies are needed to comprehensively assess the effect of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Supporting Digestive Health
Hawthorn berries and extracts have a history of use in treating digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach pain. The fiber content of the berries aids digestion by alleviating constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics nourish and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are essential for maintaining healthy digestion.
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Ways to Incorporate Hawthorn into Your Diet
Hawthorn berry may be available at farmers markets and specialty health food stores. Some ways to add hawthorn to your diet include:
- Raw berries: Fresh hawthorn berries offer a tart, slightly sweet taste, making them a convenient snack. However, it's important to avoid eating the seeds, as they contain the toxin cyanide, similar to apple seeds.
- Tea: Hawthorn tea can be purchased pre-made or prepared at home using dried berries, flowers, and leaves.
- Jams and desserts: In some regions, hawthorn berries are used to create jams, pie fillings, and syrups.
- Supplements: Hawthorn berry supplements are available in powder, pill, or liquid form. These supplements typically contain the berry along with the leaves and flowers, though some may include only the leaves and flowers.
It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements, including hawthorn, under less stringent regulations than prescription or over-the-counter medications. Therefore, it's essential to purchase supplements from reputable sources and look for products with a seal of approval from independent organizations like United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
While hawthorn berries are generally considered safe, some individuals have reported mild to moderate side effects, including:
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Sleepiness
- Palpitations
- Mild rash
- Agitation
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
Due to the increasing popularity of herbal remedies, it's important to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions. Research suggests that hawthorn berries may interact negatively with heart medications. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication, consult with a healthcare professional before using hawthorn berry supplements.
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What the Research Says
Hawthorn leaves, berries, flowers, and roots contain chemicals called flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects. Hawthorn also appears to improve blood circulation and affect blood flow from the heart.
Uses & Effectiveness
People most commonly use hawthorn for chest pain, heart failure, blood circulation problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Hawthorn is possibly safe when used in doses up to 1800 mg daily for up to 16 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe when used for longer than 16 weeks. Hawthorn is usually well-tolerated. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Hawthorn is possibly safe when used in doses up to 1800 mg daily for up to 16 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe when used for longer than 16 weeks. Hawthorn is usually well-tolerated. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe or what the side effects might be.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Heart disease: Hawthorn can interact with many prescription drugs used to treat heart disease. If you have a heart condition, don't use hawthorn without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Surgery: Hawthorn might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using hawthorn at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction: Be cautious with this combination.
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- Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Hawthorn also seems to affect the heart. Taking hawthorn along with digoxin might increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects.
- Hawthorn might lower blood pressure. Taking hawthorn along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
- Hawthorn might lower blood pressure. Some medications for male sexual dysfunction can also lower blood pressure. Taking hawthorn along with medications for male sexual dysfunction might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
- Hawthorn might slow blood clotting. Taking hawthorn along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Hawthorn increases blood flow. Taking hawthorn with medications that also increase blood flow to the heart might increase the chance of dizziness and lightheadedness.
FDA Warning
It is important to note that in January 2024, the FDA issued a warning about dietary supplements labeled as “tejocote root” (C. mexicana) that actually contained yellow oleander, a toxic plant. The FDA warned that these products could cause severe harm or even be fatal.
Dosage
Hawthorn extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 160-1200 mg by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
A Deeper Dive into Hawthorn's Potential
Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a plant of the Rosaceae family and is widely grown throughout the world as one of the medicinal and edible plants, known as the “nutritious fruit” due to its richness in bioactive substances. Preparations derived from it are used in the formulation of dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical products. Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties. This is related to its bioactive components such as polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidin B2, epicatechin), flavonoids (proanthocyanidins, mucoxanthin, quercetin, rutin), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic acid, hawthornic acid, oleanolic acid), which are also its main chemical constituents.
Nutritional Value
Hawthorn has higher dietary fiber, pectin, ascorbic acid, minerals, and antioxidant capacity than some common fruits. Studies have confirmed that hawthorn is rich in amino acids (8 essential amino acids and 3-8 times more amino acids than fruit), protein (17 times more protein than apple fruit), sugars, minerals (1st in calcium content among fruits), vitamins (vitamins A, C, B1, B2, about 10 times more vitamins), and has a high nutritional value. Hawthorn from different regions contains different levels of nutrients, depending on conditions such as variety, environment, genetics and plant harvest.
Bioactive Ingredients
Hawthorn fruit, leaves, and flowers are rich in biologically active ingredients. It contains compounds with bioactive components such as organic acids, flavonoids, mucoxanthin, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and trace elements. Flavonoids range from 0.1 to 1.0% in the hawthorn fruit, 1 to 2% in the leaves and flowers, organic acids are second only to the flavonoids at 4.1% and proanthocyanidins range from 1 to 3% in the hawthorn fruit or leaves. Of these, total flavonoids and organic acids are the most abundant chemical constituents in hawthorn, while proanthocyanidins and total flavonoids are the two main categories of bioactive constituents in hawthorn.
Food Applications
Fresh hawthorn fruit can be eaten directly without any fumigation or washing. To meet the high quality standards expected by consumers, hawthorn fruit has been processed into many types of products. With the continued development of science and technology, such as the enzyme industry, homogenizer products and membrane technology, a new phase in the processing of hawthorn has been introduced and its product range is becoming more and more diverse.
Hawthorn is rich in nutritional value, stimulating appetite and digestion, and is widely used in the food industry. There are many products made from hawthorn on the market, with more than 150 types of products sold. Traditional hawthorn products in China mainly include sugar gourd, hawthorn cakes, hawthorn preserves, canned hawthorn, hawthorn chips, and hawthorn roll.