Hawthorn (crataegus
oxyacantha) is naturally rich in certain antioxidants: procyanidins,
flavonoids and flavonols. These active compounds in hawthorn encourage
normal blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system by lowering
the resistance to blood flow in peripheral blood vessels, improving
coronary artery blood flow and strengthening of the contractions
of the heart muscle.
People with congestive heart failure* taking 160–900 mg
of hawthorn extract per day for eight weeks showed improved quality
of life including greater ability to exercise without shortness
of breath and exhaustion in clinical trials.
Hawthorn can be used as part of a comprehensive wellness program
to promote cardiovascular health. Hawthorn leaf, stem and flower
extracts have been shown to promote healthy heart function by
improving blood and nutrient flow to the heart muscle.
The Inside Scoop: A healthy heart helps maintain healthy blood
flow and nutrient delivery throughout the body.
Scientists have studied hawthorn for the following health
problems:
-
Congestive
heart failure
A number of studies have shown that extracts of the leaves,
berries and flowers of hawthorn can be helpful in treating mild-to-moderate
congestive heart failure, improving symptoms, exercise tolerance,
and quality of life in these patients. Standardized extracts
show promise as adjunctive agents for the treatment of left
ventricular dysfunction, as measured by ejection fraction. A
combination of hawthorn and camphor has also been studied. Consult
your doctor before taking this supplement.
-
Coronary
artery disease, angina
Early research suggests that hawthorn may help decrease symptoms
of angina. However, it has not been tested in combination with
drugs that are considered to be standard treatments. More study
is needed.
-
Blood
pressure
Preliminary research shows that hawthorn may help to decrease
blood pressure in those with mildly high blood pressure (hypertension).
Large, well-designed studies are needed.
Low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
Preliminary trials have studied the efficacy of fresh hawthorn
berries, camphor and a combination of both in treating orthostatic
hypotension (a lowering of blood pressure that occurs when one
goes from a lying down position to a standing position). The
authors concluded that both the hawthorn berries and the camphor
helped with orthostatic hypotension. This trial was small and
more research is needed before hawthorn can be recommended for
the treatment of orthostatic hypotension.
-
Anxiety
Hawthorn in combination with other herbs may help to reduce
anxiety and anxious mood. A randomized, controlled clinical
trial of patients suffering from adjustment disorder studied
the effects of Euphytose, a combination product containing hawthorn,
on the treatment of anxious mood. Euphytose contained Crataegus,
Ballota, Passiflora, Valeriana, Cola, and Paullinia. All patients
received two tablets a day and were then evaluated after 28
days. The study found that Euphytose was better than placebo
in the treatment of adjustment disorder with anxious mood.
Supplement
Facts |
Serving
Size: 1 Vcap®
Servings Per Container: 90 Vcaps® |
| |
Amount
per Serving: |
DV% |
Hawthorn
(Crataegus laevigata) Extract (Leaf & Flower) (Standardized
to min. 1.8% Vitexin)
|
300
mg |
†
|
| Hawthorn
Berry (Crataegus laevigata) (Fruit) |
200
mg |
†
|
*
Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
|
|
