Overview
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a herbal remedy traditionally used for cardiovascular support, particularly in the management of mild to moderate heart failure. Bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins are believed to exert antioxidant effects, improve coronary blood flow, and modulate cardiac contractility. Clinical studies suggest hawthorn may improve exercise tolerance, reduce fatigue, and alleviate symptoms of heart failure, although evidence remains mixed and further high-quality trials are needed [2][3]. There is limited evidence for other uses, and research does not currently support its use for dental caries prevention or rheumatic diseases. Due to variability in herbal preparations and potential interactions with cardiovascular medications, caution is advised when combining hawthorn with drugs such as beta-blockers, digoxin, or antiarrhythmics [1].
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
For cardiovascular support, ensures consistent levels of active compounds like procyanidins
Clinical Notes
- Potential interactions with digoxin, beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmic drugs; monitor cardiac function and electrolytes.
- May enhance hypotensive effects when combined with antihypertensive medications.
- Lack of standardization in herbal products can lead to variable potency and contamination risks.
- Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data.
Research
Hawthorn may interact with cardiovascular medications, increasing risk of adverse effects; healthcare providers should be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Proper preparation of herbal medicines, including hawthorn, is critical for efficacy and safety, with optimal extraction methods depending on the herb's chemical constituents.
Some herbal medicines show promise in rheumatic diseases, but high-quality clinical trials on hawthorn for such conditions are lacking.
Herbal supplements are commonly used but face issues with quality control and lack of FDA regulation, raising safety concerns.
Herbal medicines are often perceived as safe due to their 'natural' label, but this does not guarantee safety or efficacy.
