Hawthorn

Common names: Hawthorn also is known as English hawthorn , haw, maybush, and whitethorn.

Efficacy-safety rating:

ÒÒ...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Hawthorn?

Hawthorn is a spiny bush or small deciduous tree. It has strong-smelling white flowers and bright red spherical fruit containing one to three nuts.

What is Hawthorn used for?

The use of hawthorn dates back to Dioscorides, but the plant gained widespread popularity in European and American herbal medicine only toward the end of the 19th century. The flowers, leaves, and fruits have been used in the treatment of either high or low blood pressure, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. The plant is purported to have antispasmodic and sedative effects. Hawthorn has been used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris. Preparations containing hawthorn remain popular in Europe and have gained some acceptance in the US.

Hawthorn's beneficial roles in cardiovascular disease have been extensively reviewed. Because of its strong cardiac activity, hawthorn has been suggested to be of use in cardiac heart failure (CHF) and cardiac performance. The plant is known to contain cardiotonic principles. The flavonoids cause an increase in coronary flow and heart rate. Hawthorn has been used to regulate blood pressure and heart rhythm, to treat athersclerosis and angina pectoris, and as an antispasmodic and sedative. Most of the studies have been done in animals, and the results have been promising. Research reveals little or no human clinical data regarding the use of hawthorn for cardiac disease. While preliminary research is promising, more clinical research is needed to fully understand the many medicinal benefits of hawthorn.

What is the dosage of Hawthorn?

The usual recommended dose of hawthorn leaves and flowers is 4.5 to 6 g/day. Several standardized extracts (Crataegutt, Faros 300, Cardiplant) are available that have been used in clinical trials at doses from 160 to 900 mg/day. The content of oligomeric proanthocyanidins or flavonoids is used for standardization of these extracts.

Is Hawthorn safe?

Avoid in people with an irregular heart rate or blood pressure.

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. Hawthorn causes uterine activity.

No known interactions. A controlled study indicates that hawthorn does not interact with digoxin.

No serious adverse reactions have been reported from hawthorn.

Hawthorn reportedly is toxic in high doses, which may induce hypotension and sedation.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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