Learn about the benefits of this antioxidant-rich plant
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna ) is a fruit-bearing, deciduous tree. Instant Drink Powder
Its native habitat includes the temperate regions (mild temperature zones) of Europe, North America, and northern Asia. The genus Crataegus contains around 250 to 280 species.
The Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493–1541) is believed to have first mentioned hawthorn's heart effects in European medical literature.
The first study of hawthorn, published in 1896, reported hawthorn's promise in treating heart disease.
Hawthorn has also been used traditionally for digestive and kidney issues.
Hawthorn's red berries are made into candy, jam, jelly, and fortified wine. However, all parts of the plant have been used to make tinctures and more.
Learn more about hawthorn's nutrition, benefits, safety, and more.
Hawthorn contains different levels of nutrients and other components depending on factors like the species (type) and where it grows.
Studies have found the following in hawthorn:
Given the serious nature of heart disease, it's essential not to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn or any other remedy. Please consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or pharmacist if you're considering using hawthorn.
Researchers have suggested hawthorn may have heart benefits.
This could partly be due to its vasodilation effects (increased blood flow), although conflicting evidence exists.
Hawthorn has been studied for the following conditions:
Avoid hawthorn if you're allergic to it, its components (parts), or other plants in the Rosaceae (rose) family.
Seek medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).
The most commonly reported side effects of hawthorn include the following:
Just because it's a natural medicine doesn't mean hawthorn can't interact with medications or other herbs and supplements. Natural medicines can be quite potent.
Research suggests hawthorn may inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AchE), which plays a role in Alzheimer's medications.
Hawthorn may increase or change the effects of the following medications:
Talk to a pharmacist, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider before taking hawthorn if you also take medications, other herbs, or supplements.
Please keep in mind the following precautions when considering hawthorn:
Dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way that drugs are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF.
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and ask about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Hawthorn has been used for millennia, primarily for heart conditions. Research suggests it may benefit heart failure, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. However, conflicting evidence also exists.
Hawthorn may interact with some medications and is not suggested for use during pregnancy or in children. As with all plant medicines and supplements, check with your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist, or pharmacist if you're considering using hawthorn. This can help optimize your health goals and minimize interactions or side effects.
In a study of people with diabetes, 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract for 16 weeks reduced blood pressure by 3.6 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Further study is needed.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a plant that has mostly been studied for its value with heart conditions. The plant has been used for it health benefits and also as a food.
While hawthorn has been demonstrated to have some benefits in heart failure, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, conflicting evidence does exist. More research is needed. Do not self-treat or delay treatment of serious conditions like heart failure. Consider and alter, if necessary, your lifestyle, eating habits, and activity level to reach your health goals. Reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.
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Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, et al. Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:26. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-26
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Tadiæ VM, Dobriæ S, Markoviæ GM, et al. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, free-radical-scavenging, and antimicrobial activities of hawthorn berries ethanol extract. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Sep 10;56(17):7700-9.
Walker AF, Marakis G, Morris AP, Robinson PA. Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension. Phytother Res. 2002 16(1):48-54.
Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, Hope JL, Robinson PA, Hassanein M, Simpson HC. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen Pract. 2006 56(527):437-43.
Wang Song-zi, Wu Min, Chen Ke-ji, Liu Yue, Sun Jing, Sun Zhuo, Ma He, and Liu Long-tao. Hawthorn Extract Alleviates Atherosclerosis through Regulating Inflammation and Apoptosis-Related Factors: An Experimental Study. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. December 2018.
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By Regina C. Windsor, MPH, RDN Regina Windsor, MPH, RDN, is an editor for Verywell Health. Her expertise includes population health, data analysis and synthesis, nutrition and dietetics, publishing, and education. She is a systems-oriented thinker with a passion for exploration and authentic connection.
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