Hawthorn Crataegus
oxycanthoides
Hawthorn
hasn’t been the subject of modern studies to the extent that one might expect,
but the more it is the more it reveals that the traditional reasons for using
it are spot on.
Traditionally
it has been used for congestive heart failure, to promote healthy blood
vessels, hypertension, palpitations, and angina pectoris. More recently it has
been used for atherosclerosis and high cholesterol. Some herbalists say that
they also find it useful for autoimmune conditions (such as sinusitis) and
attention deficit.
There
aren’t many human studies out yet, but one studying the effect of Hawthorn on
patients with stage II heart failure looks promising, in that it reduced
symptoms that these patients normally experienced with exertion[i].
A study on
rats demonstrated a significant effect in preventing an irregular heartbeat.
Another
study shows the effectiveness of Hawthorn at reducing cholesterol and shows us
how it does so. It increased LDL receptors in the liver and increased the
amount of plasma cholesterol getting into the liver where it is broken down
into bile acids, which are an important part of fat digestion. At the same time
it reduced the production of cholesterol by the liver.
The berries
have also proved to be useful as an anti-inflammatory, in rats, for the
digestive tract. It had anti-microbial activity as well, being particularly
good against Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus subtilis, and Lysteria monocytogenes.
Depending
on which herbalist you go to there are differing opinions as to which part of
this shrub is the most active. Some say it is the leaves and flowers while
others say it is the berries. Personally I was taught that it is the leaves and
flowers, and I have certainly seen the benefits that they provide for my
clients. Of particular note has been the change in pulse rate. Clients that
have come in with an irregular pulse that were subsequently put on a formula
containing Hawthorn have come back with a pulse that is very regular. Another
thing that I’ve found is that many clients, when they initially take a formula
containing Hawthorn, exhibit a slightly increased blood pressure about two to
three weeks after starting the herbs, but that it goes down after that. Since
Hawthorn is used by herbalists to aid the body to “normalize” blood pressure,
and can be used in cases of low blood pressure, there may be something about
this normalizing process that causes the slight initial increase in the
hypertensive client.
Given what
is still being learned about the effect of anti-oxidants and proanthocyanidins
the effects attributed to Hawthorn are not that surprising. It is considered by
some to be a collagen stabilizer, and this may explain its effect at
normalizing the blood pressure and pulse.
Hawthorn
has a good track record for safety. A study using a combination of
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Valerian (Valeriana off.), and Hawthorn in mice, rats, and
dogs, demonstrated that high doses showed no toxicity.
Adverse effects, if they occur, are rare. If they do happen they are usually
mild, such as gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and palpitation. If it causes
these symptoms, the dose should be reduced.
Hawthorn
does have some actions that may be a concern if you are taking heart and/or
blood pressure medications. For example some of the phytochemicals in Hawthorn
have similar action to ACE inhibitors.
Thus it is wise to consult your doctor and herbalist if you want to incorporate
Hawthorn safely into your health care program, since drug dosages may need to
be adjusted.
If
cardiovascular health is an issue for you, you might want to consider what
benefits Hawthorn has to offer.
Elizabeth
Walker, CHT, RH
Ó 2009 Elizabeth Walker.
About
the Author
Elizabeth practices Clinical Herbal Therapy at Amber Leaf Wellness in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada www.amberleafwellness.ca Has always been amazed at what plants can do. They are the original source of many modern medicines. Scientists continue to comb the globe for new ones as sources of novel medications. Yet these humble lifeforms have so much to offer in their native form to those who suffer needlessly from chronic and acute health problems.
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[i] Atherosclerosis. 1996 Jun;123(1-2):235-41.
[ii] Basic Res Cardiol. 1999 Apr;94(2):71-7.
[iii] Atherosclerosis. 1996 Jun;123(1-2):235-41.
[iv] Phytother Res. 2009
Jan;23(1):33-40.
[v] Phytomedicine.
2003;10(5):363-9.
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