Hawthorn Solid Extract for Cardiovascular Health

The Herbal Extract That Strengthens the Heart

Nov 8, 2009

Hawthorn is used medicinally as a cardiac muscle strengthener and artery cleaner. Its cardiovascular effects, well known in Europe, are catching on in the United States.

Hawthorn, or Crataegus oxyacantha, is a shrub native to Europe. It is effective for various heart conditions including hypertension, hypotension, angina, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and congestive heart failure.

Reasons for Hawthorn Extract Effectiveness

According to the Textbook of Natural Medicine (TNM), hawthorn is a cardiac booster for the following reasons:

Chemical Composition of Hawthorn

The pharmacology of crataegus (hawthorn), or what makes it actually work, is the flavonoid compound activity. These compounds, particularly anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, are powerful antioxidants. They are what give hawthorn berries, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, and grapes their red-to-blue coloring.

In addition, these flavonoids and antioxidants work in a synergistic way with vitamin C, helping to stabilize vitamin C and increase its levels.

Hawthorn Solid Extract Lowers Blood Pressure

The TNM also references hawthorn’s antihypertensive effects. “Specifically, it dilates the coronary vessels, inhibits ACE, acts as an inotropic agent, and possesses mild diuretic activity. Its clinical effects in lowering blood pressure, however, are generally mild.” Furthermore, it can take a few weeks for hawthorn to lower blood pressure.

Preventing Atherosclerosis with Hawthorn Extract

Atherosclerosis (thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to fatty deposits) continues to be a major cause of death in the United States. The TNM recommends that hawthorn be used as a “necessary food” in preventing this troublesome condition. There is a “collagen matrix” that needs to remain strong in the body processes. Collagen is destroyed when inflammation gets out of hand. Studies indicate that hawthorn plays a role in the stabilization of the collagen matrix.

Congestive Heart Failure and Hawthorn Extract

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is complicated and difficult to treat. Persons with CHF cannot adequately pump blood from the heart due to weakened heart chambers. Hawthorn has been shown to improve pumping function and quality of life. Fatigue and shortness of breath, two major symptoms of CHF, can be improved with daily consumption of hawthorn solid extract.

In addition, nitric oxide (NO) is essential for adequate blood flow. NO levels are improved and arterial walls relaxed when hawthorn is a daily part of the diet.

Hawthorn, particularly in the form of solid extract, is a proven helpful addition in the human battle against cardiovascular disease.

Pizzorno, Joseph E. Jr. and Murray, Michael T. Textbook of Natural Medicine (Third Ed. Vol 1). St. Louis: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2006.

The copyright of the article Hawthorn Solid Extract for Cardiovascular Health in Holistic Nutrition is owned by Bryan Jackson. Permission to republish Hawthorn Solid Extract for Cardiovascular Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.