The Clinical Applications of Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxyacantha)

Crataegus Oxyacantha, also known as hawthorn, can be used in the treatment of hypertension.  The leaf, berry, and flower extracts have been researched for active constituents, which can be found in lengthy monographs. Actions of this botanical include increasing diuresis, improving coronary circulation, and acts as a hypotensive.

Isolating the active constituents appears to have little effect when tested in the lab. Research suggests utilizing the entire plant extracts for clinical use. A large review completed by Rastogi et al. (2015) examines Crataegus as a remedy for cardiovascular disorders.  The review suggests that there is abundant evidence to support the use of Crataegus in cardiovascular conditions, and further well-designed research is needed to evaluate drug-herb interactions and adverse side effects to incorporate this botanical in standards of care.

1.     Li L, Zhou X, Li N, Sun M, Lv J, Xu Z. Herbal drugs against cardiovascular disease : traditional medicine and modern development. 2015;20(9). doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2015.04.009.

2.     Rastogi S, Pandey MM, Rawat AKS. Traditional herbs : a remedy for cardiovascular disorders. Phytomedicine. 2015;000:1-8. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012.