Hawthorn
Crataegus (Hawthorn Berry/Leaf/Flower)
Traditional heart tonic with evidence for mild heart failure, blood pressure support, and cardiovascular health.
Hawthorn is a thorny shrub whose berries, leaves, and flowers have been used as a heart tonic for centuries. It's one of the most well-researched herbs for cardiovascular health, with clinical evidence supporting benefits in mild heart failure, blood pressure regulation, and lipid profiles. Works through multiple mechanisms to support overall heart function.
Mechanisms of Action
Positive Inotropic
Strengthens heart muscle contractions
Vasodilation
Relaxes blood vessels
Antioxidant
Protects heart tissue from oxidative damage
Recommended Dose
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Split into 2-3 doses
Take with food
Best Form
Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied)
Alternatives: Berry/leaf/flower tincture, Dried herb tea
WS 1442 (Crataegutt) and LI 132 are pharmaceutical-grade extracts used in clinical trials.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Traditionally taken 2-3 times daily. Effects build over weeks.
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Improved Heart Function
Better exercise capacity and symptoms in mild heart failure
Blood Pressure Support
Modest blood pressure reduction
Insufficient data; avoid
Use under medical supervision; may benefit mild heart failure
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Hawthorn or related compounds
- Concurrent use with heart medications (digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) without medical supervision
Drug Interactions
May have additive effects — use under medical supervision
May enhance blood pressure lowering
May have additive vasodilatory effects
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Monitor blood pressure
Tip: Usually resolves
Warnings
- Not a replacement for heart medications
- Use under medical supervision if you have heart conditions
- May take 6-12 weeks to see benefits
Top studies from 35+ peer-reviewed papers
Zhong LL et al. • Stroke and vascular neurology (2022)
“Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.”
Key Findings:
- Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.
- However, most studies were short in duration (2 to 4 weeks) and prone to different types of biases, which prevents making any conclusion regarding the long-term effects and raises concerns regarding true efficacy in context of high likelihood of Hawthorn bias.
- So, more randomised controlled trials with more rigorous design and longer duration of treatment and follow-up need to be conducted to compare WM alone versus WM and CM combined.
Holubarsch CJF et al. • Pharmacological Research (2018)
“Hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload capacity and reduced symptoms of heart failure including dyspnea and fatigue.”
Key Findings:
- Hawthorn extract (WS 1442) significantly improved maximal workload in heart failure patients
- Exercise tolerance increased by approximately 7 watts compared to placebo
- Symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue were significantly reduced
Shi KQ et al. • Molecular biology reports (2012)
“In conclusion, TCM is of modest benefit to the treatment of NAFLD.”
Key Findings:
- Comparing with western medicines mentioned above, TCM had a better effect on the normalization of alanine aminotransferase and disappearance of radiological steatosis in the treatment of NAFLD.
- Furthermore, 246 kinds of Chinese herbs were included in our present study, with an average of 10 herbs (range 1-31) in each formulation.
- Hawthorn Fruit (321 times in 17,670 patients) was the most often used herb in the treatment of NAFLD.
- In conclusion, TCM is of modest benefit to the treatment of NAFLD.
Kim M et al. • Nutrients (2025)
“These findings suggest that HF consumption may have potential anti-skin-aging effects.”
Key Findings:
- These findings suggest that HF consumption may have potential anti-skin-aging effects.
- Future studies may need to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these effects.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Zhang Q et al. • Lipids in health and disease (2023)
“In patients with NAFLD, dietary intervention using medicinal and food homologous substances can ameliorate blood lipid and blood glucose levels and liver enzymes to some extent.”
Key Findings:
- In patients with NAFLD, dietary intervention using medicinal and food homologous substances can ameliorate blood lipid and blood glucose levels and liver enzymes to some extent.
- Published in Lipids in health and disease (2023)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.