I won’t bore you with how bad high blood pressure
(hypertension) is or how prevalent it is in the US. I’ll give you the run down on the herb
hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha), and why it’s such a great component of any plan for reducing simple
primary hypertension.
I will state this though: If you are not a doctor, do not
try to self medicate. Go see your naturopathic physician and work together to
lower your blood pressure in a healthy way. Also, if you are pregnant, don’t take this or
any other herb/drug without first speaking to your health care provider.
Hawthorn is a Powerful
Herb for Heart Health
Hawthorn (Crataegus
oxycantha) is a small to medium-size thorny tree in the rose family
(Rosaceae) with variations found throughout the more temperate regions of the
world. Leaves, flowers, and fruit of hawthorn have been used in Native American
and traditional European healing practices for over
a thousand years. In Australia, it’s
considered to be an
All parts have been used to address
- · Angina
- · Congestive heart failure
- · Elevated cholesterol
- · Anxiety
Hawthorn Extracts are
Rich in Bioflavonoids
The prominent components of hawthorn with biological
activity appear to be bioflavonoids. These are complex three-ringed compounds with lots of
variation (That’s a major generalization, but let’s just go with it!). Bioflavonoids are created by plants to lend
pigment to leaves and flowers. In
animals they often have pharmacological
effects. For the most part, though a
great deal of substantiation exists, bioflavonoids have yet to intrude as a
treatment option in the modern world of medicine.
 |
| Vitexin |
Flavonoid variations
common in hawthorn species:
- · vitexin-2-rhamnoside (flowers and leaves)
- · hyperoside (aka. quercetin 3-galactoside), (berries)
- · luteolin
- · Apigenin
These compounds work synergistically to reduce blood
pressure in several ways. The mechanisms
include:
- · Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. This decreases vascular resistance.
- · Inhibit eicosanoid synthesis. These are compounds involved in the constriction of small blood vessels.
- · Inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) –another way of blocking constriction of blood vessel smooth muscle.
- · Mild diuretic effect. –they increase urinary flow.
Dosage
Recommendations for Addressing Hypertension with Hawthorn Extracts
I've found that 500 mg of hawthorn (Crataegus spp) material standardized to 2% vitexin taken three
times a day significantly reduces blood pressure. Even better results may be experienced with the
addition of magnesium (100-200 mg/day), Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg or more/day), and grape seed extract (50-100 mg/day)
Drug Interactions
- · May have cumulative effect with diuretic drugs
- · May increase the effects of beta blockers
- · May enhance the action of digitalis
Adverse Effects
Related to Hawthorn Extracts
Generally, hawthorn extracts are extremely safe. While adverse effects are rare, the most
common reported in literature
are:
- · Dizziness
- · Headache
- · Nausea
- · Rash
Very large doses of hawthorn extract may possibly lead to
drug induced hypotension, sedation, dizziness, vertigo, bradycardia, and
respiratory depression.
Hawthorn is
Contraindicated in Pregnancy
Hawthorn should not be taken while pregnant
since it may reduce the tone of the uterus.
Helpful Resources
Albarouki E, Peterson A. Molecular and morphological
characterization of Crataegus L. species (Rosaceae) in southern
Syria. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 2007
Chang WT, Dao J, Shao ZH. Hawthorn: Potential Roles in
Cardiovascular Disease. Amer Jrnl Chin Med. 2005;33:1–10.
Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Adverse-event
profile of Crataegus spp.: a systematic review. Drug Saf. 2006;29:523–35.
Mills S, Bone K. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.
Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.
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