Hawthorn

Crataegus oxyacantha

Hawthorn Berry Extract (Berries), Crataegus laevigata

The prince of cardiovascular tonics, balances high or low blood pressure, supports consistent, regular heartbeat, improves peripheral circulation. Aids digestion and sound sleep.

2% Vitexin-2"-rhamoside, Flavonoid Glycosides, Saponins, Procyanidins ("pycnogenols") Trimethylamine & Tannins.

Hawthorn berry today is most associated with its widespread use as a tonic for the heart. Specifically, it protects arterial walls, has the ability to dilate (enlarge) coronary blood vessels (the vessels supplying the heart with vital oxygen, blood, and nutrients), and strengthen the heart's pumping ability. Because of these powerful cardiac benefits, it is now one of the most prescribed heart remedies in Europe.

Those people who suffer from angina, therefore, would most likely benefit by hawthorne berry's ability to increase blood flow through the arteries. Additionally, for the same reason, those afflicted with hypertension (high blood pressure) may alleviate their condition since narrowed arteries require the heart to work more strenuously in getting blood through them.

People who suffer from tachycardia (rapid heart beating) and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beating) may also find relief. It also has antioxidant properities which may help offset arterial damage from plaque formation and accumulation.

In short, hawthorn berry is seen by some as an all-purpose heart medicine.

Although hawthorn flowers and berries have been used primarily as tonics for the heart and circulatory system, they have also been used as mild diuretics and for their astringent quality in the relief of sore throats. The beneficial action of hawthorn leaves, berries and flowers is due to its chemical constituents, primarily flavonoid compounds. Hawthorn contains flavone glycosides, proanthocyanidins, catechins, saponins, amygdalin and vitamin C.

The many cardiovascular benefits are the result of the following actions:

Improves blood supply to the heart by dilating the coronary blood vessels
Inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), reducing the amount of stress placed on the heart.
Improves metabolic processes in the heart
Prevents atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Lowers blood pressure

Many studies have shown that hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels, allowing the heart to be supplied with vital oxygen and nutrients. The various flavonoids present in hawthorn neutralize certain substances from constricting blood vessels. In both humans and animals, hawthorn extracts or syrups improve energy production within the heart.

This occurs not only because of the increased blood and oxygen supply to the heart, but also because of enhanced metabolism within the heart muscle itself. The result is an increase in the force of contraction. This is why using hawthorn has been shown to be beneficial in cases of congestive heart failure and various heart rhythm disturbances such as arrhythmia and heart palpitations.

The flavonoids in hawthorn also strengthen the connective tissue in the arterial walls. Hawthorn extracts have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the size of atherosclerotic plaques. This is why hawthorn extracts have a blood pressure-lowering effect. This usually takes about two weeks using the extract or syrup from hawthorn berries at least three times a day for adequate tissue concentrations of these flavonoids to take effect.

In addition, hawthorn has mild sedative properties which may be another reason it is so beneficial to those who are anxious, nervous and stressed -- personality traits commonly associated with heart problems.