Botanical Name Of Hawthorn Berries – Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD – Medical Review by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition – Updated December 13, 2021
These nutrient-rich berries have a tart, spicy flavor and a mild sweetness. They are yellow to dark red (
Table of Contents
Botanical Name Of Hawthorn Berries
For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry has been a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine since at least 659 AD (
Hawthorn Berry — Bhava Wellness
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can harm your body when present in high amounts.
Free radicals can come from some foods. You may also get higher levels from exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Polyphenols are associated with numerous health benefits due to their antioxidant effects, including lower risk (
While preliminary animal and cell studies are promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Healing The Heart With Hawthorn
Summary Hawthorn berry contains plant polyphenols that have antioxidant properties that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Research has shown that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
In a study in mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly reduced inflammatory levels, leading to reduced inflammation and liver damage (
In one study, researchers gave vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to mice with respiratory disease. This treatment reduced the production of inflammation-causing molecules and decreased the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
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These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest that the supplement may offer people anti-inflammatory benefits. However, more research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory potential in test-tube and animal studies. Still, human research is needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most commonly recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can have a vasodilator effect, meaning it can relax narrowed blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
Cluster Red Round Hawthorn Berries Hanging Vector Image
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with slightly elevated blood pressure.
Researchers found that people taking 500 mg of the extract per day lowered diastolic blood pressure – the lower number of blood pressure readings (
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract to 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure daily for 16 weeks. People who took the extract experienced greater improvements in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. It’s also important to remember that using the extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Bright Red Hawthorn Berries
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, more research is needed.
Some studies indicate that hawthorn extract may improve blood cholesterol levels due to the content of flavonoids and pectins. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in the metabolism of cholesterol (
Unbalanced blood cholesterol levels – especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol – play a role in atherosclerosis or the build-up of platelets in the blood vessels (
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block a blood vessel, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Ripe Hawthorn Berries On A Colored Background. Stock Illustration
In one animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels as well as 28-47% lower liver triglycerides compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats found that when rats were fed hawthorn supplements, they had significantly reduced fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol (
Finally, a 6-month study in 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of the harmful plaque build-up in the carotid artery (
While these studies are promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn Berries (crataegus Laevigata)
Summary Animal and human studies suggest that taking hawthorn extract may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. However, more research in humans is needed.
People have used hawthorn berries and extracts for centuries to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach pain (
Blueberries contain fiber that aids digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote healthy gut bacteria that are essential for maintaining healthy digestion (
One observational study in people with slow digestion found that for every extra gram of fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements (
Organic Hawthorn Berries Rich In Tannin Create A Lovely
Additionally, a study on rats showed that hawthorn extract dramatically shortened the time of food passage through the intestines in the digestive system (
In addition, research in rodents suggests that compounds in hawthorn berries may increase the production and activity of digestive enzymes – namely those needed to digest fatty and protein-rich foods (
Summary For centuries, people have used hawthorn berries as a digestive aid. It can help relieve constipation and increase the production of enzymes needed to digest fatty and protein-rich foods.
Hawthorn berries can prevent premature skin aging caused by collagen degradation due to excessive exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation.
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One test-tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng extract can prevent signs of aging by inhibiting the formation of wrinkles and increasing skin hydration (
Research suggests that this effect may be due to the antioxidant content of hawthorn berries. Nevertheless, research in this area is limited and human research is needed.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may help reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant content.
In an older study of 264 people with anxiety, the combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy flower significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to placebo. However, it is unclear what specific role the hawthorn (
Hawthorn (crataegus Monogyna) Berry
Hawthorn appears to have few side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications. This is one reason why scientists are still researching it as a potential drug for central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression (
However, these studies used different types of hawthorn products, not necessarily specifically blueberries. More research is needed.
If you want to try a hawthorn supplement to deal with anxiety, keep using your current medications and discuss it with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
Summary Researchers are investigating hawthorn supplements as a potential anxiety treatment. However, at the moment there is not much research on them for this purpose. More research is needed on the effects of hawthorn berries on anxiety.
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Hawthorn berry is best known for its traditional use in treating heart failure along with other traditional medications. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Many studies have suggested that hawthorn berries may have beneficial effects without serious side effects in people with heart failure (
The tests mainly show an improvement in heart function and symptoms of heart failure – such as shortness of breath and tiredness (
However, some evidence suggests that hawthorn may be harmful in some cases of heart failure. One study found that taking it along with conventional treatments increased the risk of progression of heart failure (
The History, Mythology, And Offerings Of Hawthorn
Summary In some traditional medicine practices, people often take hawthorn berries along with other traditional medications for heart failure. However, it can be harmful when combined with conventional heart failure medications.
Hawthorn berries can be hard to find at your local grocery store. However, it can be found at agricultural fairs and in specialist health food stores.
Hawthorn berry supplements usually include the berry along with leaves and flowers, although some only contain leaves and flowers.
Different brands and forms of hawthorn supplements have different dosage recommendations. Typical doses are 250-500 mg three times a day. However, research has yet to determine the optimal effective dose (
Hawthorn Berries Whole Organic 2oz
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements such as hawthorn under less stringent regulations than over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Look for products that have received a seal of approval from independent bodies reviewing the effectiveness and quality of supplements, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Summary Hawthorn berries can be eaten in many ways or taken as a supplement. However, appropriate dosages are still undefined and more research is needed.
There have been many reports of side effects associated with the intake of hawthorn berries. Those that exist tend to range from mild to moderate.
Hawthorn Berry, Used For The Treatment Of Blood Pressure (the Silent Killer) With The Ability To Lower The Blood Pressure Without Any Of The Side Effects Experienced From Conventional Medicines
The most commonly reported by humans are sweating, headache, somnolence, palpitations, mild rash, agitation and gastrointestinal symptoms (
Although these are not life-threatening events, be sure to speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Summary Side effects of consuming hawthorn berries are usually mild. Often they include sweating, headache, somnolence, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects.
Medicinal herbs are increasingly used as alternative treatments for many diseases