Do All Hawthorn Trees Have Berries – Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD – Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, RD, CDE, Nutrition – Updated on December 13, 2021.
These nutrient-rich berries have a sweet, savory flavor and mild sweetness. Their color ranges from yellow to dark red (
Table of Contents
Do All Hawthorn Trees Have Berries
For centuries, people have used hawthorn berries as a remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry dates back to at least 659 AD. It has since been a key component of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Antioxidants fight free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage your body in high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You may have higher levels due to exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke.
Polyphenols are associated with several health benefits due to their antioxidant activity:
Although preliminary research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Hawthorn Tree Orange Image & Photo (free Trial)
Summary Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols with antioxidant properties associated with many health benefits.
Studies have shown that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
In a study of mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly reduced the amount of fatty compounds, which reduced liver inflammation and damage.
In one study, researchers gave vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to rats with respiratory problems. This treatment reduced the production of inflammatory molecules and the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
Hawthorn Tree Care
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest that the supplement may provide anti-inflammatory benefits to humans. However, more research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential in test-tube and animal studies. Research on humans is still needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the recommended foods for treating high blood pressure.
Animal studies show that hawthorn acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes congested blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
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A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn juice on 36 people with mildly high blood pressure.
The researchers found that people taking 500 milligrams daily had lower diastolic blood pressure — the lowest number in the blood pressure reading (
In the year In a 2006 study, researchers gave 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure 1,200 milligrams of hawthorn juice daily for 16 weeks. Those who took the drug experienced greater improvements in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
Still, more studies are needed to support these findings. It should also be noted that using an extract is not the same as eating berries.
Common Name: Leaf & Berries
Summary Some studies show that hawthorn can lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. However, more studies are needed.
Some studies have shown that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels due to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism.
Unbalanced blood cholesterol levels — especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels (
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block an artery and lead to heart attack or stroke.
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In one animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, compared to mice that did not receive the product (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that rats fed hawthorn supplements had lower fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Finally, a 6-month study of 64 people found that taking 2.3 mg of hawthorn per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of harmful plaque in the carotid arteries in people with atherosclerosis.
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effect of hawthorn juice on blood cholesterol.
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Summary Studies in animals and humans suggest that taking hawthorn can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more human research is needed.
People have used hawthorn berries and salts for centuries to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach aches (
Berries contain fiber that has been proven to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods that feed and promote healthy gut bacteria, which are essential for maintaining healthy digestion.
One observational study of people with indigestion showed that each additional gram of dietary fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the number of bowel movements.
Windswept Ripe Red Hawthorn Berry Bush, Crataegus Monogyna In A Stock Image
Additionally, a rat study showed that hawthorn extract significantly reduced the transit time of food in the digestive system.
In addition, a study in mice showed that compounds in hawthorn berries boosted the production and activity of digestive enzymes—those necessary for digesting fat and protein-rich foods.
Summary People have used hawthorn berries for centuries as a digestive aid. It can help relieve constipation and produce enzymes needed to digest foods rich in fat and protein.
Hawthorn berries help prevent premature skin aging caused by collagen degradation caused by excessive sun or ultraviolet light exposure.
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A test-tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng could prevent the appearance of wrinkles and prevent signs of aging by increasing skin moisture.
Research shows that this effect may be due to hawthorn berry’s antioxidant content. However, research in this area is limited, and human studies are needed.
Summary Some studies show that hawthorn berries help reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant content.
In a study of 264 people with depression, a combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy flower significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo. However, it is not clear what specific role Hawthorne played (
A Hawthorn Tree With A Crop Of Haw Berries In The Early October Stock Photo
Hawthorn has fewer side effects compared to traditional antidepressants. That’s one reason why scientists continue to investigate it as an alternative treatment for central nervous system disorders like anxiety and depression.
However, these studies used different hawthorn products, not specifically berries. More research is needed.
If you want to try a hawthorn supplement to help manage your anxiety, don’t stop using your current medications and be sure to talk to a health professional first to make sure it’s safe for you.
Summary Scientists are investigating hawthorn supplements as a potential treatment for depression. However, currently there is not much research on them for this purpose. More studies are needed on the effects of hawthorn berries on depression.
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Hawthorn berries are widely known in traditional contexts to treat heart failure alongside other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Several studies have shown that hawthorn berry can have beneficial effects in people with heart failure without serious adverse effects (
Studies often show improvements in heart function and heart failure symptoms — such as shortness of breath and fatigue (
However, some data suggest that hawthorn may be harmful in some cases of heart failure. One study found that taking it with conventional medications increased the risk of developing heart failure (
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Summary In some traditional medicine practices, people commonly take hawthorn berry along with other traditional medicines for heart failure. However, it can be harmful when combined with common medicines for heart failure.
Hawthorn berries can be difficult to find at your local grocery store. However, you can find it at farmers markets and specialty health food stores.
Hawthorn berry supplements usually contain the berry along with the leaves and flowers, although some include just the leaves and flowers.
Different brands and forms of Hawthorn supplements have different dosage recommendations. The usual dose is 250-500 mg three times a day. However, research has yet to determine the optimal effective dose (
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements like hawthorn under less stringent regulations than prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Look for products that have received a seal of approval from independent organizations that evaluate efficacy and quality, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Summary You can eat hawthorn berries in many ways or take them as a supplement. However, the appropriate dose is still not defined and further research is needed.
Many side effects of taking hawthorn berries have not been reported. Those that do appear to be mild to moderate.
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Commonly reported symptoms include sweating, headache, insomnia, palpitations, mild rash, irritability, and gastrointestinal effects (
While these are not life-threatening events, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
Summary Side effects from consuming hawthorn berries are mild. They usually result in sweating, headache, insomnia, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects.
The use of herbal medicine as an alternative treatment for many diseases has been increasing over time