Hawthorn Berries Toxicity – Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD — Medical review by Kathy W. Warwick, RD, CDE, Nutrition — Updated on December 13, 2021
This rich fruit has a tart, tangy taste and a little sweetness. They range in color from yellow to dark red (
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Hawthorn Berries Toxicity
For centuries, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, the fruit has been an important part of Chinese medicine since at least 659 AD (
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Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can harm your body when they are at high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You can have higher levels of them by being exposed to environmental toxins such as air pollution and smoking (
Polyphenols are associated with many health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including a reduced risk of (
Although initial studies in animals and cells are promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on the risk of disease.
Red Ripe Hawthorn (crataegus Monogyna) Fruits On Branch, Native To Europe, Northwest Africa And Western Asia Stock Photo
Contents Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that have been linked to many health benefits.
Research has shown that chronic pain is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
In a study in mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract reduced the number of inflammatory compounds, leading to a reduction in liver inflammation and injury (
In one study, researchers gave vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to mice that inhaled it. This treatment reduces the production of molecules that cause inflammation and reduces the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
Crataegus Douglasii (aubepine, Black Haw, Black Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Douglass Hawthorn, Haw Apple, Hawthorn, May Bush, Oxyacantha, Pirliteiro, Red Hawthorn, Thorn Apple, Thorn Plum, Weisdornbluten)
Positive results from animal studies and test tubes suggest that supplements can provide anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. However, more research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn fruit extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in both vascular and animal studies. However, research in humans is needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn fruit is one of the most recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
Organic Way Hawthorn Berries Fruit Whole (crataegus Monogyna)
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with mild hypertension.
The researchers found that people who took 500 mg of the extract daily had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure – the number at the bottom of the blood pressure reading (
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract to 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure every day for 16 weeks. Those who received the extract experienced greater improvements in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, further research is required to confirm these findings. It is important to remember that using the extract is not the same as eating the berries.
With A Friend Like Hawthorn
Summary Some studies show that hawthorn fruit can lower blood pressure by helping to strengthen blood vessels. However, more research is needed.
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Inadequate cholesterol levels — especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or plaque in your arteries (
If the plaque continues, it can block the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Does Hawthorn Lower Blood Pressure?
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, compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that when rats were fed hawthorn fruit, they had lower levels of 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 reduced the thickness of plaque in the arteries. carotid artery (
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn extract on cholesterol.
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Summary Animal and human studies suggest that taking hawthorn extract may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, human research needs more.
People have been using hawthorn fruit and extract for centuries to treat digestive problems, especially stomach aches and pains (
Fruits are rich in fiber, which has been proven to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are nutrients that support healthy gut bacteria, which are essential for healthy digestion (
A clinical study in people with slow digestion found that each additional gram of dietary fiber people ate was associated with a 30-minute reduction in bowel movement time (
Black Hawthorn Seeds — Ravensong Seeds & Herbals
In addition, a rat study found that hawthorn extract reduced the digestion rate of food in the gastrointestinal tract (
In addition, research in mice showed that compounds in hawthorn berries can improve the production and activity of digestive enzymes – such as those needed for digesting fatty foods and high protein (
Summary People have used hawthorn fruit as a digestive aid for centuries. It can help reduce constipation and improve the production of enzymes needed to digest fatty and protein-rich foods.
Hawthorn fruit can help prevent premature skin aging from collagen degradation due to sun exposure or ultraviolet exposure.
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A test-tube study showed that a combination of hawthorn and ginseng extract can prevent signs of aging by inhibiting wrinkle formation and increasing skin moisture (
Research suggests that this effect may be due to the hawthorn fruit’s antioxidant content. However, research in this area is limited, and human studies are needed.
Summary Some studies show that hawthorn berries can help reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant content.
In an older study in 264 people with anxiety, a combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy flower reduced anxiety significantly compared to a placebo. However, it is not clear what specific role hawthorn plays (
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Hawthorn appears to have fewer side effects compared to antidepressants. That’s one reason scientists continue to research it as a treatment for central nervous system disorders like anxiety and depression (
However, these studies used a variety of hawthorn products, not necessarily the specific fruit. More research is needed.
If you want to try hawthorn supplements to manage your anxiety, don’t stop taking your medication now, and always talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you. .
Summary Scientists are investigating hawthorn as a treatment for anxiety. However, currently there is not much research about them for this purpose. More information about the effects of hawthorn fruit on anxiety is needed.
Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn
Hawthorn fruit is best known for its use in traditional contexts in the treatment of heart failure, along with other medicinal properties. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Many studies have shown that hawthorn fruit can be beneficial without serious side effects for people with heart failure (
Most studies show improvements in heart function and symptoms of heart failure – such as shortness of breath and fatigue (
However, some evidence has shown that hawthorn may be harmful to some heart conditions. One study found that taking it along with conventional treatments reduced the risk of heart failure (
Red Poisonous Berries Of Black Bryony, Dioscorea Communis, Remain After The Leaves And Climbing Stem Die Back In Autumn Stock Photo
Summary In some cultures, people often eat hawthorn fruit along with other medicines for heart failure. However, it may be dangerous when combined with drugs used for heart failure.
Hawthorn fruit may be difficult to find at your local grocery store. However, you can find it at grocery stores and specialty food stores.
Hawthorn fruit medicine usually contains the fruit along with the leaves and flowers, but some include only the leaves and flowers.
The different names and forms of hawthorn medicine have many recommendations. The usual dose is 250-500 mg three times a day. However, research has not yet determined the best dose (
Hawthorn (crataegus Monogyna)
Remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements like hawthorn under stricter regulations than over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Look for products that have been approved by independent organizations that measure effectiveness and efficiency, 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 has not yet been defined and further research is needed.
There are not many side effects reported from eating hawthorn berries. Those that do exist tend to vary from small to medium.
Red Berries Of A Useful Plant Hawthorn. It Looks Like A Rose Hip. A Medicinal Plant Used In Medicine. Background From Fruits Top View. Harvest Stock Photo
The most commonly reported side effects are sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects (
Although these are not life-threatening conditions, be sure to talk to a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Summary The side effects of consuming hawthorn berries are mild. They usually include sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects.
The use of herbal medicine as an alternative treatment for many diseases is increasing