Which Is Better Hawthorn Berries Or Leaves – Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD — Medically reviewed by Kathy Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — Updated December 13, 2021.
These nutrient-rich berries have a tangy, tangy flavor and mild sweetness. Their color varies from yellow to dark red (
Table of Contents
Which Is Better Hawthorn Berries Or Leaves
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 staple of traditional Chinese medicine since 659 AD (
Hawthorn Berry With Its Grean Leaves Isolated On White Background Photo By Emartsstudio On Envato Elements
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, which when present in high levels can harm your body.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. Exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke can also lead to higher levels (
Polyphenols are associated with many health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including (
Although initial animal and cell studies are promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Hawthorn Berries With Leaves In Wooden Bowl Isolated On White Background Top View Stock Photo
Summary Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols with antioxidant properties that have many health benefits.
Studies have found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and some cancers.
In a study of mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly reduced levels of inflammatory compounds, leading to reduced liver inflammation and injury (
In one study, researchers gave vitexin, which is found in hawthorn leaves, to mice with respiratory problems. This treatment reduced the production of inflammatory molecules and decreased the inflammatory response of leukocytes (
Hawthorn (crataegus Oxycantha)
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest that the supplement may offer anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. However, further research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory potential in both test tube and animal studies. However, research in humans 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 dilates blood vessels, that is, relaxes narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure (
Hawthorn: Herb Of The Week · Commonwealth Holistic Herbalism
A 10-week study looked at the effects of hawthorn extract in 36 people with mildly elevated blood pressure.
Researchers found that those who took 500 mg of the extract per day reduced diastolic blood pressure – the lowest reading of blood pressure (
In a 2006 study, scientists gave 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract every day for 16 weeks. People who took the extract saw better blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, further studies are needed to confirm these results. It is also important to note that using the extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Red Hawthorn Berries And Green Leaves 2438166 Stock Photo At Vecteezy
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, further research is needed.
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels due to the flavonoids and pectins it contains. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Imbalanced cholesterol levels in the blood — especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in your arteries (
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block a blood vessel and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Benefits Of Using Siberian Hawthorn Berries
In one animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had 28-47% lower levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as liver triglycerides, compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that when rats were fed a hawthorn berry supplement, their fasting triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were significantly reduced.
Finally, a 6-month study in 64 people with atherosclerosis showed that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound of body weight (5 mg per kg) significantly reduced the thickness of harmful plaque in the carotid arteries.
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Photo: Red Hawthorn Berries And Hawthorn Leaves Mg 4535
Summary Animal and human studies suggest that taking hawthorn extract may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more research is needed in humans.
For centuries, people have used hawthorn berries and extract to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and upset stomach (
Berries contain fiber that has been shown to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote gut bacteria, which are essential for maintaining healthy digestion (
One observational study in people with indigestion found that each additional gram of dietary fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements (
Organic Hawthorn Berry Tea
In addition, a study in rats found that hawthorn extract dramatically reduced the transit time of food in the digestive system (
In addition, studies in rodents show that compounds in hawthorn berries can increase the production and activity of digestive enzymes, specifically those needed to digest foods rich in fat and protein.
Summary People have used hawthorn berries for centuries as a digestive aid. It helps relieve constipation and improve the production of enzymes needed to digest foods rich in fat and protein.
Hawthorn berries help prevent premature aging of the skin caused by the degradation of collagen caused by excessive exposure to the sun or UV rays.
Hawthorn Benefits + How To Use To Lower Blood Pressure
One test-tube study found that a combination of hawthorn and ginseng extract prevented the signs of aging by inhibiting the formation of wrinkles and increasing skin moisture.
Research suggests that this effect may be due to the antioxidant content of hawthorn berries. However, research in this area is limited and human studies are needed.
Summary Some studies suggest that hawthorn berries may help reduce the signs of aging as a result of the antioxidants they contain.
In an older study of 264 people with anxiety, a combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy flower significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo. However, it is unclear what role hawthorn played (
Hawthorn Berries, Leaf & Flower
Compared to traditional anti-anxiety drugs, hawthorn has fewer side effects. This is one reason why scientists continue to study it as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression (
However, these studies used different types of hawthorn products, not necessarily the berry. Further research is needed.
If you want to use a hawthorn supplement for anxiety, don’t stop taking your current medications and discuss it with your healthcare professional beforehand to make sure it’s safe for you.
Summary Scientists are investigating hawthorn supplements as a potential treatment for anxiety. However, there is currently not much research on them for this purpose. More research is needed on the effects of hawthorn berries on anxiety.
Hawthorn As An Herbal Remedy
Hawthorn berries are known for their traditional use in the treatment of heart failure, along with other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Many studies suggest that hawthorn berries may have beneficial effects in people with heart failure without serious adverse effects (
Studies mainly 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 in some cases of heart failure. One study found that taking it along with conventional treatment increased the risk of developing heart failure (
Hawthorne Berry As Herbal Medicine For Healing Your Heart
Summary In some traditional medicine practices, people usually take hawthorn berries along with other traditional medicines for heart failure. However, it can be harmful when combined with traditional heart failure medications.
Hawthorn berries can be difficult to find at your local grocery store. However, you can find it at farmers markets and specialty health stores.
Hawthorn berry blends usually contain the berry along with the leaves and flowers, but some contain only the leaves and flowers.
Different brands and forms of hawthorn supplements have different dosage recommendations. Usual doses are 250-500 mg three times a day. However, studies have not yet determined the optimal effective dose (
Hawthorn Berries: Gin, Brandy Or Tincture?
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements like hawthorn with a stricter set of rules than over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Look for products that have received the seal of approval from independent organizations that evaluate the efficacy and quality of supplements, such as the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Summary You can eat hawthorn berries in many ways or take them as a supplement. However, appropriate doses have not yet been determined and further research is needed.
There are not many side effects of taking hawthorn berries. Those that do exist range from mild to moderate.
Keep An Eye On Your Indian Hawthorn
People often reported sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, light rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects.
Although these are not life-threatening events, be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
Summary The side effects of consuming hawthorn berries are usually mild. They often include sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects.
The use of medicinal herbs as an alternative method of treatment for several diseases is increasing