Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) has
been used to
treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. By
the early 1800s, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory
disorders and respiratory illnesses. Traditionally, the
berries were
used to treat heart problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high
blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart
failure. Today, the leaves and flowers are used medicinally, and there
is good evidence that hawthorn can treat mild-to-moderate heart
failure.
Animal and laboratory studies report hawthorn contains antioxidants,
including oligomeric procyandins (OPCs, also found in grapes) and
quercetin. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals --
compounds in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and
even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and
grow in number as we age. Environmental toxins (including ultraviolet
light, radiation, smoking, some medicines, and air pollution) can also
increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are
believed to contribute to the aging process (such as wrinkling) as well
as the development of a number of health problems including cancer and
heart disease. Antioxidants found in hawthorn may help stop some of
the damage from free radicals, especially when it comes to heart
disease.
Hawthorn is a common thorny shrub in the rose family that grows up to 5
feet tall on hillsides and in sunny wooded areas throughout the world.
Its flowers bloom in May. They grow in small white, red, or pink
clusters. Small berries, called haws, sprout after the flowers. They
are usually red when ripe, but they may also be black. Hawthorn leaves
are shiny and grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Hawthorn contains many substances that may benefit the heart. These
antioxidant flavonoids -- including OPCs -- may help dilate blood
vessels, improve blood flow, and protect the blood vessels from damage.
The berries, leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn plant have been used
for medicinal purposes. Most modern preparations use the leaves and
flowers, which are believed to contain more of the flavonoids than the
berries.
Hawthorn is used to help protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Heart failure: Hawthorn has been widely studied in people with heart failure (a
condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to other
organs in the body). A number of studies conclude that hawthorn
significantly improved heart function. Studies also have found that the
herb can improve the ability to exercise in a person with heart
failure. Participants in studies have reported that hawthorn
significantly improved symptoms of the disease (such as shortness of
breath and fatigue). One study found that hawthorn extract (900 mg/day)
taken for 2 months was as effective as low doses of captopril (a
prescription heart medication) in improving symptoms of heart failure.
A large study found that a standardized hawthorn supplement was
effective in 952 patients with heart failure. The study compared
conventional methods of treating heart failure (with different
medications) with hawthorn alone and in addition to the drugs. After 2
years, the clinical symptoms of heart failure (palpitations, breathing
problems, and fatigue) decreased significantly in the patients taking
the hawthorn supplement. People taking hawthorn also took less
medications for their condition.
Chest pain (Angina) Some preliminary evidence suggests hawthorn may help combat chest pain
(angina), which is caused by low blood flow to the heart. In one early
study, 60 people with angina were given either 180 mg/day of hawthorn
berry-leaf-flower extract or placebo for 3 weeks. Those who received
hawthorn experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also
able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from
chest pain. However, more studies would be needed to say for sure
whether hawthorn was effective.
Howthorn & High blood pressure : Although hawthorn has not been studied specifically in people with high
blood pressure, some people think that its benefits in treating heart
disease may carry over to treating high blood pressure (hypertension).
However, so far not enough research has been done to say whether
hawthorn is effective at lowering blood pressure -- and if so, by how
much.
In one study, a hawthorn extract was found to be effective for
hypertension in people with type 2 diabetes who were also taking their
prescribed medicines. Participants took 1,200 mg hawthorn extract daily
or placebo for 16 weeks. Those taking hawthorn had lower blood
pressures than those taking the placebo.
You should talk with your doctor before taking hawthorn if you have high blood pressure.
Available Forms:
Hawthorn is available in non-standardized and standardized capsules and
liquid extracts, along with tinctures and solid extracts. A
bitter-tasting tea can also be made from dried hawthorn leaves,
flowers, and berries.
Howthron berries/leafs/Palnts/Seeds available at:
For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, New Coloney Azizabad, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.in