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HeartCited

Hawthorn for Heart Failure

B

Cochrane review of 14 RCTs: improved exercise tolerance and symptom scores. SPICE trial (2,681 patients) showed trend toward benefit. German Commission E-approved for declining cardiac function (NYHA I-II).

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            B

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
Cochrane review of 14 RCTs: improved exercise tolerance and symptom scores. SPICE trial (2,681 patients) showed trend toward benefit. German Commission E-approved for declining cardiac function (NYHA I-II).

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
14

        
Studies

    

    

        
3800

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        B

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
450-900 mg/day standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132)

                    

                    
                    

                        
standardization:

                        
18.75% OPCs or 2.2% flavonoids

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not formally established; up to 1,800 mg/day used in the SPICE trial
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals; effects require 6-8 weeks of continuous use
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Dizziness
                        
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                            Nausea
                        
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                            Gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
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                            ⚠
                            Headache
                        
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Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ●
                            Cardiac glycosides (digoxin — may enhance inotropic effects)
                        
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                            Antihypertensives (additive blood pressure lowering)
                        
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                            Beta-blockers (additive cardiac effects)
                        
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                            PDE5 inhibitors (additive vasodilation)
                        
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                        Tolerable upper intake: Not formally established; up to 1,800 mg/day used in the SPICE trial
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Hawthorn help with Heart Failure?
            
        
        

            Based on 14 studies with 3,800 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Hawthorn may support Heart Failure management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Hawthorn should I take for Heart Failure?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 450-900 mg/day standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Hawthorn?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Dizziness, Nausea, Gastrointestinal discomfort. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Hawthorn and Heart Failure?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 14 peer-reviewed studies with 3,800 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
                

                    
Hawthorn for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.