What is the recommended dosage for Hawthorn?

General: 450-900 mg/day standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132); Standardization: 18.75% OPCs or 2.2% flavonoids

What are the side effects of Hawthorn?

Potential side effects include: Generally well-tolerated, Dizziness, Nausea, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Headache.

What is hawthorn and how may it support cardiovascular health?

Hawthorn (Crataegus) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for heart conditions. It contains flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins that may improve coronary blood flow, increase cardiac contractility, and reduce blood pressure. Several European trials showed benefits for mild heart failure symptoms.

What dosage of hawthorn has been studied in cardiovascular trials?

Clinical studies have used 160–1,800 mg per day of hawthorn leaf and flower extract standardized to 2.2% flavonoids or 18.75% OPCs. The SPICE trial used WS 1442 extract at 900 mg daily for 24 months in heart failure patients. Lower doses of 160–480 mg daily are used for milder cardiovascular support.

What are the potential side effects of hawthorn?

Hawthorn is generally well tolerated. Mild side effects include dizziness, nausea, and digestive discomfort. It may enhance the effects of cardiac glycosides (digoxin), blood pressure medications, and vasodilators. Individuals taking heart medications should consult a cardiologist before using hawthorn.

Hawthorn

herb

Also known as: Crataegus, Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Hawthorne, Whitethorn

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About

Hawthorn berry/leaf/flower extract contains OPCs and flavonoids that improve cardiac contractile force without increasing oxygen demand. A 2008 Cochrane review of 14 RCTs (1,110 heart failure patients) found hawthorn significantly improved exercise tolerance and reduced dyspnea. Hawthorn is approved by the German Commission E for declining cardiac function (NYHA I-II).

How It Works

Oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids inhibit phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) increasing cardiac cAMP and improving contractile force (positive inotropic effect without increasing oxygen demand); enhances coronary artery blood flow via endothelium-dependent vasodilation; reduces peripheral vascular resistance; antioxidant flavonoids protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; mild ACE-inhibitory activity.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Heart Failure	B	14	3800	View →
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)	C	4	300	View →

Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated
Dizziness
Nausea
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Headache

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Cardiac glycosides (digoxin — may enhance inotropic effects)
Antihypertensives (additive blood pressure lowering)
Beta-blockers (additive cardiac effects)
PDE5 inhibitors (additive vasodilation)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Berberine Curcumin Garlic Red Yeast Rice

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 450-900 mg/day standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132); Standardization: 18.75% OPCs or 2.2% flavonoids
Forms: capsule tablet liquid tincture dried berry tea
Natural Sources: Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers (Crataegus species)
Upper Limit: Not formally established; up to 1,800 mg/day used in the SPICE trial
Best Time: With meals; effects require 6-8 weeks of continuous use

Evidence Summary

Heart Failure B

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.