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Herb & Botanical

Hawthorn Berry Extract

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Hawthorn berry extract is a natural supplement used to support heart health. It helps the heart muscle pump more efficiently by improving the way heart cells use calcium. It also relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing strain on the heart. The antioxidants in hawthorn may protect the heart from damage.

KEY BENEFITS
Improves heart function in mild heart failure
Supports healthy blood pressure
Boosts energy and reduces fatigue
Promotes healthy cholesterol levels
BEST FOR
  • • Adults with mild heart failure (NYHA class II)
  • • People looking for natural cardiovascular support
  • • Those with occasional chest tightness or palpitations
WHAT TO EXPECT

Improvements in energy and exercise tolerance may be noticed within 2-4 weeks, but optimal benefits for heart health typically require 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • People taking heart medications like digoxin or beta-blockers (consult doctor)
  • • Individuals with very low blood pressure
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Hawthorn can cure high blood pressure instantly.
Fact: Hawthorn has a mild, gradual blood pressure-lowering effect, not an immediate cure. It's best used as part of a broader health plan.
Myth: Hawthorn berry extract is safe with any heart medication.
Fact: Hawthorn can interact with digoxin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, potentially altering their effects. Always consult a doctor before combining.
At a glance
Typical dose
300-600
Evidence
—
Studies indexed6
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

300-600

Standardized to 1.8-5% vitexin or 2% flavonoids; take with or without food; split daily dose into 2-3 administrations for sustained blood levels

TIMING

Hawthorn Berry Extract — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 18614993

    Improves heart failure symptoms

    Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (855 patients) showed significant improvement in exercise tolerance and symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue over 8-16 weeks.

    A
  • PMID: 17222450

    Reduces blood pressure

    A 12-week RCT in 92 patients with mild hypertension found 500 mg/day hawthorn extract reduced systolic BP by 10 mmHg vs placebo.

    B
  • PMID: 12824800

    Lowers cholesterol

    A 16-week RCT in 120 patients showed hawthorn extract (1200 mg/day) reduced total cholesterol by 8% and LDL by 11%.

    B
  • PMID: 15014897

    Improves exercise tolerance

    A 8-week RCT (40 patients with NYHA class II heart failure) found hawthorn extract increased treadmill walking time by 25%.

    B
  • Review

    Antioxidant activity

    In vitro and in vivo studies confirm hawthorn flavonoids increase plasma antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative stress markers.

    C
  • PMID: 22118293

    Moderate safety profile

    Systematic review of 24 clinical trials reported mild, transient adverse events (GI upset, dizziness) in <5% of participants.

    A
  • PMID 23747774 · 2013Clinical Study

    Cardiotonic modulation in heart failure: insights from traditional Chinese medicine

    B
  • PMID 40573097 · 2025RCT

    Effects of Hawthorn Fruit Supplementation on Facial Skin Phenotypes and Leukocyte Telomere Length Stratified by TERT Polymorphisms

    B
  • PMID 30068354 · 2018Narrative Review

    ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Digoxin· cardiac_glycoside

    Hawthorn may increase digoxin serum levels and potentiate its effects, risk of toxicity.

    → Avoid concomitant use; monitor digoxin levels if combined.

    HIGH

  • Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors)· antihypertensive

    Additive vasodilation may lower blood pressure further.

    → Monitor blood pressure; adjust antihypertensive as needed.

    MODERATE

  • Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol)· beta_blocker

    Additive negative chronotropic effects may cause bradycardia.

    → Monitor heart rate; adjust beta-blocker dose if needed.

    MODERATE

  • Warfarin· anticoagulant

    Hawthorn may have mild antiplatelet effects; theoretical INR increase.

    → Monitor INR if combined; no major interactions reported in studies.

    LOW

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.