PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 10 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Hawthorn flowers (Crataegus species) contain phenolic compounds and are traditionally used for treating mild heart failure [PMID:30000891].
Background
Hawthorn flowers are derived from Crataegus species, such as C. monogyna and C. oxyacantha [PMID:32904242, PMID:32229690].
Traditional uses
Mainly used for treating mild heart failure [PMID:30000891]. It is also commonly used for the treatment of arrhythmias, hypertension, and declining cardiac performance [PMID:32904242].
Active compounds
Hawthorn flowers contain flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins [PMID:30000891], phenolic compounds [PMID:39683943], and polymeric procyanidins consisting mainly of (-)-epicatechin subunits [PMID:16426620]. Epicuticular wax from C. monogyna flowers contains alkanes, long-chain alcohols, aldehydes, fatty acids, and long-chain alcohol-fatty acid esters (predominantly C16 fatty acid based) [PMID:11065285].
Mechanism of action
Main components of Crataegus oxyacantha flower heads inhibit thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in vitro [PMID:30000891]. Extracts may influence calcium transients in cardiomyocytes [PMID:19053860].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DLactation/Milk Production
One small, old study suggested a galactogogue effect, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use [PMID:30000891].
Safety & adverse effects
Generally well tolerated in adults; dizziness is the most common adverse effect [PMID:30000891]. Other occasional reactions include nausea, fatigue, sweating, and rash [PMID:30000891].
Pregnancy & lactation
No data exist on the safety and efficacy of hawthorn in nursing mothers or infants, nor on the excretion of its components into breastmilk [PMID:30000891].
Drug interactions
Hawthorn may possibly increase the effects of hypotensive medications, digoxin, and anticoagulants [PMID:30000891].
Evidence summary
Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats), and review articles; there is a lack of scientifically valid clinical trials for specific claims like galactogogue effects.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000891 (2006) — Inhibition of thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in vitro by the main components of Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthorn) flower heads. · Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids
- 2.PMID: 39683943 (2024) — Berries, Leaves, and Flowers of Six Hawthorn Species (Crataegus L.) as a Source of Compounds with Nutraceutical Potential. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 11065285 (2000) — A comparison of the composition of epicuticular wax from red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) flowers. · Phytochemistry
- 4.PMID: 32904242 (2020) — The effect of hawthorn flower and leaf extract (Crataegus Spp.) on cardiac hemostasis and oxidative parameters in Sprague Dawley rats. · Heliyon
- 5.PMID: 32229690