Evidence supporting the use of: Hawthorn
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for various heart-related conditions, including angina pectoris. More recently, modern research has investigated its effects on cardiovascular health. The scientific rationale for using hawthorn in angina is primarily based on its vasodilatory, antioxidant, and positive inotropic effects. Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies suggest that hawthorn extract may improve coronary blood flow, reduce peripheral vascular resistance, and enhance cardiac output, potentially alleviating symptoms of angina.

A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that standardized hawthorn extracts (often WS 1442) can improve exercise tolerance and reduce angina attacks, but the sample sizes are generally small and methodologies sometimes limited. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that while there is evidence of benefit for chronic heart failure, data specific to angina are less robust and often inconclusive due to heterogeneity and low trial quality.

Hawthorn’s flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins are believed to contribute to its mechanism by dilating blood vessels and improving myocardial perfusion. However, hawthorn should not replace standard medical therapies for angina, and more large-scale, high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific indication.

In summary, while hawthorn’s use for angina is supported by a combination of tradition and preliminary scientific evidence, the overall quality and quantity of data are modest, meriting a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

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