Evidence supporting the use of: Hawthorn
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for various cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF). In recent decades, its use has received growing scientific scrutiny. Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses have investigated standardized hawthorn leaf and flower extracts (notably WS 1442 and LI 132) as adjunctive therapy for mild to moderate CHF (New York Heart Association class II–III). These studies have generally shown that hawthorn can produce modest improvements in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, as well as in exercise tolerance and certain cardiac parameters (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction). Proposed mechanisms of action include positive inotropic effects, vasodilation, antioxidant properties, and improvement of coronary blood flow.

A 2008 Cochrane review concluded that hawthorn extracts offered "significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes" when used alongside conventional therapy, though the clinical significance of these changes was debated, and most studies were of short duration (8–16 weeks). Importantly, hawthorn is not a replacement for standard CHF therapies and is best considered as a complementary option. Adverse effects appear uncommon and mild, but caution is advised regarding potential interactions with cardiac medications.

Overall, there is moderate scientific validation supporting the adjunctive use of hawthorn in mild to moderate CHF, justifying a rating of 3 out of 5 for evidence. Its use is not supported for severe CHF or as monotherapy.

More about hawthorn
More about Congestive Heart Failure