Common hawthorn

Hawthorn is available in several pharmaceutical forms, designed to meet the diverse needs of patients: capsules, hawthorn tea, tincture, or hawthorn fruit.

• Hawthorn capsules (e.g., bottles containing 40 or 60 capsules) contain dried hawthorn fruit extract (Crataegi fructus).
• Hawthorn tincture is a concentrated hydroalcoholic extract obtained from hawthorn flowers and leaves, in a concentration of 20%, with an alcohol base of at least 30% v/v;

Manufacturers - GNC, Pro Natura, Hofigal, Dacia Plant, Swanson, Secom, etc.

Hawthorn is recommended for multiple cardiovascular and neurovegetative disorders, the most important of which include:

• Heart rhythm disorders (tachycardia, extrasystole, palpitations);
• Mild or moderate hypertension;
• Heart degeneration and post-infectious myocardial insufficiency;
• Ischemic heart disease and angina pectoris;
• Early atherosclerosis and coronary sclerosis;
• Neurovegetative disorders, including insomnia, anxiety, neurosis;
• Heart disorders associated with menopause.

Administration varies depending on the form of presentation:

• Capsules: 1 capsule 2–3 times a day, preferably in the morning and evening, taken as a dietary supplement on an empty stomach with water.
• Tincture: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) diluted in 50 ml of water or tea, 3–4 times a day, before meals.

• Hawthorn tea: prepare by infusing one sachet in 250 ml of boiling water for 10–15 minutes.

Although hawthorn is well tolerated by most patients, there are certain contraindications:

• Hypotension (due to its pronounced hypotensive effect);
• Children under 12 years of age;
• Known allergy to hawthorn;
• People with alcohol restrictions (in the case of tincture).

Hawthorn should be used with caution in patients already undergoing hypotensive or antiarrhythmic treatment, as it may enhance their effects.

When using the tincture, the presence of alcohol should be taken into account, which makes it contraindicated in certain categories of patients, such as those with liver disease or alcohol prohibition.

Furthermore, the product should not be considered a substitute for treatment prescribed by a cardiologist, but rather a phytotherapeutic adjuvant.

Hawthorn is generally well tolerated, but in rare cases the following may occur:

• Excessive hypotension
• Dizziness, especially when changing body position suddenly
• Skin allergic reactions (hives, erythema)
• Mild stomach discomfort (in case of overdose)

Hawthorn may interact with some drugs, for example:

• Hypotensive drugs (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium blockers), having an additive effect;
• Antiarrhythmics – may potentiate or modify their effects;
• Anticoagulants – may increase the risk of bleeding

In case of overdose, symptoms such as severe hypotension or bradycardia may occur.

Immediate discontinuation of administration and symptomatic treatment under medical supervision is necessary.

Regardless of the pharmaceutical form, hawthorn should be stored away from direct light, moisture, and heat, at temperatures below 25°C, in the original packaging, tightly closed. Keep out of the reach of children.

• MDPI, Phenolic composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. extract and its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antileukemic effects
• ScienceDirect, Crataegus Monogyna
• PubMed, Botanical, phytochemical, antimicrobial, and pharmaceutical characteristics of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae
• ScienceDirect, Biological properties and potential applications of hawthorn and its main functional components: A review
• WebMD, Hawthorn