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Traditional Research on the Fruits in

HAWTHORN SOLID

 

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Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)* Hawthorn has been traditionally used in Europe in to treat hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina and hypercholesteremia. Recent research has shown that a diet rich in polyphenols decreases cardiovascular risk by inhibiting low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, which is a primary event in atherosclerosis plaque formation1. Clinical trials using hawthorn in patients with and without prescription hypotensive agents showed a marked decrease in blood pressure as well as a decrease in clinical symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea and lack of vitality2,3,4. Hawthorn is also beneficial to patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and laboratory studies suggest that this may be due to improvement in the contractility of impaired myocardium5. A review of 9 different clinical trials designed to study the effect of hawthorn in patients with congestive heart failure concluded that “Crataegus is an effective and safe treatment for this indication”6,7. The positive effect of hawthorn on a wide range of cardiac and circulatory conditions demonstrates the ability of this medicinal fruit to deliver plaque-fighting capabilities and improve cardiac tonicity. While many products increase blood circulation by elevating blood pressure, hawthorn is unique in that it increases circulation and simultaneously lowers blood pressure. Hawthorn fruit contains oligomeric procyanidins (OPC’s), which are a class of nutrients in the polyphenol family. The berries also contain rutin (a flavonoid) and triterpene acids such as Vitexin, Crateagolic acid, Vitexin-O-Rhamnoside and Isovitexin. OPC’s and other flavonoids help inhibit angiotensin-converting enzymes, causing vasodilation and hence, improve circulation and blood vessel integrity6. The antioxidants in hawthorn prevent further deterioration and reduce inflammation. Rutin and other flavonoids are thought to rebuild the collagen fibers in the outer layers of the blood vessels, which also strengthens them8. Hawthorn is also used to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.9
Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.)* Blueberries have one of the highest ORAC values of all fruits tested by the US Department of Agriculture. They increase circulation to the capillaries of the eyes and their antioxidative effects are useful in preventing diabetic retinopathy, night blindness, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Apple (Malus pumila)* Apples contain Vitamin A and potassium. They also contain boron, a trace mineral necessary for proper absorption of calcium for healthy bone growth and maintenance. Apple procyanidins inhibit proliferation of animal melanoma cells and human metastatic colon cancer cells in laboratory studies.10,11
Bibliography:

1. Quettier-Deleu, C, Voiselle, G, Fruchart, JC et al. Hawthorn Extracts Inhibit LDL Oxidation. Pharmazie 58 (8), pp 577-581, 2003.

2. Walker, AF, Marakis, G, Simpson, E, et al. Hypotensive Effects of Hawthorn for Patients with Diabetes Taking Prescription Drugs: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Br J Gen Pract 56 (527), pp 437-443, 2006.

3. Walker, AF, Marakis, G, Morris, AP and Robinson, PA. Promising Hypotensive Effect of Hawthorn Extract: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study of Mild, Essential Hypertension. Phytother Res 16 (1), pp 48-54, 2002.

4. Schmidt, U, Kuhn, U, Ploch, M, et al. Efficacy of the Hawthorn (Crataegus) Preparation LI 132 in 78 Patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Defined as NYHA Functional Class II. Phytomedicine 1, pp 17-24, 1994.

5. Rechciński, T and Kurpesa, M. Oligomeric Procyanidins from Hawthorn Extract as Supplementary Therapy in Patients with Left Ventricle Systolic Dysfunction. Przegl Lek 62(4), pp 243-244, 2005.

6. Gundling, K and Ernst, E. Complimentary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease: What Is the Evidence It Works? West J Med 171(3), pp 191-194, 1999.

7. Degenring, FH, Suter, A, Weber, M, and Saller, R. A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial of A Standardised Extract of Fresh Crataegus Berris (Crataegisan) in the Treatment of Patients with Congestive Heart Failure NYHA II. Phytomedicine 10(5), pp 363-369, 2003.

8. Rigelsky, JM and Sweet, BV. Hawthorn: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses. Am J Health Syst Pharm 59(5), pp 417-422, 2002.

9. Chen, JK and Chen, TT. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004. pp 523-524.

10. Miura, T, Chiba, M, Kasai, K, et al. Apple Procyanidins Induce Tumor-Cell Apoptosis Through Mitochondrial Pathway Activation of Caspase-3. Carcinogenesis Sept 7, 2007.

11. Gossé, F, Guyot, S, Roussi, S, et al. Chemopreventative Properties of Apple Procyanidins on Human Colon Cancer-Derived Metastatic SW620 Cells and in a Rat Model of Colon Carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 26 (7), pp 1291-1295, 2005.

*Herbal Therapeutics Research Library

Author: David Winston (RH) AHG

 

©2007 Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved

 Disclaimer: The information on historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a professional health care advisor.