Hawthorne Berries as an Adjunctive Treatment for Heart Disease
A recent Cochrane Review meta-analysis confirmed the benefits of the Hawthorne extract (made from dried leaves, flowers and fruits of the Hawthorne bush) and concluded that the extract may be used as an oral treatment for the symptom control and adverse physiologic outcomes associated with chronic heart disease failure. It is believed that the antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds present in Hawthorne extract helps to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase the integrity of the blood vessel wall
- Improve coronary blood flow
- Have a positive effect on oxygen utilization
- Improve maximal workload
- Increase exercise tolerance
- Reduce shortness of breath and fatigue
The Cochrane reviewers conducted a meta-analysis of 14 randomized control trials comparing the effectiveness of the Hawthorne extract with placebos to conventional therapies. The review involved 855 patients. Their conclusion was that the extract used along with conventional treatment might provide additional benefit to chronic heart disease patients.
The Hawthorne plant is a popular herbal medicine in Europe and the USA. From experience, the dosage is usually 120-900 mg/day but was not mentioned in the Cochrane reviews that were studied. Side-effects may include Central Nervous System (CNS) depression sedation, very low blood pressure & drug nutrient interactions. It is not to be given to children and pregnant women.
Some of the drug-nutrient interactions include digitalis, antihistimines, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, digoxin and cardiac glycosides. These interactions need further study and are related to the CNS depression, hypotensive side effects associated with this plant.
The safety profile has been reported to be well tolerated, toxicity uncommon with few side effects except for nausea, dizziness, heart and gastrointestinal (G.I.) complaints according to the Cochrane reviewers.
Source:
http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php
http://www.chochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005312.html
Herb-Drug Interaction Handbook by Sharon Herr, 2000.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
