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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Hawthorn wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied)
Prescription topical: a pea-sized amount of 0.025%-0.1% cream or gel applied to clean, dry skin once nightly. Start low-strength and every-other-night to build tolerance. A prescription drug used under clinician direction — not a supplement regimen.
before-bed
Topical cream or gel, 0.025%-0.1% (prescription)
8-12 weeks
6-12 weeks
12-24 weeks
12-24 weeks
Months
8-12 weeks
Would integrated Western and traditional Chinese medicine have more benefits for stroke rehabilitation? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Stroke and vascular neurology (2022) · Meta analysis · n=6339
Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.
Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials
The American Journal of Medicine (2003) · Meta analysis · n=632
Eight trials including 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) provided data suitable for meta-analysis.
Traditional Chinese medicines benefit to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Molecular biology reports (2012) · Meta analysis · n=25661
Comparing with western medicines mentioned above, TCM had a better effect on the normalization of alanine aminotransferase and disappearance of radiological steatosis in the treatment of NAFLD.
Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled study.
JAMA (1988) · Rct
Randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of topical tretinoin for photoaged forearm and facial skin
Tretinoin emollient cream: a new therapy for photodamaged skin.
J Am Acad Dermatol (1992) · Rct
Multicenter double-blind vehicle-controlled trial of tretinoin emollient cream for photodamaged skin
Long-term treatment of photoaged human skin with topical retinoic acid improves epidermal cell atypia and thickens the collagen band in papillary dermis.
J Am Acad Dermatol (2005) · Open label
Long-term topical retinoic acid on photoaged human skin assessed histologically
Based on meta-analysis showing 7-watt improvement in maximal workload. Effects primarily documented in mild heart failure patients. Most studies used WS 1442 extract standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Hawthorn has a higher evidence score (6.5/10 vs 8/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Hawthorn and Tretinoin (Retin-A) have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.