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Crataegus (Hawthorn Berry/Leaf/Flower)
Traditional heart tonic with evidence for mild heart failure, blood pressure support, and cardiovascular health.
What the evidence says
Hawthorn doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2001–2026 with a typical study size of 120 participants.
Based on 57 studies · 6 meta-analyses · 31 RCTs · 21,979 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceWhat the studies found
By outcome
Meta-analyses and a Cochrane review show hawthorn improves exercise capacity and symptoms in mild heart failure, but larger modern RCTs (HERB-CHF, SPICE) found no functional benefit, tempering the overall picture.
3 trials ongoing or recruiting · 23 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
2 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Hawthorn, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Hawthorn is a thorny shrub whose berries, leaves, and flowers have been used as a heart tonic for centuries. It is used for cardiovascular health, with clinical evidence supporting benefits in mild heart failure, blood pressure regulation, and lipid profiles.
Works through multiple mechanisms to support overall heart function.
Strengthens heart muscle contractions
Relaxes blood vessels
Protects heart tissue from oxidative damage
How Hawthorn works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Insufficient data; avoid
Do not use it to self-treat heart failure. In a retrospective analysis of the HERB CHF trial (900 mg a day for 6 months), overall progression did not differ from placebo (46.6% vs 43.3%), but early progression was more likely on hawthorn (adjusted OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.5 to 26.5). Use only under cardiology supervision
May have additive effects — use under medical supervision
May enhance blood pressure lowering A grade for this interaction is held for clinical review and has not been validated, so no severity is given. The precaution still applies: ask a pharmacist about the exact supplement and medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
May have additive vasodilatory effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Monitor blood pressure
Tip: Usually resolves
Hawthorn has an evidence score of 6.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 56 indexed studies, including 5 meta-analyses. Traditional heart tonic with evidence for mild heart failure, blood pressure support, and cardiovascular health. Representative study: PMID 34446530.
The commonly studied dose of Hawthorn is 160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Hawthorn is with meals. Taking it with food is preferred. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), flavonoids (vitexin, hyperoside), and triterpenic acids that support cardiovascular function via positive inotropic effects, vasodilation, and antioxidant activity.
Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. Reported side effects are uncommon and include GI upset, dizziness, headache. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Hawthorn or related compounds; Concurrent use with heart medications (digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) without medical supervision.
Aged Garlic Extract
Likely helpsOdorless garlic extract with evidence for blood pressure and cardiovascular markers, and one trial reporting milder colds and flu.
Beetroot
Likely helpsDietary nitrates convert to nitric oxide, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles — a top-5 evidence-based ergogenic aid.
Curcumin
Probably helpsTurmeric's active compound that modulates NF-kB inflammatory pathways — supports mood, joint health, and post-exercise recovery.
Andrographis
Likely helpsStudied for comfort and symptom duration during upper-respiratory infections when taken at onset — also supports liver health.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed May 2026 · evidence from 57 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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