Crataegus (Hawthorn Berry/Leaf/Flower)
Traditional heart tonic with evidence for mild heart failure, blood pressure support, and cardiovascular health.
Hawthorn is a thorny shrub whose berries, leaves, and flowers have been used as a heart tonic for centuries. It's one of the most well-researched herbs 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.
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied) | Recommended |
| 💧Berry/leaf/flower tincture | Alternative |
| 🍵Dried herb tea | Alternative |
WS 1442 (Crataegutt) and LI 132 are pharmaceutical-grade extracts used in clinical trials.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Traditionally taken 2-3 times daily. Effects build over weeks.
Better exercise capacity and symptoms in mild heart failure
Modest blood pressure reduction
Insufficient data; avoid
Use under medical supervision; may benefit mild heart failure
May have additive effects — use under medical supervision
May enhance blood pressure lowering
May have additive vasodilatory effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Monitor blood pressure
Tip: Usually resolves
Top studies from 32+ peer-reviewed papers
Zhong LL et al. • Stroke and vascular neurology (2022)
“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.”
Holubarsch CJF et al. • Pharmacological Research (2018)
“Hawthorn extract significantly improved maximal workload capacity and reduced symptoms of heart failure including dyspnea and fatigue.”
Shi KQ et al. • Molecular biology reports (2012)
“In conclusion, TCM is of modest benefit to the treatment of NAFLD.”
Kim M et al. • Nutrients (2025)
“These findings suggest that HF consumption may have potential anti-skin-aging effects.”
Zhang Q et al. • Lipids in health and disease (2023)
“In patients with NAFLD, dietary intervention using medicinal and food homologous substances can ameliorate blood lipid and blood glucose levels and liver enzymes to some extent.”
What would you like to do next?
Aged Garlic Extract
9/10Odorless garlic extract with strong evidence for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and immune support.
Bergamot
8.5/10Citrus extract with compelling evidence for cholesterol management, particularly LDL reduction and improved lipid ratios.
Olive Leaf Extract
8.5/10Oleuropein-rich extract with antiviral, antibacterial, and blood pressure-lowering effects — part of the Mediterranean diet's protective profile.
Grape Seed Extract
7.5/10Rich source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) that support circulation, skin health, and antioxidant defense.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research