Although they were once most commonly used as a natural diuretic treatment and to eliminate kidney or bladder stones, the berries of the hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) have also been used to treat heart disease and related cardiac problems since the First Century. Today, the leaves and flowers of the hawthorn plant are also used along with the berries to make capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures, teas and solid extracts.
Combats Free Radicals
Hawthorn berries contain antioxidants, which are substances that destroy "free radicals," that can damage cell membranes and cause cell death, according to studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Exposure to radiation, cigarette smoke, air pollution and some medications can increase the amount of free radicals in the body. Hawthorn berries' antioxidants can prevent damage from these free radicals, thus protecting against cancers and heart disease, the UMMC says.
Improves Heart Failure Symptoms
Several studies in people with heart failure have found that taking hawthorn berries can significantly improve heart function, as well as improve shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue and other symptoms related to heart failure, the UMMC says. Other studies have determined that hawthorn berry can normalize heart action, improve heart efficiency and strengthen heart contractions in nearly all patients with primary heart disease and some with severe secondary heart disease, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. The Network says that the studies also revealed that patients under stress who were taking hawthorn needed less oxygen than people under standard treatments. Also, in vitro administrations of hawthorn berry equal to the dry extract dosage of approximately 1 mg improved coronary circulation from 20 up to 140 percent.
Treats Hypertension
Hawthorn berry can lower high blood pressure by dilating the surface blood vessels, the Network notes. A study found that hawthorn extract helped to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, the UMMC reports. The UMMC points out, however, that no studies have specifically investigated hawthorn's direct effects on patients with high blood pressure.
Relieves Angina
Taking hawthorn berry extracts may help to relieve or prevent angina, or chest pain caused by a low blood flow to the heart, according to the UMMC. The UMMC cites a preliminary study that revealed that people with angina who took 180 mg per day of hawthorn extract for three weeks experienced improved blood circulation to the heart and less chest pain while exercising. Hawthorn acts to treat angina by normalizing the "heart and circulation, lowering or raising blood pressure according to need," the Network says.
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