Hawthorn Berry Juice Benefits

Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is a flowering shrub related to the rose that produces edible berries. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that European and American doctors have long used the berry's juice to treat heart conditions, including chest pain and irregular heartbeat. In 21st century medicine, it has been identified as a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement.

Heart Failure

The University of Michigan Health System offers a three-star rating for hawthorn berry juice's impact on congestive heart failure. Researchers believe that hawthorn reduces atherosclerosis, or hardening of artery plaques, as well as improving symptoms in those with moderate heart failure. One of the largest studies affirming these claims was published in the July 2000 edition of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology.

Blood Pressure Issues

Scientists have studied hawthorn's effects on both low and high blood pressure. Michael Garko, host of the American radio show "Let's Talk Nutrition," writes that hawthorn's flavinoids, the chemical compounds that give the berry and its juice their deep red colors, provide the protective properties. The berry dilates peripheral and coronary blood vessels, increasing the body's metabolism and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, a study published in the German medical journal Arzneimittelforschung showed that a juice extract mixed with D-camphor was effective in treating hypotension, or low blood pressure.

Anti-oxidant

The UMMC writes that Hawthorn berries provide a natural anti-oxidant benefit to the body. Anti-oxidants eliminate free radicals from the bloodstream. The naturally occurring free radical is caused by environmental toxins, and when floating through the body, they destroy and mutate healthy cells.

Anti-Inflammatory

Serbian researchers investigated the juice's anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory animals. Rats were given concentrations of the juice to reduce water retention in their paws. The results showed a 72.4 percent reduction in edema when compared with animals treated with indomethacin.

Ulcer Protection

The same Serbian study tested the gastroprotective activity of hawthorn juice extract against ulcers. Scientists induced ulcers in lab rats and treated the animals with the extract. Compared with drug treatment, the juice had moderate "bactericidal activity," eliminating three of the four bacterias that cause and perpetuate stomach ulcers.