Hawthorn is a flowering shrub in the rose family. The spiny bush is native to Europe, but it grows throughout other areas of the world and produces a red berry. The berry may help treat medical conditions. The use of hawthorn berry dates back to the first century, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to the possible benefits of taking hawthorn berry, adverse effects may occur. Always consult your healthcare professional before beginning any herbal supplements.
Treatment for Heart Conditions
Traditional uses of the hawthorn berry include treating a variety of heart conditions. Common heart problems hawthorn berry may treat include an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, arteriosclerosis, heart failure and high blood pressure. The supplement may improve heart health because the plant contains antioxidants called quercetin and oligomeric procyandins. These antioxidants help destroy free radicals that damage cell membranes, alter DNA and cause cell death. The number of free radicals in the body increases with age and toxins in the environment, such as pollution and ultraviolet light. The benefits of the antioxidants in hawthorn berry include dilatation of blood vessels, improvement of blood flow in the body and protection of blood vessels from further damage.
Side Effects
Generally, hawthorn berry does not raise safety concerns for adults taking the supplement on a short-term basis. Possible side effects of hawthorn berry include fatigue, sweating and nausea, according to Drugs.com. When taken in high dosages, the herbal supplement may cause these adverse reactions. Additional side effects include headache, dizziness and heart palpitations. Refrain from driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery until you know how taking hawthorn berry affects you.
Interactions with Medications
Hawthorn berry may enhance the ability of digoxin in the body to control irregular heart rhythms. Using hawthorn berry with medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel-blockers may elicit stronger effects from the medications. Possible complications with this combination include an unsafe decrease in blood pressure. Using hawthorn berry with phenylephrine -- a nasal decongestant -- may reduce the effectiveness of the medication, because phenylephrine works to constrict blood vessels in the nose while hawthorn berry dilates blood vessels.
Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing of hawthorn berry and does not rate the efficacy of the product. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using hawthorn berry.
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