Hawthorn Berry for Cancer

Hawthorn is a genus of approximately 200 species of flowering shrubs in the rose family of plants that are indigenous to Europe, North America and Asia. Although hawthorn naturally inhabits pastures and fields, it is widely cultivated as a garden hedge plant. Preparations made from the flowers, leaves and fruit are traditionally used to treat congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Other medicinal uses for this plant include the treatment of inflammatory disorders, especially joint problems. The high antioxidant content of the leaves and flowers may offer anti-cancer potential. Due to cardiovascular effects, however, do not take hawthorn without consulting your physician.

Botanical Background

Crataegus plants produce berry-like fruits called haws or mayhaws, which explains the common name of hawthorn. Similarly, because the small trees usually flower in the month of May, hawthorn is also known as maythorn or mayblossom in some regions. The tart berries are made into jams, jellies and wine and provide visual interest and sustenance for birds in winter.

Composition

According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," hawthorn contains a variety of flavonoid compounds with antioxidant properties. Specifically, the plant contains up to 0.17 percent rutin and up to 0.28 percent hyperoside, both of which are closely related to the antioxidant compound quercetin. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that oligomeric procyandins are also present, the same type of antioxidants found in grapes and red wine.

Pharmacological Effects

Antioxidants stop the oxidation of other molecules, a process that produces harmful particles called free radicals. These particles, which accumulate in the body from exposure to environmental toxins, damage DNA and other cellular material and contribute to the development of disease, including cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the antioxidant content in hawthorn may help prevent free-radical damage.

Clinical Evidence

A comprehensive review published in the July 10, 2010, issue of "Pharmacognosy Review" concluded that clinical trials and case studies show that hawthorn preparations effectively address cardiovascular disease, especially in the early stages of the disease. A study published in the April 5, 2011, issue of "Nutrition Research and Practice" reported that a water fraction of hawthorn fruit demonstrated several anti-inflammatory actions evidenced by a decreased expression of inflammatory enzymes in cells. The free-radical-scavenging capabilities of an ethanol extract of the berries of three species of hawthorn were documented in a study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" on Sept. 10, 2008.

Safety Issues

Although the 2010 review found that hawthorn has an excellent safety record with few side effects, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that some people may experience nausea, headache or heart palpitations. Hawthorn may also increase the effects of cardiovascular medications, including digoxin, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers.