hawthorn

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

hawthorn’s benefits on the circulatory system are what really make it work as an herbal supplement. hawthorn has long been utilised to promote heart health.

It is thought to promote cardiac muscle contractility, increase coronary blood flow, and lessen the burden on the heart. Hawthorn also possesses antioxidant qualities that aid in preventing oxidative damage to the heart. 

Vasodilation, often known as the relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels, has been demonstrated to be facilitated by hawthorn. This action might aid in enhancing blood flow and lowering high blood pressure. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Circulatory disturbances 

Fatigue 

Sleep disturbances 

Dizziness 

Palpitations 

Sweating 

Agitation 

Headache 

Nausea 

GI disturbances 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

There is currently no black box warning for hawthorn herbal supplement. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• hawthorn may reduce blood pressure due to its mild hypotensive properties.  
• The usage of hawthorn may further drop your blood pressure if you already have low blood pressure or are taking drugs to control it, which could result in light headedness or dizziness.  
• This is due to the possibility of interactions between hawthorn and several cardiac drugs, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and cardiac glycosides. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Flavonoids found in hawthorn include rutin, vitexin, and hyperoside. These flavonoids have antioxidant properties that aid in preventing oxidative cell damage. Nitric oxide production may be increased by flavonoids, resulting in vasodilation and better blood flow. 

hawthorn OPCs have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. They might aid in lowering oxidative stress, enhancing endothelial function, and strengthening and contracting the heart muscle.  

Pharmacodynamics 

hawthorn has a long history of supporting cardiovascular health. It might increase the contractility of the heart muscle, increase coronary blood flow, and lessen the strain on the heart. The diverse bioactive substances found in hawthorn, such as triterpene acids and flavonoids, may be responsible for these effects. 

It has been demonstrated that hawthorn encourages blood vessel relaxation and dilation, which results in vasodilation. Nitric oxide (NO) production may have increased, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) may have been activated, mediating this effect. Vasodilation can increase blood flow, which may be advantageous for treating disorders like hypertension and cardiovascular issues. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

hawthorn extracts or tinctures are normally consumed orally, and the active ingredients are absorbed through the digestive system. The process of absorption may be influenced by elements such the dose form, constituents degree of solubility, and interactions with other medications. 

Distribution 

The bioactive substances in hawthorn are dispersed throughout the body after absorption. Flavonoids and OPCs are two components that have been found in the heart and blood vessels, among other tissues. Protein binding and tissue permeability are two examples of variables that may have an impact on how hawthorn substances are distributed. 

Metabolism 

hawthorn is predominantly metabolized in the liver. There has not been much research done on the precise metabolic routes and enzymes involved in the metabolism of hawthorn components. It is understood that phase I and phase II metabolic enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes and glucuronosyltransferases, can metabolize flavonoids and other chemicals in hawthorn.  

Elimination and excretion 

hawthorn and its metabolites are mostly excreted from the body by the kidneys. The primary method of elimination is by renal excretion, which manifests as urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

hawthorn extract is frequently pressed into tablets or encapsulated, making oral administration simple.  

There are hawthorn extracts available in the form of tinctures or liquid concentrates. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hawthorn 

Why do we use hawthorn? 

hawthorn is frequently utilised to boost cardiovascular health and enhance cardiovascular performance. It might strengthen cardiac muscle strength, increase coronary blood flow, and lessen the strain on the heart.  

hawthorn has long been used as a homoeopathic treatment for high blood pressure.