Crataegus Oxyacantha: Complete Medicinal Profile
Crataegus oxyacantha, also known as the hawthorn tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with thorny branches and clusters of small, white flowers.
The medicinal properties of Crataegus oxyacantha lie in its ability to support cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.
The health benefits of hawthorn include reducing the risk of heart failure, improving blood lipid profiles, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
Hawthorn is typically prepared as a tea, tincture, or capsule, and can also be used as a dried flower or berry in herbal supplements and food products.
Study of the Day
According to Farmaco (Societa chimica italiana : 1989), Crataegus oxyacantha contains flavonoids such as luteolin, luteolin-3', 7-diglucoside, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and rutin, which may have medicinal properties but their specific medicinal purposes are not mentioned in this study.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Crataegus oxyacantha.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Crataegus oxyacantha is used to treat a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and chest pain.
It has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, which can lead to a decrease in the risk of heart disease and stroke.
This plant has also been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against cell damage and promote overall health and well-being.
Additionally, Crataegus oxyacantha has been used to treat conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer, as well as to improve cognitive function and boost the immune system.
The health benefits of Crataegus oxyacantha are listed below.
- Cardiovascular health: Crataegus oxyacantha, also known as hawthorn, has been traditionally used to support heart health by reducing blood pressure, improving blood flow, and preventing heart failure.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Crataegus oxyacantha has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases.
- Digestive health: The plant's flavonoids and anthocyanins have been shown to have prebiotic properties, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy digestive system.
- Cognitive function: Crataegus oxyacantha contains compounds that may help improve cognitive function, memory, and mood, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Antimicrobial properties: The plant's flavonoids and other compounds have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity, making it a potential natural remedy for infections and other microbial-related conditions.
- Skin and wound healing: Crataegus oxyacantha's flavonoids and other compounds may help promote skin health, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing, making it a potential natural remedy for skin conditions and injuries.
Here are the best health benefits of Crataegus oxyacantha.
Actions
Crataegus oxyacantha has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, exerting its effects on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems.
Its flavonoids and polyphenols have been shown to exhibit cardiotonic, vasodilatory, and anti-arrhythmic actions, impacting the cardiovascular system's functioning.
Additionally, the plant's therapeutic actions include anti-hypertensive, anxiolytic, and sedative effects, influencing the nervous system's response to stress and promoting relaxation.
The plant's bioactive compounds also exhibit anti-oxidative, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory actions, affecting the digestive, hepatic, and immune systems.
The therapeutic actions of Crataegus oxyacantha are listed below.
- Cardiotonic: Stimulates the heart and increases its pumping efficiency, often used to treat heart failure and other cardiovascular issues
- Astringent: Causes the contraction of body tissues, often used to treat diarrhea and excessive bleeding
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress, often used to treat cell damage and inflammation
- Antiviral: Inhibits the replication of viruses, often used to treat viral infections such as herpes and influenza
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and pain, often used to treat conditions such as arthritis and gout
- Nervine: Has a calming effect on the nervous system, often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and stress
- Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements and treats constipation
Constituents
Crataegus oxyacantha has been found to be rich in a variety of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage.
The plant also contains tannins, like gallic acid and ellagic acid, which have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.
Furthermore, Crataegus oxyacantha is a source of phenolic acids, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid, which have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Additionally, the plant is rich in saponins, like aesculetin and scopoletin, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, as well as cardiotonic compounds like crataegus saponins, which have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
The bioactive constituents of Crataegus oxyacantha are listed below.
- Tannins: A type of polyphenol that acts as a natural astringent and has antioxidant properties.
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Saponins: A type of glycoside that can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Phenolic acids: A group of compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Epicatechin: A flavan-3-ol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Crataegus oxyacantha are the berries, leaves, flowers, and bark.
The berries of the plant are rich in antioxidants and are used to treat various health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and inflammation.
The leaves are used to make teas and infusions that help alleviate symptoms of fever, cough, and respiratory infections.
The flowers and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and to boost the immune system, with the flowers also being used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Crataegus oxyacantha and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Fever, diarrhea, inflammation |
| Flowers | Menstrual issues, urinary issues, anxiety |
| Fruit | Heart conditions, high blood pressure, digestive issues |
| Bark | Cough, respiratory issues, infections |
| Root | Skin issues, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual cramps |
Preparations
Crataegus oxyacantha, also known as the hawthorn tree, is a popular herbal remedy used to promote cardiovascular health.
The most common herbal preparations of this plant include infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and capsules.
Infusions and decoctions are often used to treat mild heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and angina, while tinctures and capsules are commonly used to support cardiovascular health, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart failure.
Additionally, hawthorn preparations have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of menopausal hot flashes, improve digestion, and boost overall cardiovascular function.
The herbal preparations of Crataegus oxyacantha are listed below.
- Crataegus oxyacantha infusion: A tea made by steeping the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the crataegus oxyacantha plant in hot water, often consumed for its potential heart health benefits.
- Crataegus oxyacantha tincture: A concentrated liquid extract of the crataegus oxyacantha plant, often taken sublingually or added to water as a supplement.
- Crataegus oxyacantha decoction: A liquid preparation made by simmering the roots and bark of the crataegus oxyacantha plant in water, often used for its potential digestive benefits.
- Crataegus oxyacantha glycerite: A sweet-tasting liquid extract of the crataegus oxyacantha plant, often used as a flavoring agent or supplement for children.
- Crataegus oxyacantha salve: A topical ointment made by infusing the leaves and flowers of the crataegus oxyacantha plant in a carrier oil, often used for skin irritations or wounds.
- Crataegus oxyacantha infused oil: A liquid extract of the crataegus oxyacantha plant, often used as a carrier oil for skin care or as a hair treatment.
- Crataegus oxyacantha vinegar: A liquid extract of the crataegus oxyacantha plant, often added to food or used as a digestive aid.
Side Effects
Crataegus oxyacantha side effects are numerous and can be concerning for those taking it, particularly the elderly and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Side effects can include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, as well as cardiovascular problems like palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Additionally, users may experience dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and allergic reactions like hives and itching.
Precautions are advised for those taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions, as interactions with Crataegus oxyacantha may exacerbate these conditions.
The possible side effects of Crataegus oxyacantha are listed below.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing, after consuming crataegus oxyacantha.
- Digestive issues: Crataegus oxyacantha may cause digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when taken in high doses.
- Interactions with medications: This plant may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications, which can lead to adverse effects.
- Lightheadedness and dizziness: Consuming crataegus oxyacantha may cause lightheadedness and dizziness, especially when standing up quickly or engaging in physical activity.
- Skin rashes: Some individuals may experience skin rashes or itching after consuming crataegus oxyacantha.
- Stomach pain: Crataegus oxyacantha may cause stomach pain or discomfort, especially when taken in high doses or in combination with other medications.
- Vasodilation: The plant may cause vasodilation, leading to low blood pressure, which can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing hypotension or cardiovascular conditions.