What is hawthorn berry extract good for?
The hawthorn plant, or Crataegus monogyna, is a species of flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa that belongs to the rose family. The hawthorn plant takes the form of a shrub or small tree, and produces small dark red berries which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a herbal remedy for a variety of maladies, including heart problems, high blood pressure and digestive issues.
Modern research shows that the high antioxidant content of these berries can indeed help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels while also reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health.
Benefits for cardiovascular health
In terms of cardiovascular health, studies show that hawthorn functions as a vasodilator, meaning it is able to relax and expand blood vessels, which results in lower blood pressure, and several studies have been able to confirm this effect. A significant reduction in blood pressure has been associated with taking hawthorn supplementation for several months, including in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who had elevated blood pressure levels to begin with.
Hawthorn berry extract also shows promising results for regulating cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, which is thought to be attributed to its high pectin content, a type of fiber that is involved in metabolizing cholesterol.
Furthermore, one six month study that involved 64 people who were suffering from atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, observed a significant reduction in plaque by supplementing hawthorn berry extract at 5mg per kg of body weight (or 2.3mg per pound).
These combined cardiovascular benefits of hawthorn berry have been demonstrated to help alleviate symptoms for people that suffer from heart failure, including fatigue and shortness of breath.
Benefits for digestive health
As for gut health, it is thought that hawthorn berry actually functions as a prebiotic, which encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria, vital for healthy digestion.
When should I take hawthorn berry extract?
While there does not appear to be a time of day that is best suited for taking it, hawthorn berry extract is known to cause gastrointestinal upset in some people, so it is advised to take this supplement with a meal in order to minimize any potential adverse side effects.
What does hawthorn berry extract combine well with?
Hawthorn berry with magnesium, for anxiety & blood pressure
One study that involved 264 people suffering from anxiety found that, when combined with magnesium and California poppy flower, hawthorn berry extract significantly reduced levels of anxiety versus the group that took a placebo.
Another study combining just magnesium and hawthorn berry extract found a significant improvement in blood pressure levels.
What should I avoid taking hawthorn berry extract with?
Avoid with blood-thinning medication
Hawthorn berry extract can potentially slow blood clotting due to its blood-thinning properties, which means that it should not be combined with any blood-thinning or anticoagulant medication, as this could exacerbate the medication's effects and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Hawthorn Berry Extract data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025