Last verified: today
Hawthorn Berry
Also known as: Crataegus, Crataegus pinnatifida, Crataegus monogyna, hawthorn berry extract, HBE
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant berry with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; most evidence is from animal studies.
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What it does
Hawthorn berry is the fruit of the Crataegus shrub, long used in traditional medicine for heart health. Animal studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid levels —...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Hawthorn berry is the fruit of the Crataegus shrub, long used in traditional medicine for heart health. Animal studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid levels — particularly in the context of obesity-related cardiac injury. One human trial included hawthorn berry as part of a multi-ingredient nitric oxide supplement that reduced triglycerides, but hawthorn's individual contribution could not be isolated.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat heart disease in humans on its own. No human trials in the provided data test hawthorn berry alone. Don't expect it to replace statins or blood pressure medication. The animal study results may not translate to people.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May protect heart tissue from obesity-related damage in animal models via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 100 mg/kg in rats (human equivalent unknown)
Reduced gut inflammation and neutrophil activity in a rat model of colitis.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 100 mg/kg in rats (human equivalent unknown)
Part of a multi-ingredient supplement that significantly reduced triglycerides in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Nearly all positive evidence comes from rat studies — human data is extremely limited
- The one human trial used hawthorn as part of a multi-ingredient blend, so its individual effect cannot be determined
- Widely used in supplements (1,000+ registered products) despite very thin clinical evidence
- Paper 4 (PMID 15364120) used hawthorn in a complex multi-drug protocol — results cannot be attributed to hawthorn alone
Products Containing Hawthorn Berry
See how Hawthorn Berry is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25