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Hawthorn Extract

Also known as: Crataegus, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus pinnatifida, Crataegus microphylla, Crataegus monogyna, hawthorn berry extract

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Herbal extract with modest evidence for lowering diastolic blood pressure and supporting heart health.

  • What it does

    Hawthorn extract comes from the berries, leaves, and flowers of the Crataegus plant and has been used in traditional medicine for heart and circulatory conditions. Clinical trials show it can...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    1200 mg daily (blood pressure); 900 mg daily (heart failure trials); No established universal dose

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Hawthorn extract comes from the berries, leaves, and flowers of the Crataegus plant and has been used in traditional medicine for heart and circulatory conditions. Clinical trials show it can modestly reduce diastolic blood pressure, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes taking medication, and lab studies suggest it reduces inflammation and supports blood vessel function. Its active compounds — flavonoids like rutin and chlorogenic acid — appear to reduce oxidative stress, inhibit fat absorption, and protect vascular endothelial cells.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't meaningfully improve exercise capacity or symptoms in heart failure patients already on standard medications. No proven dose-response effect on blood vessel dilation via nitric oxide. Not a replacement for prescribed heart or blood pressure drugs. No solid human evidence it treats obesity, liver disease, or hearing loss.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Lowers diastolic blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes taking prescription medications.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 1200 mg daily for 16 weeks

May modestly improve left ventricular ejection fraction when added to standard heart failure therapy.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 900 mg daily for 6 months

Reduces inflammatory markers and supports endothelial function in coronary artery disease patients.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

May reduce radiation-induced DNA damage in human blood cells after a single oral dose.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 500 mg single dose

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were provided. One study measured effects 1–3 hours after a single oral dose, suggesting some absorption occurs, but absorption rates are not quantified in the provided data.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • May interact with prescription heart and blood pressure medications — one trial specifically studied patients on multiple drugs, though no interactions were detected in that study
  • More adverse events were reported in the hawthorn group vs. placebo in the HERB CHF heart failure trial
  • Most positive cardiovascular findings come from combination products (e.g., GXSC), making it hard to isolate hawthorn's specific contribution
  • No standardized dose exists across studies — products vary widely in extract concentration and active compound content
  • Pre-clinical and animal data dominate many claimed benefits (liver, obesity, diabetes); human evidence is limited

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