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ING-139Ingredient Research Profile

Cardiovascular

Hawthorn Berry Extract

Also known as: Crataegus monogyna · Crataegus laevigata · WS 1442 (standardised extract)

●●○Moderate Evidence

One of the best-evidenced herbal cardiovascular tonics. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) from hawthorn improve cardiac output, reduce blood pressure, and lower resting heart rate in mild heart failure.

Effective Dose

160–900mg / day

per clinical evidence

Evidence Level

Moderate

Cardiovascular

Mechanism

Vasodilation, cardiac inotropic support, antioxidant

primary action

Best For

Heart failure

Blood pressure, Coronary blood flow, Anxiety

This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.

What Is Hawthorn Berry Extract?

Hawthorn berries and leaves have been used as heart medicine for over 2000 years. The WS 1442 standardised extract (18.75% OPCs) is the most studied form, with multiple RCTs in chronic heart failure patients showing improved exercise capacity, reduced symptoms, and better quality of life.

How It Works: The Science

Hawthorn OPCs inhibit phosphodiesterase (increasing cAMP — positive inotropic effect improving cardiac contractility), inhibit ACE (reducing blood pressure), activate eNOS (coronary vasodilation), and are potent antioxidants protecting against cardiac lipid peroxidation. They also reduce collagen cross-linking in arterial walls, improving vascular elasticity.

Primary Mechanism

Vasodilation, cardiac inotropic support, antioxidant

Evidence-Based Benefits

Improves exercise tolerance in chronic heart failure

moderate

Pittler et al. (2008) Cochrane review — significant improvement in exercise capacity

Reduces blood pressure and resting heart rate

moderate

Multiple RCTs — mild but significant antihypertensive effect

Reduces anxiety and improves sleep

limited

GABA-A receptor modulation — emerging evidence for mild anxiolytic effect

Dosage Guide

Effective Dose

160–900mg / day

160–900mg WS 1442 extract daily (standardised to 18.75% OPCs). Full therapeutic effects take 6–8 weeks. Can be split into two doses.

Safety Profile & Side Effects

Well tolerated. Do not use in grade IV heart failure (SPICE trial signal of potential harm at advanced stages). Possible potentiation of cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and antihypertensives.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It

Best for

Heart failureBlood pressureCoronary blood flowAnxiety

Who it's for

Those with mild-to-moderate cardiovascular concerns, hypertension, and chronic heart failure (grades I–III, under medical supervision). Also an underappreciated anxiety remedy via its mild GABA modulatory effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Hawthorn Berry Extract?

160–900mg WS 1442 extract daily (standardised to 18.75% OPCs). Full therapeutic effects take 6–8 weeks. Can be split into two doses.

Is Hawthorn Berry Extract safe?

Well tolerated. Do not use in grade IV heart failure (SPICE trial signal of potential harm at advanced stages). Possible potentiation of cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and antihypertensives.

How does Hawthorn Berry Extract work?

Who should take Hawthorn Berry Extract?

Related Ingredients

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)Aged Garlic Extract (AGE)Omega-3 (EPA + DHA)

Medical Disclaimer

Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →