What is the recommended dose of Hawthorn?

- **Look for:** WS 1442 extract (Crataegutt® — used in SPICE and most positive trials); standardized to 18.75% OPCs; leaf/flower extract; 160-450mg per capsule - **Avoid:** Berry-only extracts with...

Is Hawthorn safe to take daily?

Hawthorn is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Hawthorn

MODERATE EVIDENCEBotanicalLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

Hawthorn berry/leaf/flower extract is one of the most evidence-backed cardiovascular herbs, with German Commission E approval and over 30 clinical trials for heart failure (NYHA class I-III). The SPICE trial (2,681 patients) was the largest — while it missed its primary endpoint (all-cause mortality), it showed a 39.7% reduction in sudden cardiac death in a pre-specified subgroup. Our research shows hawthorn has genuine positive inotropic (strengthens heart contraction), vasodilatory, and antiarrhythmic properties. WS 1442 (Crataegutt®) is the standardized extract used in nearly all positive trials.

WHAT IT DOES

Hawthorn's OPCs (oligomeric procyanidins) and vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside work through: (1) PDE3 inhibition in cardiac myocytes — increases cAMP → stronger cardiac contraction (positive inotropy) without proarrhythmic risk; (2) eNOS activation — increases coronary and peripheral NO → vasodilation; (3) ACE inhibition (mild) — reduces angiotensin II → decreases afterload; (4) antiarrhythmic — extends the refractory period of cardiac action potentials, reducing premature beats; (5) antioxidant — protects cardiac tissue from ischemia-reperfusion injury via ROS scavenging. The PDE3 mechanism is pharmacologically similar to milrinone (prescription heart failure drug) but much milder.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: WS 1442 extract (Crataegutt® — used in SPICE and most positive trials); standardized to 18.75% OPCs; leaf/flower extract; 160-450mg per capsule
Avoid: Berry-only extracts without OPC standardization; crude berry powder; products not specifying Crataegus species
Minimum effective dose: 160mg/day WS 1442
Third-party tested brands: Nature's Way (Heartcare — WS 1442), NOW Foods, Gaia Herbs

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SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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