HAWTHORN PE

DESCRIPTION
Hawthorn, or Crataegus oxyacantha, grows as a thorny shrub with white or pink flowers and berries that resemble miniature apples. This shrub is native to northern temperate climates in Asia, Europe and eastern North America. Hawthorn has been used in China since ancient times for digestion as well as for other difficulties. As far back as the Renaissance, Europeans used this supplement for digestive ailments; beginning in the late 1800s, doctors in Europe began to use hawthorn to treat heart disease as well. More recently, hawthorn has been used mostly as a cardiotonic (to ¡°strengthen¡± the heart muscle and promote more forceful contractions).

EFFICACY
• Prevents plaque build-up on arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves oxygen use by the heart to aid in congestive heart failure

THEORY
Hawthorn contains a group of chemicals known as flavonoids that are the main active group of components in this plant and are thought to work together to aid the heart in several ways. First, hawthorn extract can dilate vessels to the heart, thus improving blood flow to this vital organ. By dilating these vessels, hawthorn decreases vessel resistance and therefore lowers blood pressure. In addition, by improving oxygen utilization, the heart is more efficient and functions better in individuals suffering from ailments such as congestive heart failure. Finally, as an antioxidant, hawthorn is claimed to maintain healthy collagen matrices of arterial walls so that the vessels remain elastic.