Hawthorn

Also known as: Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, WS 1442 extract

Grade B — Moderate Evidenceherbheart
160–1800 mg WS 1442With meals, twice daily. Effects require weeks to months.

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) berry and leaf extracts contain oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids that support cardiovascular function through vasodilation, positive inotropic effects, and antioxidant protection. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses demonstrate improvements in heart failure symptoms (exercise tolerance, fatigue, shortness of breath), and modest blood pressure reductions. It has a well-established safety profile with centuries of traditional use in European herbal medicine.

TL;DR: Cochrane-reviewed for heart failure (NYHA I-II): improves exercise tolerance and symptoms. Modest blood pressure reduction.

❤️Heart Health
Last reviewed: 2026-03-12

Quick Facts

Evidence

Grade B

Studies

2

Interactions

3

Forms

1

Evidence Rating: Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Some RCTs with positive results, or strong observational evidence. More research may refine our understanding.

Interaction Warnings

DigoxinModerate

May potentiate cardiac effects; monitor levels and ECG

PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil)Moderate

Additive vasodilation; possible hypotension

AntihypertensivesLow

Additive BP-lowering; monitor

Important Notes

  • WS 1442 (18.75% oligomeric procyanidins) is the best-studied form
  • Consistent long-term use needed
  • Avoid in pregnancy

Clinical Evidence (2 studies)

Hawthorn for heart failure: Cochrane review

Pittler MH et al. (2003) — Cochrane Database Syst Rev

Systematic review of 8 RCTs: improved exercise tolerance and symptom reduction

View on PubMed

SPICE trial: hawthorn in heart failure

Holubarsch CJ et al. (2008) — Eur J Heart Fail

900mg/day in mild-moderate heart failure; large prospective study

View on PubMed

Alternatives to Consider

These supplements target similar goals and may be worth considering alongside or instead of Hawthorn.

Garlic / Allicin

Grade A

Strong RCT evidence for blood pressure reduction (~8-9/5-6 mmHg) and cold prevention (64% reduction). Aged extract preferred for CV.

❤️ Heart Health

Red Yeast Rice

Grade A

Natural statin alternative with 15-25% LDL reduction. 45% coronary event reduction in large RCT. MUST co-supplement CoQ10.

❤️ Heart Health

Ginkgo Biloba

Grade B

Increases cerebral blood flow and has vasodilatory effects. Modest benefit for existing dementia symptoms but does not prevent it.

❤️ Heart Health

Related Supplements

Garlic / Allicin

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Strong RCT evidence for blood pressure reduction (~8-9/5-6 mmHg) and cold prevention (64% reduction). Aged extract preferred for CV.

Ginkgo Biloba

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Increases cerebral blood flow and has vasodilatory effects. Modest benefit for existing dementia symptoms but does not prevent it.

Beta-Glucan

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Dual-purpose supplement: yeast-derived for immune support (250mg), oat-derived for cholesterol (3g). Both well-supported by RCTs.

Bergamot

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Impressive lipid-modifying polyphenol: 30% LDL reduction in RCTs. Natural HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin-like mechanism).

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⚕️ Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

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