Hawthorn is a shrub that grows in the northern hemisphere. Used by Greeks in antiquity,
\nand in Traditional Chinese Medicine as far back as 650 years before the common era, it has
\nbeen used to treat cardiovascular problems in particular. Its therapeutic effects were studied
\nin the early 20th century prior to the development of standardized extracts in the 1980s.
\nMany clinical trials have been carried out, particularly on patients suffering from congestive
\nheart failure.
\nToday, hawthorn is included in a number of official Pharmacopoeias, notably in China, Europe, UK, France, and Germany. It is available by prescription in Europe but sold over the
\ncounter in the USA and Canada.
\nEffectiveness
\nThe therapeutics effects of this plant have yet to be fully explained, but its activity may be
\ndue to a synergy between various components. Hawthorn contains flavonoids and procyanidins, which are well-known antioxidants.
\nA number of clinical trials3 have demonstrated that standardized extracts of hawthorn are
\nas effective as adjuvant treatments for class I and II congestive heart failure (on a scale of 4,
\nfrom the New York Heart Association). Its effectiveness is also recognized by the European
\nScientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), the Commission E, and the World Health
\nOrganization (WHO).
\nESCOP and WHO also both endorse the traditional use of hawthorn as a support for healthy
\ncardiovascular function<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"