Hawthorn fruit

Hawthorn fruits are the fruits of a plant called hawthorn (Crataegus). Hawthorn belongs to the rose family and is widespread in the temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere. Hawthorn fruits are red or black in color and can be oval or round in shape. They are used in traditional medicine and cooking. In medicine, hawthorn fruits are often used in the form of tinctures or decoctions to maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels, as well as to lower blood pressure. In cooking, hawthorn fruits can be used to make jam, compotes and other desserts.

Indications Hawthorn fruit

1. Cardiovascular diseases: Hawthorn fruits are often used to improve cardiac function, lower blood pressure, improve blood microcirculation and lower cholesterol levels. They can be used in the treatment and prevention of conditions such as arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and heart failure.
2. Stress and Anxiety: Hawthorn fruit is known for its calming properties and can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood and sleep.
3. Blood vessel spasms and decreased tone: Used to relieve vascular spasms, improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. Digestive Support: Hawthorn fruit may be beneficial for improving digestion, reducing bloating, improving appetite, and easing symptoms of indigestion.
5. Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: Hawthorn fruit may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making it useful for the prevention and treatment of colds and upper respiratory tract infections.
6. Skin supplement: Used to treat certain skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis.

Release form

1. Dried fruits: This is one of the most common ways to consume hawthorn. Dried fruits can be used to make tinctures, teas, or added to culinary recipes.
2. Extracts and Tinctures: Hawthorn fruit can be provided as liquid extracts or tinctures, which are often used in herbal medicine or as a supplement to other products.
3. Capsules and Tablets: Hawthorn fruit may also be available in capsule or tablet form, making it easy to take as a dietary supplement.
4. Syrups: Hawthorn fruit can sometimes be used to make syrups that are used to treat certain conditions or as a food supplement.

Pharmacodynamics

Flavonoids contained in hawthorn fruits play a key role in its pharmacological action. The main mechanisms of action of hawthorn flavonoids include:

1. Antioxidant Action: Flavonoids have strong antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is especially important for the cardiovascular system, since oxidative stress can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
2. Cardioprotective effect: Hawthorn flavonoids help improve heart and vascular function. They can help lower blood cholesterol levels, improve blood microcirculation and lower blood pressure, which in turn can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects: Hawthorn flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in heart tissue and blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
4. Antimicrobial Action: Some studies have shown that hawthorn flavonoids may have antimicrobial properties, helping to fight infections that may be associated with cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Hawthorn fruit contains various active components such as flavonoids, quercetin, catechins and other polyphenols. These compounds are typically absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, although the absorption process and rate may vary depending on the specific compound and drug form.
2. Metabolism: The metabolism of the active components of hawthorn in the body has been partially studied, and most of the data relates to metabolism in the liver. Some flavonoids and polyphenols can be metabolized in the liver to form active or less active metabolites.
3. Excretion: Many of the active components of hawthorn are excreted from the body through the kidneys, and some may also be excreted through the intestines. Certain compounds, such as quercetin, may be excreted in urine as conjugates.
4. Duration of action and accumulation: Because hawthorn is usually used as a natural product rather than in its pure chemical form, data on its duration of action and accumulation may be limited. However, with regular consumption of hawthorn fruit, cumulative effects may be observed depending on the dosage and frequency of administration.
5. Interactions: Hawthorn fruit may interact with some medications, especially those that affect the cardiovascular system. For example, they may enhance the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs or anticoagulants.

Dosing and administration

1. Dried fruits:

   • To prepare an infusion or tea from dried hawthorn fruits, usually take 1-2 teaspoons of crushed fruits for 1 glass of boiling water.
   • The fruits are poured with boiling water and infused for 10-15 minutes.
   • The resulting infusion or tea can be drunk 2-3 times a day before meals.

2. Extracts and tinctures:

   • Dosage of liquid extracts or tinctures may vary depending on product concentration and manufacturer's recommendations.
   • It is usually recommended to take 20-30 drops two or three times a day, diluting them with water.

3. Capsules and tablets:

   • The dosage of capsules or tablets also depends on the specific drug and the manufacturer's instructions.
   • It is usually recommended to take 1-2 capsules or tablets 2-3 times a day.

4. Syrups:

   • If you are using hawthorn fruit as a syrup, follow the instructions on the package for dosage and administration.

Use Hawthorn fruit during pregnancy

Use of hawthorn fruit during pregnancy may be safe at recommended doses, but available data are limited and require further research. One study on rats given hawthorn at doses significantly higher than human doses showed no negative effects on embryonic development. However, the results may have been due to the low oral bioavailability of the active components of hawthorn, highlighting the need for pharmacokinetic studies to confirm its safety (Yao, Ritchie, & Brown-Woodman, 2008).

In general, the use of hawthorn fruit during pregnancy should be done with caution and only after consultation with a doctor, taking into account the potential risks and benefits of its use.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with a known hypersensitivity to hawthorn or other herbal components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Heart Problems: Because hawthorn affects cardiac activity, its use may be contraindicated in people with serious heart conditions such as heart failure or arrhythmias. Before using hawthorn in such cases, you should consult your doctor.
3. Use with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents: Hawthorn may enhance the effects of anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting) and antiplatelet agents (drugs that prevent platelets from sticking together). Therefore, its use in combination with such drugs requires caution and supervision by a physician.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough data on the use of hawthorn during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use during this period should be agreed with a doctor.
5. Children: For children under 18 years of age, without medical prescription, it is best to avoid using hawthorn.
6. Liver and kidney impairment: Patients with severe liver or kidney impairment should avoid using hawthorn or use it with caution under medical supervision.

Side effects Hawthorn fruit

1. Stomach upset: In some cases, eating hawthorn fruit may cause dyspepsia, which is an upset stomach that may manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to hawthorn and develop skin rashes, itching, or hives after eating it.
3. Heart Reactions: In some people, consuming hawthorn may cause cardiac arrhythmias or worsening existing heart problems.
4. Hypotension: Some people may experience a decrease in blood pressure after eating hawthorn fruit, which may cause dizziness or fainting.
5. Drug Interactions: Hawthorn fruit may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants or blood pressure medications, so it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking it.

Overdose

1. Hypotension: Hawthorn fruit may lower blood pressure. Therefore, in case of an overdose, a sharp decrease in blood pressure is possible, which can lead to dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness and collapse.
2. Heart arrhythmias: Hawthorn may also affect heart rhythm. An overdose may cause heart rhythm disturbances such as rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), arrhythmias, or even bradycardia (slow heart rate).
3. Digestive problems: Possible side effects of hawthorn overdose may include stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.
4. Muscle spasms and difficulty breathing: In rare cases, overdose may cause cramps and difficulty breathing.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Antiarrhythmic drugs: Hawthorn fruit may enhance the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs such as amidarone or digoxin, which may lead to an increase in their therapeutic effect and an increased risk of unwanted side effects such as arrhythmias.
2. Antihypertensive drugs: Hawthorn fruit may lower blood pressure, so its combined use with antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers may lead to an excessive decrease in blood pressure and a hypotensive state.
3. Anticoagulants: Hawthorn fruit may have anticoagulant properties and may enhance the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Medicines that affect heart rhythm: Use of hawthorn fruit with drugs that affect heart rhythm, such as antiarrhythmic drugs or drugs that prolong the QT interval, may increase cardiotoxicity.
5. Drugs metabolized through cytochrome P450: Some components of hawthorn may affect the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may alter the metabolism of other drugs and lead to changes in their blood concentrations.