Hawthorn fruit

Hawthorn fruits are the fruits of a plant called hawthorn (Crataegus). Hawthorn belongs to the rose family and is widely distributed in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere. Hawthorn fruits are red or black and can be oval or round. 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 microcirculation and lower cholesterol. They can be used in the treatment and prevention of conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and heart failure.
2. Stress and Anxiety: Hawthorn berries are known for their calming properties and may help relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood and sleep.
3. Vascular spasms and tone reduction: Used to relieve vascular spasms, improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. Digestive Support: Hawthorn berries may be helpful in improving digestion, reducing bloating, improving appetite, and alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
5. Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: Hawthorn berries may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making them useful for the prevention and treatment of colds and upper respiratory tract infections.
6. Adjunctive treatment for skin conditions: Used to treat certain skin conditions including eczema and dermatitis.

Release form

1. Dried Fruit: 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 berries can be found in liquid extracts or tinctures, which are often used in herbal medicine or as an additive to other products.
3. Capsules and Tablets: Hawthorn berries may also be available in capsule or tablet form, making them easier to take as a dietary supplement.
4. Syrups: Sometimes hawthorn berries can be used to make syrups, which 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, as oxidative stress can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Cardioprotective action: Hawthorn flavonoids help improve the function of the heart and blood vessels. They can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, improve blood microcirculation and reduce blood pressure, which in turn can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Anti-inflammatory action: Hawthorn flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the heart tissue and blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
4. Antimicrobial activity: 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 berries contain various active components such as flavonoids, quercetin, catechins and other polyphenols. These compounds are generally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, although the absorption process and rate may vary depending on the specific compound and the form of the preparation.
2. Metabolism: The metabolism of the active components of hawthorn in the body has been partially studied, and most data relate to metabolism in the liver. Some flavonoids and polyphenols may be metabolized in the liver to form active or less active metabolites.
3. Excretion: Many of the active components of hawthorn are eliminated from the body via the kidneys, and some may also be eliminated via the intestines. Certain compounds, such as quercetin, may be excreted in the urine as conjugates.
4. Duration of action and accumulation: Because hawthorn is typically 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 use of hawthorn berries, cumulative effects may be observed depending on the dosage and frequency of use.
5. Interactions: Hawthorn berries may interact with some medications, especially those that affect the cardiovascular system. For example, they may enhance the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs or anticoagulants.

Dosing and administration

1. Dried fruits:

   • To prepare an infusion or tea from dried hawthorn berries, usually 1-2 teaspoons of crushed berries are taken per 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 for liquid extracts or tinctures may vary depending on the concentration of the product and the manufacturer's recommendations.
   • It is generally recommended to take 20-30 drops two or three times a day, diluted 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 generally recommended to take 1-2 capsules or tablets 2-3 times daily.

4. Syrups:

   • If you are using hawthorn berries in syrup form, follow the instructions on the package for dosage and how to take it.

Use hawthorn fruit during pregnancy

Use of hawthorn berries during pregnancy may be safe when taken at recommended doses, but the available data are limited and require further research. One study in rats given hawthorn at doses significantly higher than human doses showed no adverse 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 berries 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 known hypersensitivity to hawthorn or other herbal components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Heart problems: Since hawthorn affects cardiac activity, its use may be contraindicated in people with serious heart conditions such as heart failure or arrhythmia. Before using hawthorn in such cases, it is necessary to consult a 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 insufficient 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, it is best to avoid using hawthorn without medical advice.
6. Liver and Kidney Impairment: Patients with severe liver or kidney impairment should avoid using hawthorn or use it with caution under the supervision of a physician.

Side effects hawthorn fruit

1. Stomach disorders: In some cases, consumption of hawthorn berries 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 rash, itching, or hives after consuming it.
3. Cardiac reactions: In some people, taking hawthorn may cause cardiac arrhythmias or worsening of existing heart problems.
4. Hypotension: Some people may experience a drop in blood pressure after consuming hawthorn berries, which may cause dizziness or fainting.
5. Drug Interactions: Hawthorn berries may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or blood pressure medications, so it is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking them.

Overdose

1. Hypotension: Hawthorn berries can lower blood pressure. Therefore, in case of 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. Cardiac arrhythmias: Hawthorn can also affect heart rhythm. Overdosage can 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 upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
4. Muscle spasms and difficulty breathing: In rare cases, overdose may cause seizures and difficulty breathing.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Antiarrhythmic drugs: Hawthorn berries may enhance the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs such as amidaron or digoxin, which may lead to an increase in their therapeutic effect and an increased risk of unwanted side effects such as arrhythmia.
2. Antihypertensive drugs: Hawthorn berries can lower blood pressure, so their combined use with antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers may lead to excessive lowering of blood pressure and hypotension.
3. Anticoagulants: Hawthorn berries may have anticoagulant properties and enhance the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Drugs that affect heart rhythm: Using hawthorn berries with drugs that affect heart rhythm, such as antiarrhythmic drugs or drugs that prolong the QT interval, may increase cardiotoxicity.
5. Drugs Metabolized via Cytochrome P450: Some components of hawthorn may interfere with the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may alter the metabolism of other drugs and lead to changes in their blood levels.