Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata, C. oxyacantha, C. monogyna, C. pentagyna)
Brief Background:
Hawthorn, a flowering shrub
of the rose family, has an extensive history of use in cardiovascular disease, dating back to the 1st century.
Modern day animal and in vitro studies suggest that flavonoids and other pharmacologically active compounds found
in hawthorn may synergistically improve performance of the damaged myocardium, and further, may prevent or reduce symptoms
of coronary artery disease.
Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent:
Experimental and clinical studies
of this century support the efficacy of hawthorn leaf with flower, while the edible fruits have a rich history in early medicine,
dating back to the 1st century. Modern day herbalists consider hawthorn leaf to be one of the most specific cardioactive
agents.
