Overview:
Historically, hawthorn (crataegus oxyacantha) was used by
Roman physicians as a heart drug in the first century A.D. The literature from that period focuses on its symbolic use of hawthorn for religious rites and political ceremonies. During the Middle Ages, hawthorn was used for the treatment of "dropsy," or congestive heart failure. Today, extracts of the hawthorn plant have been used extensively to treat a variety of circulatory disorders, including high blood pressure.
Hawthorn's flowers, leaves and berries are all used in herbal supplements Each is high in flavonoid content, which gives the plant powerful antioxidant properties. Hawthorn contains three groups of compounds which are key to the plant's positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
These constituent groups are the triterpenoid saponins, the amines and the flavonoids. By inhibiting free radical formation, hawthorn's antioxidant activity can be beneficial in maintaining healthy heart vessels and promoting overall heart health.
Research indicates:
§ Helps balance blood pressure
§ Used by practitioners for help in preventing angina attacks
§ In a study of 132 individuals, standardized hawthorn extract compared favorably to captopril, a member of a class of prescription medications known as ACE-inhibitors
§ Another study involving 136 patients, the hawthorn group showed improvement in the areas of heart function evaluated, whereas the placebo group did not.
§ Believed to support heart and circulatory system health including heartbeat, blood flow, control of artherosclerotic plaque
§ May be useful in treatment of Raynaud’s disease and varicose veins
§ May be useful for promoting restful sleep
§ Research indicates hawthorn may help preserve collagen
Dosage:
Typical dosage is 250-300 mgs. of standardized extract (4.5-5.5mg vitexin) one to three times a day.
Cautions:
There are no known reports of toxicity associated with Hawthorn. If you are pregnant or lactating consult your health care practitioner prior to using Hawthorn.
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size 1 capsule
Amount Per Serving: Hawthorn (leaf, flower) 300mg, Standardised to 1.8% vitexin, (5.4mg)
Other ingredients: Rice powder, cellulose, magnesium stearate.
Does NOT Contain: Wheat, gluten, soy, corn, yeast, fish, egg, dairy or lactose, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Directions: Take 1 capsule, one to two times daily with meals.
Note: If you are pregnant or lactating, consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, imply cure or prevention of any disease.
