Evidence supporting the use of: Hawthorn
For the health condition: Arrhythmia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has a long history of use in traditional European medicine for cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmias. In the modern era, several studies have investigated hawthorn's effects on the heart, particularly for heart failure and related cardiac conditions. The key bioactive compounds in hawthorn—flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins—are believed to offer vasodilatory, antioxidant, and mild positive inotropic effects. Some laboratory and animal studies have shown antiarrhythmic activity, likely through modulation of cardiac ion channels and reduction of oxidative stress.

However, the clinical evidence supporting hawthorn specifically for arrhythmia in humans is limited and not robust. Most clinical trials focus on chronic heart failure, with some reporting decreased palpitations and improved subjective well-being, but these studies often do not directly measure arrhythmic endpoints or use modern diagnostic methods. A few small human studies and case reports suggest a potential for hawthorn to reduce extrasystoles or improve rhythm disturbances, yet these are generally of low quality, with small sample sizes and methodological limitations.

Systematic reviews, such as those by Cochrane, note a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials focused specifically on arrhythmia. While hawthorn appears safe for most people, its efficacy as an antiarrhythmic agent remains unproven. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence, the overall quality and quantity of evidence justifies only a low to moderate rating for its use in treating arrhythmias.

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