Evidence supporting the use of: Hawthorn
For the health condition: Heart (weakness)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for heart-related ailments, especially for "heart weakness"—a term historically referring to mild forms of heart failure or reduced cardiac function. Modern scientific research has investigated this traditional use, with several clinical trials and systematic reviews providing moderate evidence for its efficacy. The primary constituents thought to be responsible for these effects are flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins, which may improve coronary blood flow, reduce peripheral vascular resistance, and exert positive inotropic effects on the heart.

Clinical studies, particularly in Europe, have focused on standardized hawthorn extracts (often WS 1442) in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II and III heart failure. Some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest hawthorn extract can improve symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise tolerance, and may result in modest improvements in cardiac output and ejection fraction. However, the quality of evidence is variable, with some studies showing only limited benefits and others raising concerns about study design or sample size.

While hawthorn is generally considered safe when used appropriately, it should not replace conventional heart failure therapies, and patients should consult healthcare professionals before use. Overall, there is moderate scientific validation for hawthorn's use in supporting mild heart weakness, but further high-quality research is required to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile.

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