Name: Hawthorn podwer

Latin Name: Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var.major N. E. Br.

Alternative Names: Hawthorne, haw, may bush, may tree, may blossom, mayflower, quickset, thorn-apple tree, or whitethorn.

Structure:

Molecular formula:C16H14O4

CAS:36052-37-6

Effectiveness:Blood pressure adjustment / Circulation support / Digestive system enhancer
Specs Available: flavones 10-90% UV ; vitexin-2 rhamnoside 2%, 5% HPLC ; 10:1 TLC
Appearance:Yellow brown powder
Odor: Characteristic

The herb called the hawthorn is one of the best herbal remedy to boost the performance of the heart and the human circulatory system in general. A potent vasodilatory action can be induced in the human body by the flowers, leaves and the berries of the hawthorn. When these parts of the herb are consumed, they open up the arteries to promote circulation and improve the blood supply to all the general tissues in the body. Regular supplementation with this herb can thus help bring some balance blood pressure and it is considered to be an excellent remedy for the treatment of high blood pressure - especially when the condition is connected to hardening in the arteries of the person. Problems such as those connected to poor circulation caused by aging arteries, problems of poor circulation towards the lower body and legs as well as problems like poor memory and confusion induced by a poor blood circulation to the brain can all be remedied by supplementation with the hawthorn herb. The herb also has an effective and remedial effect in angina cases, the hawthorn based remedies can help open the coronary arteries in the heart and by so doing aid in the improvement of blood flow to the heart, and this herb also softens deposits in the arterial system. The vagus nerve which influences the cardiac muscles is also beneficially affected by the hawthorn herbal remedies, the consumption of this herb can thus slow down irregularities in the heart and reduce a rapid or fast heart rate in a patient. It can be said that herbal remedies made from the hawthorn are ideal for most heart conditions affecting people.

Functions:
1.Hawthorn is antispasmodic, sedative, and a vasodilator.

It may open (dilate) the coronary arteries, improving the hearts blood supply. It may increase the hearts pumping force. It may eliminate some types of heart-rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). It may help limit the amount of cholesterol deposited on artery walls.

2.Treating either high or low blood pressure.

It is very good for treating either high or low blood pressure by strengthening the action of the heart; it helps many blood pressure-related problems.

3.Hawthorn is best known as a cardiotonic.

Used frequently in cases of congestive heart failure and high blood pressure; it is the hyperosides and the vitexins (especially the vitexin-2 rhamnoside) that are present in hawthorn enabling it to effect these conditions. Essentially, hawthorn has been shown to increase the inotropic effect (contractile force), and increase the tolerance of the heart to lower oxygen (hypoxic) conditions.

4.Treating chest pain.

Hawthorn berry preparations have been shown to combat chest pain (angina), a health problem caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart. In one early study, 60 angina patients were given either 180 mg/day of hawthorn berry-leaf-flower extract or placebo for 3 weeks. Those who received the hawthorn preparation experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from chest pain.

5.Treating congestive heart failure.

Researchers in Germany recently gave hawthorn extract to patients suffering from congestive heart failure and found the patients experienced fewer overall symptoms and showed improvements in stamina and a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate during exercise. Hawthorn is good for arthritis because it helps stabilize collagen, the protein found in joints that are destroyed by inflammatory diseases. It also has antioxidant effects.