Hawthorn Berries
- Stock #1760-0 (2 fl.oz.)
Hawthorn berries have been shown to enhance coronary circulation and myocardial metabolism, enabling the heart to operate using less oxygen. Hawthorn berries reduce high blood pressure by decreasing heart output and enlarging peripheral blood vessels; however, hawthorn berries also raise low blood pressure. Hawthorn berries have even been shown to reduce cholesterol, and when used in conjunction with ginkgo biloba, to enhance poor memory by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Hawthorn berries are often used for angina pain, atherosclerosis, blood clots, mild congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, heart arrhythmia, high and low blood pressure, hypertension, insufficient peripheral circulation, insomnia, memory problems, and rapid pulse.
Hawthorn berries owe much of their beneficial action to a high bioflavonoid content, primarily rutin and quercitin. These substances dilate and relax arteries, notably coronary arteries, thus enhancing blood circulation to the heart muscles and reducing symptoms of angina. These bioflavonoids are also powerful antioxidants which help to strengthen blood vessel walls and decrease and prevent oxidative damage.
In 1994, a German study found hawthorn berries improved heartbeat rate and decreased blood pressure. Another German study, involving 6,000 patients taking hawthorn berries, confirmed their ability to improve overall cardiac health.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of hawthorn berries on 120 participants with weakened heart function. Researchers found those receiving hawthorn berries demonstrated enhanced cardiac function and reported experiencing improvement in subjective symptoms such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
An experimental study published in the Journal of Modern Development in Traditional Medicine noted that a combination of hawthorn berries and motherwort may be of benefit in the treatment and possible prevention of atherosclerosis.
Hawthorn berries are also a rich source of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, powerful antioxidants which have been shown to increase intracellular levels of vitamin C, prevent collagen damage, decrease capillary fragility, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Hawthorn Berries Extract contains an extract of hawthorn berries in a base of distilled water, grain alcohol, and glycerin, with natural blackberry flavor added to improve taste.