Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an evergreen shrub related to buckberry, blueberry, bilberry, and huckleberry. The reddish-black fruit appear in the months of June and July. Fruit contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which give them their red color.

Cranberry Juice Benefits and Diseases

Cranberry are rich in antioxidants. The important type of polyphenolic compound found in cranberry is proanthocyanidins. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack normal cells and damage membranes. Cell death caused by free radicals contributes to a variety of diseases, including heart disease, some forms of cancer and nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Elevated antioxidant amounts in the body may protect against damage to cells and cellular components, thus helping to reduce the risk of many chronic degenerative diseases.

Various polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids have been identified as having powerful antioxidant activities. Cranberry are one of the most rich sources of  flavonoids that have a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, consumption of cranberries could be of  importance not only in the maintenance of  health but also in preventing cardiovascular disease. Cranberry score high on the antioxidant scale at 1750 ORAC units per 100 g of fresh fruit. Cranberry have been shown to contain more antioxidant phenols than 19 commonly eaten fruits according to a research reported in the Nov, 2001 issue of  the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Cranberries has a long history of use  primarily for treating urinary problems. New researches have shown it can reduce the ability of  Escherichia coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra, reducing the potential for urinary tract infections. Some lab experiments showed  that cranberry also prevent other microorganism known as Helicobacter pylori from adhering to cell walls.

Previously, scientists believed that the effect of cranberry juice to help prevent urinary tract infections was partly related to the potent acidity of the cranberry. However scientists don’t believe this explanation any more. No longer, researches show that cranberry juice may prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Cranberry juice contain proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the fimbrial adhesion of bacteria, including E. coli, to the urinary tract epithelium and hence the subsequent reproduction required for infection. The proanthocyanidins in cranberry inhibit the adherence of  Escherichia coli fimbriae to uroepithelial cells in vitro. Adhesion of  Escherichia coli bacteria  to cells lining the urinary tract is the first step in the development of a urinary tract infections, and Escherichia coli is the cause of approximately 85 % of urinary tract infections.

Research shows that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent repeated urinary tract infections in older women. In one study of older women, cranberry juice decreased the amount of bacteria in the bladder compared to placebo. Other a study demonstrated that younger women with a history of  frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) who took cranberry capsules had fewer UTIs compared to those who took placebo. A study reported in the Phytomedicine concluded that cranberry extract proved effective in preventing recurrent UTIs.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Chronic Prostatitis

Cranberry extract appears to be a  effective therapy to manage symptoms of  Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis. A 2011 study performed at the “Catholic University of  Korea College of Medicine “, demonstrated that cranberry extract reduced bacterial growth in the prostate tissue of animals with chronic bacterial prostatitis. During the 6-month a study, participants were given 1,500 mg of cranberry fruit powder per day. Compared with the control group, patients symptoms in the cranberry group significantly healed in a few areas by the end of the study, including quality of  life, rate and amount of urinary frequency, urine flow, urgency, and waking at night to urinate. In a study “Cancer Management and Research” reported that cranberry extract was effective in reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and lower urinary tract symptoms in men who were undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Particularly, of the 184 patient given cranberry extract, just 16 experienced a urinary tract infection associated with radiation treatment, compared with 45 of 186 men in the control group.

Peptic Ulcers

Some preliminary research findings demonstrate that cranberries may be useful in the prevention of peptic ulcers through the inhibition of  Helicobacter pylori adhesion to gastric mucus and stomach epithelium. Regular consumption of cranberry juice can suppress Helicobacter pylori infection, a important factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. In the study which was reported in the Apr 2005 edition of  the journal Helicobacter, researchers proved that the usage of 250 ml of cranberry juice twice daily for 90 days suppressed H. pylori infection compared with a placebo.

Anticarcinogenic Activities

In 1996 lab experiments performed by University of  Illinois researchers and reported in “Planta Medica” showed the possible anticarcinogenic activities of cranberry. In studies of cancer prevention and cure, cranberries extracts showed  anti-proliferative activity against breast, prostate, colon, liver and oral cancer cell lines in vitro. In a study performed by scientists at the Department of  Physiology & Pharmacology, University of  Western Ontario, investigated the effect of cranberry extract on mice that had been injected with human breast tumor cells, prostate cancer cells and colon cancer cells. As a result, in all cases decrease the growth and metastasis of the cancer tumors.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cranberries may  help to protect against cardiovascular disease. Cranberries contain important levels of  flavonoids compounds that have been showed to inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation. Flavonoids have been shown to function as strong antioxidants both in vitro and in vivo and may lessen the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). Atherosclerosis can slowly narrow and harden the arteries throughout the body. This condition causes cardiovascular disease that lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Cranberries are especially important  source of phenolic phytochemicals, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. The cranberries flavonoids belong to 3 groups; anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. Polyphenols and flavonoids improve the function of  platelets, irregularly shaped cells in the blood that help with clotting. Latest research findings demonstrate that polyphenols, including those found in cranberry, may contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing the resistance of  LDL to oxidation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing blood pressure.

Dosage

The National Kidney Foundation suggests drinking 300 ml glass of cranberry juice cocktail a day may help prevent urinary tract infections. If you prefer in capsule form, the University of  Maryland Medical Center (UMM) suggests 300 to 400 mg daily in divided doses. For BPH; some researches shows that taking dried cranberry capsules, 3 times daily for 6 months, might improve urinary symptoms and lower blood levels of PSA.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae, commonly known as the mint family. The flowers are purplish white and strongly two-lipped, and have two long-exserted stamens. The fruit consists of four dry nutlets. Rosmarinus officinalis contains a number of biologically active compounds, including antioxidants rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. Other compounds include camphor, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, betulinic acid, rosmanol and rosemary diphenol.

Rosemary Herb Health Effects and Benefits

Researches has shown that the plant is rich in volatile oils, phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are strongly anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Relaxes smooth muscles of trachea and intestine, and has choleretic, hepatoprotective and anti tumorigenic effect. Rosmarinic acid enhances the production of prostaglandin E2 and decreases the production of leukotriene B4 in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and inhibits the complement syste. This constituents have a therapeutic effect in therapy or prevention of bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer, spasmogenic disorders, inflammatory conditions, cancer, atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease and hepatotoxicity. The German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the  FDA) Monographs, approve Rosemary for rheumatism, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, blood pressure problems.

Hair Growth

Rosemary may stimulate hair growth. Rosemary oil applied to the scalp with cedarwood, lavender, and thyme oils daily improves hair growth. There is some findings that after seven months of therapy, this combination improves hair growth in 44% of people who try it.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. The rosmarinic acid in rosemary has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which help lessen inflammation of joints. There is a study reported in the Sep 2007 edition of Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology demonstrated rosemary, in combination with other plants, was effective way to lessen pain in individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis. Applied topically, rosemary oil is used to treat muscle pain and arthritis and to improve circulation. The  Commission E, has approved rosemary essential oil as a topical therapy for muscle pain and arthritis.

Cognitive Performance

Inhaling the aroma of rosemary oil may help stimulate mental activity and improve concentration. A 2003 study in “International Journal of Neuroscience“, performed by the scientists at the University of  Northumbria, demonstrated that rosemary is linked with “an enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors,” though it was also linked with a reduction memory speed compared to the control group in that study. Terpenes like 1,8-cineole can enter the bloodstream via the nasal or lung mucosa. Terpenes can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Comprising 35-45% by volume of rosemary essential oil, 1,8-cineole may possess direct medicinal activities. Scientists from “Northumbria University” found that the level of 1,8-cineole, a main chemical in rosemary oil, in the blood is linked with brain performance. The researchers tested cognitive performance and mood in a cohort of 20 participant, who were exposed to different levels of the rosemary aroma. They found that the more 1,8-cineole in the bloodstream of the person, the better the person’s performance on both the speed and accuracy tests. (Their study was reported in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology)

Brain Health

Researches, show that carnosic acid activates a signaling pathway that protects brain cells from free radical damage seen in stroke and other conditions such as Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s. Research reported in both “The Journal of Neurochemistry and Nature Reviews Neuroscience”, has revealed that carnosic acid  activates a signaling pathway that protects brain cells from the free radical damage. Other researches demonstrate that rosmarinic acid which is also protects brain cells from beta-amyloid toxicity. Scientists at the “Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine“, investigated the preventive properties of rosmarinic acid on lab animals with cognitive dysfunction resulting from amyloid beta protein. After several doses of  Rosmarinus officinalis extract, the animals showed a higher level of performance on memory tests, including a maze run and object recognition.

Anticancer Activity

The two key ingredients in rosemary (rosemarinic acid and caffeic acid) are strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, which help protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals. Animal and cell culture studies indicate the anticancer activity of rosemary extract, carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid. This is evidenced by the effect of rosemary to suppress the development of tumors in different organs including the colon,  stomach, liver, breast, as well as leukemia and  melanoma.

Dietary of lab animals with 1% rosemary extract resulted in a 47% reduction in the incidence of experimentally-induced mammary tumors compared to controls. A 2006 study at the “University of Rajasthan” investigated rosmarinic acid, on mice with stage II skin cancer. Rosmarinic acid was shown to suppress tumorigenesis, the formation of new tumors. A new study on human cancer cell lines at the “University of  British Columbia“,  found that rosemary’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects inhibit the growth of human leukemia and breast cancer cells. Experts found adding the herb to hamburgers can break up potentially cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) which form when meat is cooked. Research at “Kansas State University” demonstrated that adding rosemary to beef patties reduced levels of heterocyclic amines by 30 to 100 %

Side Effects

Rosemary is considered safe when taken in recommended doses. Because large quantities of rosemary may cause miscarriage, pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. Essential oil is only for external use and should not be ingested. This essential oil is toxic and may cause important adverse effects, including vomiting, seizures, fluid in the lungs, spasms and coma.

Lemon balm (melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family. Herb part used is leaf and leaf oil. The volatile oil contains citral, citronellal, geraniol and eugenol acetate. Lemon balm’s lemony flavor and aroma are due largely to citral and citronellal, although other phytochemicals, including geraniol and linalool also contribute to lemon balm’s scent. Melissa officinalis essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops by steam distillation. Oil yield is usually less than 0.5 ml oil/kg herb.

Lemon Balm Pharmacological Effects and Benefits

Melissa officinalis is a traditional herbal medicine, which enjoys modern usage as spasmolytic, sedative and antibacterial remedy. M. officinalis has proved antiviral properties. Some studies have shown that topical preparations of melissa are effective against herpes simplex (HSV).  ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy) lists its internal use for tenseness, irritability, and symptomatic therapy of digestive problems, such as minor spasms; externally, for herpes labialis. Melissa officinalis is approved by the German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the  FDA) for nervous sleep disorders and functional gastrointestinal complaints.

Antioxidant

Melissa is high in flavonoids, which can have an antioxidant activity. Other phytochemicals in melissa which may provide antioxidant effect include phenolic acids, terpenes, caffeic acids and rosmarinic acid.

Sedative

Lemon balm used as an anxiolytic, mild sedative or calming remedy. Melissa extract was identified as a strong in vitro inhibitor of  GABA transaminase, which explains anxiolytic activities. The important compound responsible for GABA transaminase inhibition activity in melissa officinalis was then found to be rosmarinic acid. Some studies show that melissa officinalis combined with other herbs (as hops and valerian) helps decrease anxiety and promote sleep. In one study of participants with mild sleep problems, 81% of those who took an herbal combination of lemon balm and valerian reported sleeping much better than those who took placebo. In a other double blind, placebo controlled study, 18 healthful participant received 2 separate single doses of a standardized melissa extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days.The 600 milligrams dose of melissa increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.

Brain Health

A study reported  in 2004 in “Psychosomatic Medicine” involving participants demonstrated that a 600 mg dose of standardized lemon balm  extract improved  mood, calmness and alertness, and a 300 mg dose increased the subjects’ mathematical processing speed. Taking a standardized extract of melissa officinalis (60 drops per day of a standardized melissa extract, prepared 1:1 in 45% alcohol) by mouth daily for four months seems to decrease agitation and improve symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It has been suggested, in light of in vitro cholinergic binding effects, that lemon balm extracts may effectively ameliorate the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A study reported in 2003 demonstrated  that 1600 mg of dried leaf improved memory and calmness. The researchers suggest that the effect on mood and cognitive performance may make M. officinalis beneficial in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease.  A study addressing the use of M. officinalis for Alzheimer’s Disease was reported in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” in 2006. The researchers of this study concluded that lemon balm is one of several herbs which may be helpful in the prevention and therapy of Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and its antioxidant activity.

Antimicrobial

Both oil and hot water extracts of the leaves have been shown to possess powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. A hydro-alcoholic extract of melissa demonstrated antibacterial effect against Salmonella choleraesuis, Staphylococcus aureus, and the resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. The essential oil is also reportedly antibacterial against Streptococcus hemolytica and Mycobacterium phlei  and has shown antimicrobial effect against some mold and yeasts, as well as microbes that cause fungal skin infections in animals and humans.

Antiviral

M. officinalis extract has showed antiviral activities against HIV-1, and aqueous extracts are reportedly antiviral against the influenza virus. A research in the Sep 2008  edition of  Phytomedicine shows that when melissa is applied as part of a topical ointment, it exhibits antiviral effects against both the HSV-1 and HSV-2. M. officinalis was found to be extremely effective against HIV in 3 different types of tissue cultures in a study reported in the March 2008 Retrovirology. In one study of 116 participant with HSV, those who applied melissa cream to their lip sores experienced important improvement in redness and swelling after just 2 days. Another large study involving three German hospitals demonstrated that, when melissa was used to treat the primary infection of  HSV I, not a single recurrence was noted.

Graves’ Disease

M. officinalis may block some of the activity of thyroid hormone in the body. In vitro studies has shown effect of melissa officinalis against thyroid antibodies present in Grave’s disease patients from stimulating thyroid activity. Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In lab studies, melissa freeze-dried aqueous extracts have been shown to interfere with thyroid hormones and, more specifically, inhibit the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Dosage

Take 300 mg – 500 mg dried lemon balm, 3 times daily. A dosage of 2 to 3 mL  (which is equivalent to 40 to 90 drops) of melissa tincture can be used up to 3 times per day. A standardized extract of melissa (80 mg) and valerian extract (160 mg) has been given 2 or 3 times/day as a sleep aid. For cold sores the cream  containing 1% of a 70:1 freeze-dried water-soluble extract is generally applied 2 to 4 times daily from first sign of symptoms to a few days after the cold sores have improved.

Side Effects

M. officinalis is considered a safe herb. This plant may interfere with other sedatives and drugs used to treat thyroid problems. Melissa may decrease the overstimulation of the thyroid associated with Grave’s disease  but can also interfere with thyroid drugs. You should consult with your physician before using melissa if you are using these types of drugs.

Sage (Salvia officinalis), is a small, evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Basic constituents include volatile oil, diterpene bitters, camphor, thujone, tannins, resin, triterpenoids, estrogenic substances, flavonoids, phenolic acids, including rosmarinic and caffeic acids, and saponins.

Sage Herb Medicinal Effects and Benefits

Sage has stimulant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and expectorant activities. The German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the  FDA), approve Sage for loss of appetite, inflammation of the mouth, excessive perspiration.

Early research showed that sage may boost insulin action and be beneficial to treat non-insulin dependent diabetes. This herb was among twenty-four herb tested that were found to increase insulin activity two- to fivefold or more in patients with Type II diabetes. A German study on Sage shows that diabetics who drank infusions of sage on an empty stomach reduced their blood sugar levels. In a new study, Cristovao F. Lima and colleagues concluded that the use of sage mimics the standard diabetes medication Metformin. Sage, contains a compound (rosmarinic acid) that provide blood sugar regulating properties, according to a research reported in the March 2011 edition of the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

Volatile oils made from sage have anti-bacterial activities and may be  helpful in mouthwash or toothpaste form. A mouthwash combination that includes sage oil, menthol, peppermint oil, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from echinacea, clove oil, myrrh tincture, and caraway oil has been used to treat gingivitis. In 2009, a study assessed the relative efficacy of a sage/ echinacea spray and a chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray in the therapy of acute sore throat. The sage/ echinacea therapy was a little better at reducing sore throat symptoms than the chlorhexidine/lidocaine therapy during the first 3 days.

Sweating is a normal reaction when your body’s working harder and needs to cool itself down. Excessive sweating is generally defined as sweating an amount out of proportion with the temperature of a room or your activity level. An unpublished German study; with individuals suffering from excessive perspiration found that either an infusion of the leaf or dry leaf extract reduced sweating by as much as 50%. Taken cold, will help to reduce night sweats in menopausal women. The Sage may be more effective when combined with alfalfa. A study reported in in the “Italian journal Minerva Ginecologica” in 1998, demonstrated that all women who took alfalfa  and sage had relief from night sweats, with approximately 67% of these women experiencing complete relief.

Sage is used to develop memory and cognition. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, study in 2008 examined the acute effects on cognitive performance of a standardized extract of sage in healthy participants between 65-90 years of age. The study found that application of sage extract can improve cognitive function in healthy older individuals. Sage appears to have an efficacy on acetylcholine ( is found in lower levels in patients with Alzheimer’s disease), one of the chemical messengers in the brain and supplementing with sage has resulted in a important development in cognitive function. Lab experiments have shown that sage contains chemicals that interfere with a natural enzyme in the body named acetylcholinesterase that breaks down acetylcholine. In a study of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, supplementing with sage for 4 months resulted in a important development in cognitive function, compared with a placebo. The amount of herb used was 60 drops per day of a 1:1 tincture. (Sage ethanolic extract 333 mg has been investigated in Alzheimer disease. Dried leaf has been studied in memory studies at doses of 300 mg and 600 mg).

Oral herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (also termed HSV-1, type 1 herpes simplex virus, or oral herpes).In a  study with plant extracts, a sage extract and a rhubarb root extract demonstrated a promising activity.Applying a cream containing sage and rhubarb to cold sores may be as effective as Zovirax (acyclovir) cream. A study of 149 people with recurrent oral herpes compared the effectiveness of cream containing Zovirax against cream containing  rhubarb and sage, and cream containing sage alone.  The combination of rhubarb and sage showed  to be equally effective to Zovirax cream. The mean time to healing in all cured patients was 7.6 days with the sage cream, 6.7 days with the sage-rhubarb cream and 6.5 days with Zovirax cream.

Side Effects

This herb should not be prescribed to pregnant and nursing women or to people who have epileptic fits. Sage oil must not be taken orally. The thujone content of sage essential oil can be toxic in high amounts.

Hawthorn ( Crataegus species) is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The flowers, berries, and leaves of hawthorn are used to make drug. But, most of the finding supporting the cardiac activity of hawthorn are based on evaluation of the dried flowering tops of the plants. Hawthorn were used to treat heart diseases ranging from irregular heartbeat, chest pain, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Hawthorn Benefits

Hawthorn extract is regarded in Europe as a efficacious and safe therapy for the early stages of  heart disease and has been used for a number of diseases including arteriosclerosis, angina, myocarditis, nervous conditions like insomnia. Herb extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and gastroprotective activity in vitro. The most studied standard hawthorn extracts are LI 132® and WS® 1442. Hawthorn herb, in the form of standard extract (WS 1442 or LI 132), can be used as an adjunct to medical treatment to relieve symptoms of  New York Heart Association classes I through III chronic CHF. (WS 1442 and LI 132, are standardized to oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids, respectively). The German Commission E (an official government agency similar to the  FDA) approved the use of extracts of hawthorn in patients suffering from heart failure graded stage II according to the New York Heart Association.

Hawthorn Herb Clinical Trials and Results

Hawthorn extract indicates different effects that may be useful in heart failure includinganti-arrhythmic activities,  and the ability to enhance coronary blood flow and cardiac output. These properties may be mediated by inhibition of phosphodiesterase types III and IV, antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory activities. 9 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, involving a total of more than 750 patient, have found hawthorn extract efficacious for the therapy of mild to moderate CHF. In an analysis that mathematically combined the findings of ten controlled studies involving 855 participants, hawthorn was found to be significantly better than placebo for improving exercise tolerance, decreasing shortness of breath and enhancing the physiologic function of an ailing heart in mild to moderate congestive heart failure.

A 4 year study on the effects of  hawthorn, commissioned by the “German Ministry of  Health”, found that it improves contractions in the veins and heart while dilating the heart. The scientists concluded that hawthorn extract is best used for low heart function, congestion, arrhythmia and tightness in the chest and no adverse effects were noted. Hardening of the arteries,  is an abnormal thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls. Hawthorn have been shown to reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques. Hawthorn extract avoids arteries from becoming re-blocked after surgery to remove blockages, according to a research performed  at the “Department of Pharmacy, University of  Munich“. Researchers explained that rats that were supplemented with hawthorn herb and subsequently applied balloon angioplasty demonstrated 44 % less reproduction of arterial muscle cells than rats that underwent the surgery however did not receive hawthorn extract. This research was reported in the Aug 2010 edition of the medical journal Atherosclerosis.

The main cardiovascular protective effect of the plant is usually attributed to its flavonoid content, especially the oligomeric proanthocyanidins. These flavonoids have very powerful vitamin P activity, working synergistically with vitamin C to promote capillary stability. The bioflavonoid complexes in hawthorn include oligomeric procyanidins vitexin, hyperoside and quercetin. The free radical scavenging activities of an ethanol extract of hawthorn were proven in a research reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on September 2008.

Hawthorn extract exerts mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which appears to be a result of a number of various pharmacological activities. It dilates coronary vessels, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), acts as an inotropic agent. Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme  causes an increase in angiotensin II and systemic vasoconstriction. This condition elevates blood pressure. In a study investigated the efficacy of high doses of hawthorn extract (900 mg) in 1476 patients with Stage I and Stage II cardiac insufficiency, with treatment lasting 4 and 8 weeks. The symptom score decreased by a average of 66% at the conclusion of treatment, with the Stage I NYHA patients largely symptom-free. A subgroup of patients with symptoms including borderline hypertension demonstrated reduced in systolic and diastolic pressure.

In 1998, in a double blind placebo-controlled study, Dr NH Mashour demonstrated that hawthorn extract consumption leads to a sharp reduction in cardiac failure symptoms, stage II. In a clinical study 60 patient with angina (chest pain that can occur when blood cannot freely pass through narrowed coronary arteries) were given either 180 mg/day of hawthorn berry leaf flower extract or placebo for three weeks. Those who received hawthorn experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from chest pain.These finding suggests hawthorn may help combat chest pain, which is caused by low blood flow to the heart. In a Chinese clinical study with 46 patients suffering from angina, a Chinese variety of hawthorn reduced the number of angina attacks by 85% compared to 37% on placebo.

Hawthorn extract can help increase the amount of  blood pumped out of the heart during contractions , widen the blood vessels, and enhance the transmission of nerve signals.This plant also have a positive inotropic activity on the contraction amplitude of myocytes. Hawthorn extract helps to enhance blood flow, according to an article reported in 2007 in the Journal of  Herbal Medicine and Toxicology.

Hawthorn herb has shown promise in both uncontrolled and controlled clinical studies in the therapy of  NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class II congestive heart failure-defined as “fatigue or shortness of breath during heavy exertion and possibly during normal activities.” Over a period of 8 weeks, hawthorn extract resulted in a significant healing in the performance of the heart. Participants reported relief in subjective symptoms, such as reduced performance, shortness of breath, and ankle edema. In a observational study showed 450 mg hawthorn extract WS 1442 given twice daily for 24 weeks significantly improved exercise tolerance and  fatigue, blood pressure, ejection fraction, and resting pulse in patients with  NYHA-II cardiac insufficiency.

One placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on 30 participant for 8 weeks was conducted with hawthorn extract WS 1442 at a dose of 160 mg per day. The Hawthorn group demonstrated a statistically significant effect over placebo in all parameters. An 8 week  placebo-controlled, double-blind study using hawthorn extract (WS 1442) in 136 participant with Stage II NYHA cardiac insufficiency focused on changes in the blood pressure and heart rate output measured at the beginning and end of therapy. A evident healing in the performance of the heart in the hawthorn group was seen, while the placebo group progressively worsened. In a study, 209 participant with relatively advanced CHF were given either 1800 milligrams or 900 milligrams of standardized hawthorn extract or placebo. The findings after 16 weeks of treatment demonstrated important improvements in the hawthorn extract groups as compared to the placebo groups. A review of scientific studies reported in the Cochrane Database of  Systematic Reviews in Jan 2008 concluded that hawthorn extract indicates important symptom development when used together with standard drugs to treat chronic heart failure.

One study found that hawthorn extract (900 mg/day) taken for two months was as efficacious as low doses of captopril (is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure) in improving symptoms of heart failure. In one randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with hawthorn, 40 participant suffering from class II (NYHA II) CHF were given hawthorn extract or a placebo. Exercise tolerance in the treatment group increased by 10%  while it decreased by approximately 17% in the placebo group. A other study provides data that this plant can improve heart function in people with chronic heart disease. This 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested the properties of 600 mg/day of LI 132®. 78 patients with Stage II heart disease taking hawthorn had important gains in their stamina, had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates while exercising, and pumped more blood at lower pressure.

Dosage

The recommended daily dose ranges from 160 to 1800 mg. However some doctors believe there is greater effectiveness with higher dosages (600 to 1,800 mg in 2 or 3 divided doses daily). Researches demonstrate that full effects may take up to six months to develop. The standardization of  hawthorn extracts is based on the overall content of flavonoids (2.2%) and proanthocyanidins (18.75%).  (Hawthorn extract LI 132 is standardized to 2.2% flavonoids. Hawthorn extract WS 1442 is standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins).

Side Effects

Hawthorn herb is well tolerated. A dosage of 160 mg to 1600 mg per day taken for 6 to 24 weeks was found to be safe in studies. Reported adverse effects were mild and included nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, and  stomach upset.Theoretic interactions exist with digoxin, antiarrhythmics and antihypertensives drugs. Concomitant use may necessitate a reduction in the dosage of these medications. Consult a doctor before taking hawthorn with any heart drug.