Hawthorn (Not traditionally recognized in Ayurveda)

About

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a well-researched medicinal plant primarily originating from Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, and is not traditionally an Ayurvedic herb. It has been used for centuries in European herbal medicine for cardiovascula...

Classical attributes

• Virya: []
• Vipaka: []

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: decreasing

Active compounds

• Flavonoids (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins/Procyanidins)
• Flavonol Glycosides (hyperoside, rutin, quercetin, vitexin, vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside)
• Triterpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, crataegolic acid)
• Phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid)
• Amines (tyramine, phenethylamine)

Clinical evidence

Meta-analyses of numerous RCTs, including a Cochrane review of 14 trials (2,778 patients), and large randomized controlled trials (e.g., HERB CHF) have robustly demonstrated Hawthorn's efficacy in mild to moderate chronic heart failure (NYHA Class I-III), improving symptoms, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. While trials like HERB CHF showed safety and trends towards symptomatic relief, the additional benefits beyond optimal conventional therapy were modest for primary cardiovascular events. Hawthorn also shows promise in mild hypertension, with specific trials indicating a modest hypotensive effect. Preliminary evidence suggests benefits for angina pectoris.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Hridya (Cardiac tonic)
• Rakta Stambhaka (Styptic, minor)
• Vata Anulomana (Regulates Vata)
• Pitta Shamana (Pacifies Pitta)
• Kapha Shamana (Pacifies Kapha)
• Sara (Promotes circulation)

Classical clinical indications

• Hridroga (Cardiac conditions, especially mild to moderate heart failure)
• Rakta Vaha Dosha (Blood circulatory imbalances, mild hypertension)
• Hrid Shula (Chest pain, angina pectoris)
• General Hridya Poshana (Cardiovascular nourishment and tonic)

Frequently asked questions