Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna Jacq. – Common hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC (C. oxyacantha L. Em. Jacq.) – Midland hawthorn
Rosaceae – Rose family
The raw material is a pome fruit, harvested before it is fully ripe and dried in max. 60° C.

Hawthorn – appearance and use:

A thorny shrub found in Europe, Asia and North America, in Poland common in the lowlands, especially in the west and lower mountain regions, grown in parks and as a hedge. Often mixed between species. Both species of hawthorn are common in Poland. They can be differentiated by their pistils and the amount of seeds in their fruit. Common hawthorn flowers have one style and the fruit only one seed, while the Midland hawthorn flowers have two styles and the fruit have 2 or 3 seeds. Grows up to 5 m. The leaves are obovate or rounded, with alternating serrations, dark green, shiny. The flowers are white, with 5 petals, clustered in corymbs on the apex. Blooms in May and June. The flowers have an unpleasant smell. The fruit is a brown-red drupe.

Hawthorn – effects and use:

Parts used in medicine include: hawthorn flower head – Crataegi inflorescentia and hawthorn fruit – Crataegi fructus.

The hawthorn flower head contains flavonoids and many polyphenolic compounds. The total flavonoid content is 0.5-0.8%
The flower head contains: up to 2% of flavonoids (vitexin and its derivatives, hyperoside, rutin, apigenin), procyanidins, phenolic acids, triterpene compounds, amins, adenosine and related compounds, condensed tannins. The fruit contain less flavonoids, more procyanidins and epicatechin derivatives, vitamin C and A and sorbitol.

The active substances (flavonoids, proanthocyanidins) strengthen the myocardium, slightly increasing the force and frequency of heart contraction, normalise the heart rate, extend the refractory period, increase the heart's tolerance to oxygen deficiency, cause coronary and peripheral vessels to dilate, increase the coronary flow and reduce peripheral resistance, reduce blood pressure and also have sedative activity.

Hawthorn is used for initial symptoms of heart failure and also for heart aging, with moderate bradycardia, paroxysmal tachycardia, myocardium hypoxia, hypertension, peripheral circulation disorders (atherosclerotic lesions, Buerger's disease, cardiac neurosis and spasms.
Hawthorn does not contain cardiac glycosides, therefore it is non-toxic.

The hawthorn fruit is also used in food, e.g. for liquers, syrups, compotes, kissels, jelly, and also for marmalades, jams, and some wines and vodkas.