Fruit of hawthorn and various names used for it:

• Hawthorn berry 
• Aubépine
• Weißdornbeere 
• Baccelli di biancospino 
• Espino albar
• Малина кровавая 
• Černý trn
• Бодлив тризубец
• Oplemenjeni trn 
• Трънлив черен джанър

  1. What are the health properties of hawthorn fruits ?

Hawthorn fruits have been known for centuries for their health and medicinal properties. They are a rich source of active substances, including flavonoids, organic acids, tannins, pectin, and vitamin C. These properties make hawthorn fruits an effective tool in treating many ailments. Hawthorn fruits are particularly valued for their impact on the cardiovascular system. The substances contained in them can contribute to lowering blood pressure, improving blood circulation, increasing the flexibility of blood vessels, and reducing the risk of heart diseases. Hawthorn fruits can also help regulate heart rhythm, which is especially beneficial for people with arrhythmias. Furthermore, hawthorn fruits exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can assist in treating urinary tract infections, inflammation of the oral cavity and throat, as well as respiratory diseases. The tannins and pectin they contain can also help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and intestinal disorders. Hawthorn fruits are also a source of antioxidants, which aid in combating free radicals and protecting the body from oxidative stress that can lead to chronic diseases. Additionally, hawthorn fruits can help improve digestion and have a positive effect on the liver. Hawthorn fruits can be consumed in various ways, including adding them to dishes, teas, juices, and compotes. The recommended daily dose is approximately 1-2 tablespoons of dried hawthorn fruits.

  2. Are there any contraindications for using hawthorn fruits ?

Hawthorn fruit is generally considered safe to use, but there are certain contraindications for its usage. Individuals with heart conditions or those taking heart medications should consult with a doctor before starting hawthorn fruit supplementation. High doses can affect blood pressure and heart rate. Hawthorn fruit may also interact with certain medications such as diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, and anticoagulants. Therefore, it is important to always consult with a doctor before starting supplementation.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using hawthorn fruits as there is a lack of sufficient research on the safety of supplementation during these periods. Hawthorn fruit may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those allergic to plants from the Rosaceae family.

  3. What are the methods of preparing hawthorn fruits for the best medicinal effects ?

Hawthorn fruit is commonly used for medicinal purposes due to its health properties. To maximize the benefits of its consumption, it is important to know how to prepare it best. One of the most commonly used methods is preparing a hawthorn fruit infusion. To do this, steep about two tablespoons of dried hawthorn fruits in a cup of boiling water and let it sit for approximately 10-15 minutes. Then strain the infusion and drink it after a few minutes. Another way to prepare hawthorn fruits is by simmering them with water in a 1:4 ratio for about an hour, then straining and drinking it several times a day. Hawthorn fruits can also be added to tea or other beverages to enhance their flavor and nutritional value. It is important to remember that before using hawthorn fruits for medicinal purposes, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no contraindications or interactions with other medications or supplements.

  4. Is hawthorn fruit safe for children and pregnant women ?

Hawthorn fruits are commonly used as a supportive remedy for various ailments, but caution should be exercised when using them in children and pregnant women. Regarding children, there is insufficient scientific research to confirm the safety of hawthorn fruit usage. Therefore, it is advised to avoid giving these fruits to children without consulting a doctor. For pregnant women, caution is recommended when using hawthorn fruits due to their potential impact on the circulatory system, which can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm.

  5. What are the recommended doses of hawthorn fruits for medicinal purposes ?

The recommended doses of hawthorn fruits for medicinal purposes may vary depending on individual health needs and the patient's condition. Dosage should be determined by a doctor or nutrition specialist. For hawthorn fruits, typically around 1-2 teaspoons of dried fruits per cup of water or 1-2 tablespoons of hawthorn fruit syrup daily are used. Fresh hawthorn fruits can also be consumed but in smaller amounts, as they are more concentrated than dried or syrup forms. It is important to note that consuming excessive amounts of hawthorn fruits may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should avoid consuming hawthorn fruits as they may affect the action of these medications.

  6. Can hawthorn fruit be used as a dietary supplement ?

Yes, hawthorn fruit is commonly used as an ingredient in dietary supplements. Its action primarily focuses on supporting heart function and lowering blood pressure. Hawthorn fruit contains numerous components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and vitamins that have beneficial effects on the body. Dietary supplements with hawthorn fruits are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, extracts, herbal teas, or juices. Before starting hawthorn fruit supplementation, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially when using other medications or having existing medical conditions. It is worth noting that dietary supplements do not replace a healthy lifestyle and proper diet but rather serve as a complement to daily routines.

  7. Are there scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of hawthorn fruits in treating specific diseases ?

Yes, there are many scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of hawthorn fruits in treating specific diseases. Many of these studies have been conducted on animals, but there are also clinical trials that confirm the benefits associated with the intake of hawthorn fruit supplements. Primarily, hawthorn fruit is known for its supportive properties for the circulatory system, which have applications in treating heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Research has shown that regular use of hawthorn fruits can help improve blood circulation, increase cardiac performance, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular incidents.
Additionally, studies have indicated that extracts from hawthorn fruits may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. There are also studies suggesting that hawthorn fruit may have a positive impact on digestion and can help in treating urinary tract infections and reducing menstrual pain in women.

  8. What are the differences between hawthorn species and their fruits, and as a result, what are the differences
in their medicinal properties ?

Yes, there are numerous scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of hawthorn fruits in treating specific diseases. Many of these studies have been conducted on animals, but there are also clinical trials that confirm the benefits associated with the intake of hawthorn fruit supplements. Primarily, hawthorn fruit is known for its supportive properties for the circulatory system, which have applications in treating heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Research has shown that regular use of hawthorn fruits can help improve blood circulation, increase cardiac performance, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular incidents. Additionally, studies have indicated that extracts from hawthorn fruits may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. There are also studies suggesting that hawthorn fruit may have a positive impact on digestion and can help in treating urinary tract infections and reducing menstrual pain in women.

  SCIENTIFIC STUDIES have been conducted by:

• University of Maryland Medical Center in the USA
• Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford in the UK
• Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria in South Africa
• Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University in Taiwan
• Institute of Medicinal Plants, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in China
• Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra in Spain
• Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine in Italy
• Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya in Malaysia
• Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in India
• School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University in China

  STORAGE

Hawthorn fruits should be stored in a dry and cool place, at a temperature between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius. They can be stored in a refrigerator, in a closed container, to avoid moisture and prevent them from spoiling quickly. Hawthorn fruits can also be stored in the freezer, which allows them to maintain their freshness for longer, but it should be noted that they may become soft and lose their texture after thawing. Avoid storing hawthorn fruits in high-temperature areas, under direct sunlight, or in places exposed to moisture, as this can lead to fruit spoilage and loss of their medicinal properties.

  SCIENTIFIC SOURCES

• "Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease" - scientific article published in "Phytotherapy Research"
• "Crataegus species in cardiovascular disease: pharmacological actions and clinical studies" - scientific article published in "Pharmacology & Therapeutics"
• "Hawthorn Fruit Extract Elevates Expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and Improves Lipid Profiles in Ovariectomized Rats" - scientific article published in "Journal of Medicinal Food"
• "The effect of hawthorn fruit on cardiovascular function: a review of animal and human studies" - scientific article published in "Phytotherapy Research"
• "Crataegus laevigata decreases neutrophil elastase and has hypolipidemic effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial" - scientific article published in "Phytomedicine"
• "Antidepressant-like effect of a flavonoid extract of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) leaves in mice" - scientific article published in "Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior"
• "The cardiovascular effects of hawthorn extract in men and women with mildly elevated blood pressure" - scientific article published in "Nutrition Research"
  
  
  
  

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