HAWTHORN

Possible applications:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiac Arhythmia
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Periperal Vascular Disease
• Vascular Fragility

Studies have shown that hawthorn extracts are effective at reducing angina and of lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol.   Hawthorn improves the blood and oxygen supply to the heart by dilating the coronary vessels while improving the metabolic process of the heart.   Flavinoids within the hawthorn inhibit constriction of the vessels in a manner similar to the calcium-channel blockers.   Hawthorn also increases energy production within the heart by utilizing the oxygen produced by the presence of the flavinoids.  In the case of cholesterol reduction, hawthorn contains procyanidins which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and size of cholesterol containing plaques in the arteries.   The lowered blood pressure effects dilates the larger blood vessels and also inhibits angiotensen-converting enzyme.   This process is mildly diuretic in nature and increases the functional capacity of the heart.   The effects generally are not seen until after two weeks of treatment.  There are no known side effects and the body tolerates hawthorn extremely well.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004