English hawthorn

Crataegus laevigata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Extensive (910 studies) · ★★★★★

English hawthorn, scientifically known as Crataeagus laevigata, is a deciduous shrub revered in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its heart-protective properties, it is frequently utilized to support cardiovascular health and regulate blood pressure. This resilient plant offers a rich source of bioactive compounds, making it a cornerstone of botanical medicine.

Family
Rosaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Flower · Leaf
Common names
Midland Hawthorn · Smooth Hawthorn · 3 more
Scientific synonyms
Oxyacantha Monogyna Var. Rosea · Oxyacantha Vulgaris · 72 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Espino navarro
  • Majuelo de dos huesos
  • espino navarro
  • majuelo de dos huesos

German:

  • Zweigriffeliger Weißdorn
  • Zweigriffliger Weißdorn
  • Zweigriffliger Weissdorn
  • Zweigriffliger Weißdorn
  • Zweigriffeliger Weissdorn

French:

  • Aubépine épineuse
  • Crataegus oxyacantha
  • aubépine à deux styles
  • aubépine à deux styles
  • aubépine épineuse
  • Aubepine epineuse
  • Epine blanche
  • aubépine lisse

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Crataegus laevigata

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Crataegus, where the species Crataegus laevigata is situated.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Rosaceae WCVP
Genus Crataegus WCVP

Distribution

This plant, Crataegus laevigata, exhibits a specific range within the northern regions of the European continent. Its distribution is notably documented across several countries in Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in Denmark and throughout Great Britain. The species is also native to the landscapes of Ireland and Norway. Finally, its presence is confirmed within the borders of Sweden.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Crataegus laevigata, utilizes various anatomical structures that contribute to its overall biology and medicinal profile. The plant's foundation is supported by its sturdy roots and stocks, which anchor it firmly in the soil and facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients and water. Its leaves are characterized by specific shapes and margins that are diagnostic to the species, serving as the primary sites for photosynthesis. Additionally, the plant produces flowers that are vital for its reproductive cycle, often attracting pollinators to ensure the successful production of seeds and fruit.
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flower Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
leaf Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
rootstocks Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Crataegus laevigata has 111 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, (-)-Epicatechin, 2-Phenylchromone, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, 5-hydroxy-indole-acetic acid.

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-catechin Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-Epicatechin Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
2-Phenylchromone Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
5-hydroxy-indole-acetic acid Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
ALUMINUM Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Amines Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Aminopurine Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Apigetrin Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Ash Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Crataegus laevigata has 702 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 11B-HSD-Inhibitor, 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, 5-HT-Inhibitor, 5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
11B-HSD-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
5-HT-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
ACE-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
AP-1-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
ATPase-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Abortifacient Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Absorbent Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Acaricide Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Crataegus laevigata has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases, exercise tolerance, high blood pressure.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
heart failure Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 2 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
arrhythmia Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
cardiovascular diseases The Journal of cardiovascular nursing (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
exercise tolerance The Journal of cardiovascular nursing (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
high blood pressure Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
left ventricular dysfunction The Journal of cardiovascular nursing (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
psychosomatic disorders Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Confidence
rootstocks Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆