10 Health Benefits Of Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn)

Crataegus oxyacantha, also known as hawthorn, has health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing cognitive function.

Its medicinal properties include flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and terpenoids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects.

These benefits can improve people's lives by reducing the risk of heart disease, improving circulation, and enhancing mental clarity, enabling individuals to engage in daily activities with greater ease and confidence.

This article explains in details the 10 best health benefits of Crataegus oxyacantha .

1. Lowers blood pressure

Crataegus oxyacantha lowers blood pressure because of its potent flavonoid and oligomeric procyanidin content.

These compounds help to relax vascular smooth muscle, improve blood vessel function, and reduce peripheral resistance. The resultant decrease in blood pressure is achieved through the reduction of cardiac workload, allowing the heart to function more efficiently and promoting overall cardiovascular health.

This effect is particularly beneficial for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

2. Reduces cholesterol levels

Crataegus oxyacantha reduces cholesterol levels because of its unique bioflavonoid and triterpene content.

These compounds have been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut and enhance the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while also increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This dual action helps to improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of hawthorn in lowering cholesterol levels.

3. Improves circulation

4. Relieves anxiety

Crataegus oxyacantha relieves anxiety because it has a unique ability to calm the nervous system.

The bioactive compounds found in hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have a balancing effect on the body's stress response. This is thought to occur through the plant's flavonoid and phenolic acid content, which may help to regulate cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

This natural approach to anxiety relief is gaining popularity due to its non-habit-forming and gentle effects on the body.

5. Eases digestive issues

Crataegus oxyacantha eases digestive issues because it contains bioflavonoids and triterpenoids, which help regulate gastrointestinal function and reduce inflammation.

These compounds have been shown to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Hawthorn's flavonoids also improve gut motility and enhance the absorption of nutrients, supporting overall digestive health and reducing discomfort.

6. Treats heart failure

Crataegus oxyacantha treats heart failure because its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, have been shown to enhance myocardial function and increase cardiac output.

These compounds also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation associated with heart failure.

This can lead to improved exercise tolerance and reduced symptoms of heart failure.

7. Improves sleep quality

Crataegus oxyacantha improves sleep quality because it has been found to have a balancing effect on the body's nervous system, leading to a decrease in stress and anxiety.

The flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins present in hawthorn have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting a restful night's sleep and improving overall sleep quality.

This has been observed in several studies.

8. Reduces inflammation

Crataegus oxyacantha reduces inflammation because of its high content of flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

These polyphenols have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to scavenge free radicals and suppress the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.

By inhibiting the inflammation cascade, hawthorn extracts can alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and other inflammatory diseases.

9. Boosts immune system

Crataegus oxyacantha boosts immune system because it contains bioflavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).

These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation and promoting antioxidant activity, hawthorn supports the immune system in fighting off infections and maintaining overall health.

Its immune-boosting effects make it a popular herbal remedy for preventing illness.

10. Relieves menstrual cramps

Crataegus oxyacantha relieves menstrual cramps because of its rich content of flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

These compounds help to dilate blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, thereby alleviating cramp-causing spasms in the uterus.

Additionally, hawthorn's flavonoids have a direct effect on smooth muscle contractions, further reducing the severity of menstrual cramps.