Crataegus pinnatifida
What's the taxonomical classification of Crataegus pinnatifida?
Crataegus pinnatifida belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the hierarchical structure of botanical classification, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Ultimately, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Craeataegus, and its unique species designation, pinnatifida.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
| Species | pinnatifida |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Crataegus pinnatifida has woody stems often equipped with sharp thorns, pinnately lobed leaves with serrated margins, and small white or pinkish flowers clustered in corymbs. The foliage typically exhibits a distinct texture with deep indentations that characterize its pinnatifid structure. During the fruiting season, the plant produces small, fleshy pomes that transition from green to red or dark colors. These fruits are often surrounded by persistent calyx lobes and are supported by a sturdy pedicel. The overall growth habit is that of a deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading canopy.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a wide geographical range spanning across northern and central China, extending into parts of Korea and Japan. It thrives primarily in temperate climates where it can inhabit diverse environments such as mountain slopes, valleys, and forest edges. The species is frequently found in hilly regions that offer well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. Its distribution is closely tied to the seasonal patterns of East Asia, allowing it to flourish in specific ecological niches. Because of its hardiness, it has also been introduced to other temperate zones for ornamental purposes.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Crataegus pinnatifida, thrives in well-drained, loamy soils within temperate climates and requires full sun exposure to promote vigorous growth.
Cultivators should plant specimens in areas with consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged ground to prevent root rot. Pruning is necessary during the dormant season to maintain shape and encourage the development of healthy fruit. Regular applications of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can enhance both foliage density and flowering.
Proper spacing is essential to allow for adequate air circulation and to mitigate the risk of fungal diseases.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Crataeagus pinnatifida provides medicinal value through its fruit, leaf, pericarp, seeds, and skin. The fleshy pericarp and the surrounding skin of the fruit are frequently processed into dried slices for decoctions. Both the leaves and the seeds are also utilized in various traditional preparations to support cardiovascular health. Medicinal compounds found within these specific components work together to offer therapeutic benefits. Each part must be harvested and prepared correctly to ensure the efficacy of the plant's healing properties.
According to a study published by "Pharmacognosy magazine", the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida is used medicinally in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of the fruit possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. The ethanol extract exhibited more favorable effects than the aqueous extract. The total phenols content in the ethanol extract from the same quality of fruit was 3.9 times more than that in the aqueous extract. These stronger activities were observed after a 4-week treatment of high-fat emulsion.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- leaf
- pericarp
- seeds
- skin
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Crataegus pinnatifida, has been utilized for centuries in Oriental medicine to treat various digestive and cardiovascular ailments. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine primarily use the dried fruit to promote blood circulation and alleviate chest pain or palpitations. It is also frequently prescribed to aid digestion by resolving food stagnation, particularly after consuming heavy meals. Historical preparations often involve decoctions or teas made from the hawthorn fruit to balance the body's internal energies. These long-standing medicinal practices continue to serve as a foundation for modern studies into the plant's bioactive properties.
According to a study published by "Journal of ginseng research", mixtures of medicinal plants including Crataegus pinnatifida have traditionally been used as drugs in oriental medicine. Based on previously reported antioxidant properties of Crataegus pinnatifida, researchers hypothesized that a mixture containing the plant would have protective effects against skin aging. The study examined the effects of this mixture on skin roughness values including total roughness (R1), maximum roughness (R2), smoothness depth and average roughness (R3). Application of the mixture also ameliorated high values of smoothness depth (R4) to reduce loss of skin moisture. These findings suggest the mixture can prevent aging by inhibiting wrinkle formation and increasing moisture in the human skin.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Oriental medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Crataegus pinnatifida?
This plant has anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, cardioprotective, and hypoglycemic pharmacological activities that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Its anti-oxidative properties help neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory effects assist in modulating immune responses and decreasing systemic inflammation. Furthermore, its anti-hyperlipidemia and hypoglycemic actions aid in regulating cholesterol levels and blood glucose concentrations. These combined mechanisms offer significant cardioprotective benefits by supporting overall cardiovascular health and function.
According to a study published by "Food & function", Crataegus pinnatifida is part of a four herb formula known as PLCP that alleviates insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in CD-1 mice and HepG2 cells. When evaluating the ethanol extract of this formula, medium and high doses were found to reduce fasting blood glucose at week 9 by 21.1% and 24.4%, respectively. These efficacies for alleviating insulin resistance were found to be comparable with that of metformin. Furthermore, the ethanol extract effectively improved hyperlipidemia, antioxidant status, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to the aqueous extract.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-hyperlipidemia
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- cardioprotective
- hypoglycemic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains medicinal compounds such as Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, lignans, and vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside. These diverse bioactive molecules work together to provide significant antioxidant and cardioprotective benefits. The presence of proanthocyanidins and flavonoids contributes to the reduction of oxidative stress within vascular tissues. Additionally, the specific glycoside vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside plays a specialized role in the plant's pharmacological profile. Lignans and complex polysaccharides further enhance the therapeutic potential of the species in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in veterinary science", Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide (CPP) was investigated for its effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found that CPP improved free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and reduced liver steatosis and epididymal fat weight. CPP decreased serum levels of TG, TC, AST, ALT, and LDL-C while inhibiting the expression of fatty acid synthesis genes FASN and ACC. It also activated the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes CPT1A and PPARα. Furthermore, CPP decreased the firmicuticutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased Akkermansia abundance. The treatment elevated levels of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, specifically butyric acid and acetic acid.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide
- Proanthocyanidins
- flavonoids
- lignans
- vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and improving blood circulation. Its bioactive compounds work to protect hepatic cells from damage caused by excessive alcohol or fat accumulation. By regulating lipid metabolism, it helps lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, the plant assists in stabilizing glucose concentrations to combat hyperglycemia. These combined effects also support better blood circulation throughout the vascular system.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Crataegus pinnatifida is identified as a medicinal and edible herb used for the prevention and treatment of Alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This plant contains bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory effects. The study screened 106 medicinal and edible herbs officially recognized in China as of 2025 to identify protective agents. Among these, 61 herbs were found to exhibit protective effects against ALD. Crataegus pinnatifida serves a dual role as both a dietary component and a therapeutic agent for this condition.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Blood circulation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Crataegus pinnatifida, a species used to create diverse medicinal preparations such as Crataegus pinnatifida extract, Fufang Ejiao Syrup, aqueous extracts, and brewed tea. These different forms allow for varied concentrations of active bioactive compounds to be delivered to the patient. Aqueous extracts are commonly produced by soaking the fruit in water to pull out water-soluble constituents. Many traditional practitioners also prefer a simple brewed tea for daily consumption of its therapeutic properties. Additionally, more concentrated versions like the specialized syrup or standardized extracts are utilized for specific clinical applications.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Crataegus pinnatifida has a long history of use in traditional oriental herbal medicine to stimulate digestion and improve blood circulation. The extract contains 5.88±0.82 g gallic acid/100 g extract of total polyphenol and 9.15±1.58 mg cyaniding chloride/100 g extract of proanthocyanidin. In the study, a dosage of 50 mg/kg weight was orally administered daily to 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice in telogen. This administration of Crataegus pinnatifida extract promoted hair growth by inducing the anagen phase, which was reflected by the thickness of hair shaft, density of hair, and color of skin. The extract also accelerated the proliferation of human dermal papillia cells and raised the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the skin.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Crataegus pinnatifida extract
- Fufang Ejiao Syrup
- aqueous extracts
- brewed tea
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can improve blood circulation and stimulate digestion, but it may also negatively impact hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Consuming Crataegus pinnatifida can aid in the movement of blood throughout the body and support the digestive processes. However, individuals must be cautious because its bioactive compounds may interfere with medications used to treat high blood pressure. There is also a risk that its chemical properties could influence lipid levels in the blood, potentially affecting hyperlipidemia management. Therefore, careful monitoring is necessary when using this botanical for medicinal purposes.
According to a study published by "International journal of clinical and experimental medicine", Crataegus pinnatifida is used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat metabolic dysfunctions including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Hawthorn leaf flavonoids (HLF) serve as the dominant bioactive extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves. In studies involving high fat diet-induced NAFLD rats, HLF supplementation significantly lowered body weight, liver weight, and the liver/body weight ratio. HLF intervention also dramatically increased circulating adiponectin levels and up-regulated the expression of adiponectin receptors, particularly adiponectin receptor 2 (AdiPoR2) in the liver. Furthermore, HLF activated adenosine monophosphae (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its mediated alterations of SREBP-1c and PPARα. These findings suggest that HLF ameliorates hepatic steatosis by enhancing the adiponectin/AMPK pathway.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hyperlipidemia
- hypertension
- improving blood circulation
- stimulating digestion
What herbs are paired with Crataegus pinnatifida?
This plant, Crataegus pinnatifida, is most effectively paired with Hawthorn berry, Astragalus membranaceus, and Salvia miltiorrhiza to support cardiovascular health and blood circulation.
In traditional formulations, it is often combined with Astragalus to strengthen the protective qi and enhance its tonic effects on the heart. Pairing it with Salvia miltiorrhiza helps to actively promote blood flow and resolve stagnation within the vessels. Additionally, adding Panax ginseng can bolster the overall energy levels and vital essence during long-term use.
These combinations are carefully balanced to maximize the plant's ability to nourish and regulate the circulatory system.