Hawthorn

Crataegus sp.

Composition: Dried flowering twig tips contain flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins.

Actions: Positive inotrophic effect. Positive dromotropic effect. Negative bathmotropic effect. Increased coronary and myocardial circulatory perfusion. Reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. In cases of human cardiac insufficiency an aqueous-alcoholic extract resulted in an increase in cardiac work tolerance, increase in ejection fraction and rise in anaerobic threshold.

Use: Decreasing cardiac output (Patients with cardiac disease without limitations of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.)

Cautions: Consult doctor when symptoms continue unchanged for greater than six weeks or when swelling of the limbs is present. Seek a diagnosis with any heart related signs and respiratory distress.

Contraindications: None known.

Side Effects: None known.

Duration and Administration: Dry and liquid forms available for oral intake. Use for six weeks minimum.