Chinese Hawthorn

Overview

Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) is a time-honored herbal remedy celebrated for its cardiovascular and digestive health benefits. A staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this fruit is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties, making it a versatile addition to modern wellness regimens.

Other Common Names

Shan Zha, Crataegus pinnatifida, Chinese May Tree, Mountain Hawthorn, Chinese Hawthorn Fruit

Top Benefits

• cardiovascular health
• Enhances digestion
• Provides antioxidant protection
• Supports healthy blood pressure
• Stabilizes blood sugar 

What Is Chinese Hawthorn?

Chinese Hawthorn is a small tree native to East Asia, primarily cultivated in China and Korea. Its fruit, resembling miniature crabapples, has been used for centuries both medicinally and in culinary applications. Known for its tart flavor, Chinese Hawthorn is commonly consumed as tea, tinctures, or supplements.

In TCM, Chinese Hawthorn is praised for its ability to support heart health and improve digestion, particularly after heavy or greasy meals. Scientific studies have expanded its reputation, demonstrating its potential to regulate blood pressure, improve cholesterol profiles, and reduce oxidative stress. These benefits stem from its rich array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, procyanidins, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.

Marco’s Grounds™ Chinese Hawthorn Sourcing

Marco’s Grounds™ sources premium-quality Chinese Hawthorn fruit from a sustainable family farm in Yantai, China. Yantai is renowned for producing high-quality Chinese hawthorn due to its favorable climate and soil conditions. Our standardized extract ensures a high concentration of active compounds, such as flavonoids and procyanidins, delivering potent and reliable cardiovascular and digestive health benefits.

Chinese Hawthorn Dosing Principles and Rationale

Clinical studies recommend doses of 250 to 500 mg of standardized extract daily for cardiovascular benefits, with higher doses used safely in some cases [1, 2]. Marco’s Grounds™ adheres to hormetic dosing principles (see Marco’s Grounds Dosing Philosophy), optimizing the dose of Chinese Hawthorn extract for synergistic effects in our formulations.

Chinese Hawthorn Key Mechanisms

Cardiovascular Health

• Improves blood flow: Enhances coronary artery blood flow, supporting heart function [1].

• Regulates blood pressure: Helps maintain healthy systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels [2, 3].

• Reduces cholesterol: Lowers LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol [4].

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammation markers linked to cardiovascular issues [5].

Digestion

• Stimulates gastric enzymes: Promotes healthy digestion by stimulating gastric enzymes and increasing bile flow [6].

• Reduces bloating: Alleviates indigestion and bloating associated with heavy or greasy meals [7].

Antioxidant Protection

• Neutralizes free radicals: Contains flavonoids and procyanidins that protect against oxidative stress [8].

• Anti-aging properties: Reduces oxidative damage to tissues, supporting cellular longevity [9].

Blood Sugar Support

• Stabilizes blood glucose: Modulates postprandial blood sugar spikes and improves insulin sensitivity [10].

Synergies with other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Amplifies heart health by supporting cellular energy production.
• Magnesium: Enhances vascular relaxation and reduces blood pressure.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Complements antioxidant activity, improving lipid profiles.
• L-Arginine: Boosts nitric oxide production, enhancing blood flow.

References

1. Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2008). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. American Journal of Medicine, 114(8), 665-674.

2. Tauchert, M. (2002). Efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in chronic heart failure. Phytomedicine, 9(6), 422-423.

3. Walker, A. F., et al. (2002). Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking medication. British Journal of General Practice, 52(482), 946-947.

4. Tassell, M. C., et al. (2010). Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2010(2), 1-8.

5. Edwards, J. E., et al. (2012). A systematic review of the efficacy of Crataegus in cardiovascular disease. Phytotherapy Research, 26(10), 1500-1513.

6. Pan, C. H., et al. (2015). Anti-inflammatory and digestive enzyme-stimulating effects of Chinese Hawthorn. Food & Function, 6(3), 959-967.

7. Wang, L., et al. (2014). Effect of hawthorn on digestion and lipid metabolism. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), 6-15.

8. Jayalakshmi, R., et al. (2011). Antioxidant activity of Crataegus pinnatifida. Food Chemistry, 127(3), 1200-1207.

9. Li, J., et al. (2013). Anti-aging effects of hawthorn flavonoids. Journal of Medicinal Food, 16(6), 501-508.

10. Zhang, Z., et al. (2011). Antidiabetic effects of Crataegus pinnatifida in experimental models. Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), 1163-1168.