Hawthorn berry A combination of the Hawthorn berry with its flower and/or leaves has traditionally been used in Europe as a highly regarded heart tonic. Its specific application includes heart weakness, particularly where nervous exhaustion is present. This highly nutritive plant, nourishes the entire cardiovascular system promoting connective and cardiovascular tissue integrity. Due to the absence of plant bioflavonoids, from foods in the American diet, simple plant compounds, such as these, will prove to become increasingly effective with many of today’s chronic degenerative disorders. This compound contains two groups of active flavonoids that exert their actions upon the cardiovascular system. One group of flavonoids has been shown to enhance rhythmical activity (Positive inotropic) of the heart while the other group has been shown to reinforce the collagen tissue of the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn berries have been used historically to tonify the heart. G3, G5, G6, 1, 2, 3 In fact, such use for Hawthorn has been reported since the first half of the 17th century.2 The berries have also traditionally found use as a digestive stimulant for relief of numerous gastrointestinal disturbances. G3, G5 Primary focus, has of course fallen predominantly upon its well established cardiovascular affect. In the tradition of the American Eclectics, Hawthorn was considered to be a specific for cardiac insufficiency of virtually any kind.G6 Today, Hawthorn is primarily recognized in the scientific literature for its influence with congestive heart disease, G5, 7, 8 cholesterol lowering effects, antioxidant properties, and collagen stabilizing ability. G5, 1 Hawthorn flowers and leaves possess similar properties and chemistry to the Hawthorn berry.3 While the berries are higher in certain constituents, the flower and leaf are higher in others.2 They have been combined here in Hawthorn Supreme to offer the full spectrum of Hawthorn’s chemistry and vast therapeutic effects. The German Commission E (Germany’s equivalent of the FDA) endorses the use of the leaf and flower, of the Hawthorn for Cardiac Insufficiency, and ‘the aging heart, not yet requiring digitalis’.9 Hawthorn is considered to be one of the most gentle heart remedies in the herbal materia medica (materials of medicine).3 THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS* Note: The intention of the following information is to represent the traditional use of the individual botanicals found in these formulas and to inform the reader of any evolving scientific inquiry relevant to the formula’s ingredients. SUPPORTED BY TRADITIONAL USE Heart tonic, G3, G5, G6, 1, 2, 3 Antisclerotic, G3, G6 Digestive. G3, 2 SCOPE OF RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION Congestive Heart Disease, G5, 1 High Blood Pressure, G3, G5, 1 Elevates cyclic AMP, G5, 1, 9 Extends refractory period,G5 Positively inotropic, G3, G5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 Cholesterol lowering,G5 Antioxidant, G5, 1 Collagen stabalization, G5, 1 Increased coronary and peripheral blood flow. G3, 1, 6, 7, 8 CAUTIONS, CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS Do not use during pregnancy or lactation. COMPLIMENTARY HERBS/FORMULAS Hawthorn Berry Solid Extract, Night Blooming Cereus (for MVP - Practitioners Only), Anti-Oxidant Supreme, Ginkgo Leaf REFERENCES 1. Murray M. The healing power of herbs - The enlightened persons guide to the wonders of medicinal plants. 2nd ed. Prima publishing. Rocklin, Ca. 1995. 2. Hobbs C, Foster S. Hawthorn - A Literature Review. Herbalgram. 1990; 22:19-33. 3. Mitchell W. Plant Medicine. Seattle, Wa. Self-published. 2000. 4. Loew D. Phytotherapy in heart failure. Phytomedicine. 1997; 4(3): 267-71. 5. Popping S, et al. Effect of a Hawthorn Extract on Contraction and Energy Turnover of Isolated Rat Cardiomyocytes. Arzneim.-Forsch. 1995; 45(1): 1157-61. 6. Ammon H, Handel M. Crataegus, Toxikologie und Pharmakologie Teil II: Pharmakodynamik Planta Med. 1991; 43(3): 209-39. 7. Schussler M, et al. Functional and Antiischaemic Effects of Monoacetyl- vitexinrhamnoside in Different In Vitro Models. Gen. Pharmac. 1995; 26(7): 1565-70. 8. Al Makdessi S, et al. Myocardial Protection by Pretreatment with Crataegus oxyacantha. Arzneim.-Forsch. 1996; 46(1): 25-27. 9. Witchl M. (Bisset NG, Ed.) Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm, CRC Press: Boca Raton. 1994. Hawthorn Berry