Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Hawthorn Berry Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Mild GI symptoms (nausea, stomach upset)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Palpitations (rare, usually at high doses)
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Cardiac glycosides (digoxin) — hawthorn may potentiate effects; monitor closely
- Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers — additive blood pressure and heart rate lowering
- PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) — additive hypotensive effects
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 1800mg/day (well-tolerated in clinical trials)
References
- Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E (2008). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
- Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, Gaus W, Tendera M (2008). The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. European Journal of Heart Failure. DOI PubMed
- Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, Hope JL, Robinson PA, Hassanein M, Simpson HC (2006). Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of General Practice. PubMed