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Hawthorn Berry Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

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)

Full Hawthorn Berry Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisPittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E (2008). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTHolubarsch 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
  3. RCTWalker 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
  4. RCTZand J, Lanza F, Garg HK, Bryan NS (2011). All-natural nitrite and nitrate containing dietary supplement promotes nitric oxide production and reduces triglycerides in humans.. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.). DOI PubMed