Hawthorn dosage in clinical studies
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Hawthorn Dosage in Clinical Studies: Cardiovascular and Hypertensive Applications
Clinical Dosage Ranges for Hawthorn Extract in Human Studies
Clinical studies investigating hawthorn extract for cardiovascular and blood pressure effects have used a range of dosages. Commonly, standardized hawthorn extract doses between 450 mg and 2500 mg per day have been tested. For example, one study used 450 mg of hawthorn extract twice daily (totaling 900 mg/day) for 12 weeks in patients with stage I hypertension, showing significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure without notable side effects . Another randomized, controlled cross-over trial tested doses of 1000 mg, 1500 mg, and 2500 mg of standardized hawthorn extract, taken twice daily for 3.5 days each, but did not find a clear dose-response effect on flow-mediated dilation or blood pressure .
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that hawthorn was administered as tablets or liquid drops, with significant blood pressure reductions observed in studies lasting 12 to 16 weeks. However, the review noted heterogeneity in dosage forms and regimens, making direct comparison difficult . Another pilot study used a lower dose of 500 mg hawthorn extract daily for 10 weeks in mildly hypertensive subjects, observing a trend toward reduced diastolic blood pressure and anxiety, suggesting even low doses may have some effect .
Recommended Dosage and Administration Guidelines
Pharmacological reviews recommend a daily dose of 160–900 mg of a native water-ethanol extract of hawthorn leaves or flowers, divided into two or three doses. This is equivalent to 30–169 mg of epicatechin or 3.5–19.8 mg of flavonoids per day . These recommendations are based on both clinical trial data and traditional use.
Safety and Toxicity Considerations
Long-term safety studies in animals suggest that hawthorn is well-tolerated at doses much higher than those used clinically. For example, rats given 1.6 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg of a hawthorn-containing capsule for 8 weeks (equivalent to 40–50 times the typical human dose) showed no significant toxicity or organ damage . In human studies, hawthorn was generally well-tolerated, with only mild side effects such as rash, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms reported at therapeutic dosages 310.
Drug Interactions and Special Considerations
Hawthorn may interact with cardiovascular medications, particularly those used for heart failure, hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. However, a clinical trial found that 450 mg of hawthorn extract twice daily for 21 days did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a common heart failure medication, suggesting co-administration may be safe at these doses .
Dosage in Animal and Mechanistic Studies
Animal studies have used a wide range of hawthorn dosages, often much higher than those used in humans. For example, doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were used in mice to study anti-anxiety effects, with higher doses showing greater efficacy . In cardiovascular disease models in rats, dietary supplementation with 7%, 10%, and 15% hawthorn was tested, with higher concentrations showing more pronounced biochemical effects . These findings support a dose-dependent effect in preclinical models.
Conclusion
Clinical studies of hawthorn extract for cardiovascular and hypertensive conditions most commonly use daily doses ranging from 450 mg to 2500 mg, with 900 mg per day (450 mg twice daily) being a frequently studied regimen. Lower doses (500 mg/day) may also have beneficial effects, particularly for mild hypertension. Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated at these doses, with minimal side effects and no significant toxicity observed in animal studies at much higher doses. However, due to potential drug interactions, especially with cardiovascular medications, clinical supervision is recommended. Further research is needed to clarify optimal dosing strategies and long-term safety.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic