Hawthorn

What human studies say about hawthorn

• Skin hydration, telomere length · Randomized controlled trial, 41 participants · 2025
  Skin hydration scores improved more with hawthorn fruit than with placebo (p<0.05). Changes in other skin phenotypes and leukocyte telomere length were similar between groups. Genotype-specific effects were reported. Limitation: Small trial in which 36 completed follow-up; the genotype subgroup analyses are based on very few participants and are exploratory. PubMed 40573097
• Inflammation and blood lipids · Randomized controlled trial, 49 participants · 2011
  Neutrophil elastase decreased in the hawthorn group compared with placebo (p<0.0001). LDL cholesterol fell within the hawthorn group, but differences between groups at 6 months were not statistically significant. Other parameters did not change significantly. Limitation: Small sample of diabetic patients with heart disease on statins; the preparation was flower and leaf, not fruit, so results may not apply to hawthorn berries. PubMed 21242072
• Electrocardiogram effects · Randomized crossover trial, 20 participants · 2018
  Found no significant difference in 4- or 6-hour corrected QT intervals between hawthorn and placebo. Maximum post-dose QTc was similar (346 vs 346 ms), and no significant adverse events were seen. Limitation: Single dose in 20 healthy volunteers only; says nothing about repeated use or people with heart conditions. PubMed 29672935

Most studies used extracts or doses that differ from home cooking. Full details in the Nourilo Research Library.

Safety: Can cause dizziness, nausea or digestive upset, and may interact with heart medicines. Little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Source: NIH NCCIH — Hawthorn