9 Science-Backed Hawthorn Berry Benefits

What comes to your mind when you think of the color red? A “heart,” right? That’s the color of Hawthorn berry! A medically beneficial plant for the heart.

However, this is not the only characteristic of the berry that makes it famous.

Generally, Hawthorn berries are beneficial in enhancing heart, liver, and skin-related functions. They are an essential source of antioxidants and flavonoids and provide a sufficient amount of natural fibers.

This article highlights the essential advantages of these beautiful berries.

To learn more about the Hawthorn berry benefits, keep reading.

Overview of Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn species belong to the plant family; Rosaceae (rose family).

Like most of the members of Rosaceae, Hawthorn species consist of thorns.

Nevertheless, these thorns do not degrade the exquisite quality of the plant, as berries make the trees highly attractive to look at!

Let’s take a closer look at the table to learn more about the other features of Hawthorns.

Traits	Identifications
Common Names	Hawthorn Berry Tree; Haws
Scientific Name	Crataegus species
Habit	Shrubs, Sub-Shrubs or Small Trees
Native Range	Northern Temperate Regions to Central America
Fruit	Pome (like Apple & Pear)
Total Species	1,095
Toxicity	Non-Toxic to Humans or Pets
USDA Zones	3 to 8
Flowering Season	April and May
Flower Structure	Color: White or Pink With Both Male and Female Parts Petals: Five
Fruit Color	Red to Dark-Red (Rarely Yellow)
Fruit Texture	On Taste: Variable (Hard, Dry, Powdery to Crispy and Juicy) On Appearance: Shiny and Smooth

Nutritional Value of Hawthorn Fruits

It is well-known that Hawthorn berry has many health benefits for treating heart ailments.

However, many do not know the presence of chemical compounds that enhance the berries’ health benefits.

Let us take a closer look at the table below about the chemical compounds in the Hawthorn fruits.

Detection of Compounds	Specifications
Apigenin-7-O-glucoside and Leuteolin 3,7-diglucoside	Most potent compounds to eliminate pelvic infection causing bacteria even at minimum dosage.
Ursolic Acid and Oleanoilc Acid	These are organic acids that show antioxidant activities in PC12 cells (hormone producing cells), decreasing their decline rate.
Crataequinone A	It is a quinone that show cytotoxic effects against Hep3b and HepG2 cells (liver cancer causing cells).
Quercitin-3-O-galactoside and Kaemferol-3-O-glucoside	These are the flavonoids that inhibits human breast cancer cells.
Epicatechin, Chlorogenic Acids and Procyanidins	These are groups of important polyphenols essential against cardiovascular diseases.

Major Benefits of Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn berries have many uses in various aspects. You can utilize them how you like, from health to their application in multiple cuisines. 

So, without further ado, let’s briefly examine the Hawthorn berry benefits. 

1. Keeps Heart Diseases at Bay

“Hawthorn berries each day, keep cardio diseases away!” This must be assigned as a new tag line for these berries.

In fact, there is a high preference for Hawthorn berries as a leading source of research material related to cardiovascular problems.

The extract from Hawthorn berries has also been effective in treating hypertension and heart failure.

The berries have cardiotonic properties because they contain quercetin, a natural substance that reduces the risk of heart disease.

Moreover, if you are an avid soft-drink lover, why not prefer something healthy?

Hridaya Amrit is a beverage made from Hawthorn berries by the Defense Institute of Bioenergy Research (DRDO) as a cardiotonic.

A great way to compensate for the ailing heart!

2. Source of Antioxidants

Studies reveal that Hawthorns are a great source of natural antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants prevent the growth of cancer cells by reducing oxidative stress on the body.

The antioxidant activity of Hawthorn berries can be associated with the presence of polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, quercetin, and procyanidins.

Similarly, a 2020 review states quercetin in Hawthorn berries helps the body fight breast cancer.

Moreover, these antioxidants help lower the risks of asthma, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Additionally, the same review also reports that the antioxidant effects of Hawthorn berries are also applicable to preventing the proliferation of lung cancer cells.

Likewise, a finding from 2017 research indicates the cytotoxic activity of hawthorn berries in human ovarian carcinoma.

Hence, a daily intake of Hawthorn berries can save you from developing cancers if you want to remain cancer-free.

3. Hawthorn Berry for Skin Rejuvenation

Acne can be troublesome for many people hindering their confidence in several aspects.

Moreover, greasy oils are the reason why acne may pop up.

Likewise, you can consume Hawthorn berries to fight acne and oily skin-related problems.

Chlorogenic acids present in the berries prevent the formation of greasy oils and open the skin pores.

Moreover, skincare has become compulsory to protect against harmful UV radiation, the primary cause of cancers.

A study in 2014 journal “Biological Research” states that Hawthorn berries are good source of vitamin C. Ultimately, Hawthorn berries protect your skin from UV radiation!

According to a study, antioxidants from Hawthorn berries revitalize the skin.

The berry’s anthocyanidins, a significant source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may serve as a natural sunscreen.

Hawthorn berries are the best option for your skin issues as a result. You can also consume berry in any form to get these advantages.

But wait, there’s more! Hawthorn berry extracts can also be used to prevent these skin conditions.

• Premature skin aging (caused due to collagen degradation of skin).
• Wrinkle formation.
• Abnormal sebum (oil) levels.
• Acne scars (use along with vitamin E).

Furthermore, you can apply the berry extracts directly to the skin.

Hawthorn berries prevent the need to buy any synthetic products.

4. Controlling High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels

Extreme cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood can cause problems to the liver, and the only way to stop the lipid build-up is to consume foods that are high in fiber.

Fortunately, Hawthorn berries contain enough fibers to keep your liver healthy and fit.

Review in the “Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences” states that pectin fibers from the fruits of Hawthorn can alleviate the levels of lipids, preventing the condition known as Hyperlipidemia.

Moreover, these berries can help control cholesterol levels by promoting the growth of good gut bacteria when included in your regular diet.

Furthermore, a good gut prevents you from having irregular bowel movements due to harmful gut bacteria.

So, grab the berries instead of greasy foods to enhance your liver and gut health.

5. Anti-microbial Effects of Hawthorn Berry

Bacteria and fungi are microorganisms that spoil food products, making them unpalatable.

Additionally, these microorganisms are responsible for causing several diseases in humans.

One of its advantages is the ability of Hawthorn berry extract to inhibit and eradicate these potentially harmful microorganisms.

Chemical constituents in the berries are the main reasons for stopping the growth of bacteria.

Findings from a study in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” state the use of berries for the control of bacteria Micrococcus, Bacillus, and Listeria species.

Likewise, berry extracts also effectively control harmful fungi (especially Candida albicans).

Thus, Hawthorn berries have anti-microbial properties for effectively deterring harmful growth of microorganisms.

6. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hawthorn Berry

Berry of Hawthorns is excellent for alleviating inflammation-related pain and redness.

In fact, berry extracts have been studied for inflammation caused by itchiness in the knees, elbows, and scalps.

Moreover, animal testing has also made it clear that consuming berry extracts help reduce the inflammation of the liver-related injury.

Epicatechin is the type of polyphenol that gives Hawthorn fruits their anti-inflammatory properties.

If you are suffering from diseases like type-2 diabetes and asthma, you may experience symptoms of severe inflammation in the whole body and airways.

But, consumption of Hawthorn berries can make the problems less severe.

Hence, regular intake of berries may prevent inflammation caused by many diseases.

7. Hawthorn Berry as Anxiety Reliever

Anxiety is a problem caused by a disorder in the Central Nervous System.

However, you can use Hawthorn berry extract to treat these problems.

Taking Hawthorn berries with magnesium and poppy flower can be a supplement for treating mild to moderate anxiety problems.

Findings from the research were positive among 264 tested individuals.

Now you don’t have to get anxious anymore. Just consume the berries and find yourself with relief from an anxious heart.

8. Application of Hawthorn Berry in Animal Therapy

Not only you but your pets also suffer from heart-related complications.

However, Hawthorn berries are equally helpful for your furry companions.

Animal research proves these berries help remove bad cholesterol and promote cardioprotective effects.

The “Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association” states the beneficial roles of these berries in preventing the thickening of heart muscles and blood leakage from the heart for dogs and cats.

Although, the daily dosage may be confusing at times.

Yet, one teaspoon powder of these berries mixed in one pound of food for pets may provide the necessary antioxidants.

9. Aesthetic Benefits

Just imagine a Hawthorn bonsai tree with red-colored berries in your living room. Sounds fun, right?

Additionally, Hawthorn bonsai is most attractive during the berry-forming season.

All you have to do is have patience, occasionally prune the leaves and maintain the roots whenever you repot to keep the plant dwarf.

Dark-red fruits with green foliage coherently provide a sense of tranquility to the mind.

Moreover, for your hawthorn bonsai to produce berries, you can provide it with fertilizer containing sufficient phosphorous and potassium with less nitrogen during the blooming period.

Keep your Hawthorn bonsai happy by providing all the requirements it needs. Trust me; it is worth the time.

Health Considerations to Hawthorn Berry

Although you can use Hawthorn berries for different purposes, they also have some side effects for humans under certain conditions.

Your furry companions are entirely safe from Hawthorn berries. No need to worry!

Hawthorn berries are applicable for treating many pet-related health complexities. 

According to the University of California Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants, Hawthorn berries are non-toxic for human consumption.

However, it is essential to take preventive care under certain circumstances, like;

• If you are suffering from low blood pressure-related conditions.
• If you are recently consuming medications containing digoxin.
• If you are undergoing a pregnancy period.
• If you are under 12 years of age.

If, under any unforeseen circumstance, symptoms due to ingestion or consumption of the berries are visible, do not hesitate to give a call on any one of the numbers.

• The Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA): (888) 426-4435
• American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC): 800-222-1222

Furthermore, Hawthorn plants consist of thorns. Try to keep your pets away from plants to reduce the risk of injury.

After all, prevention is always better than cure.

How to Use Hawthorn Berry?

There are varieties of ways to use Hawthorn berries for its benefits.

One way is you can directly consume the berries to get medicinal benefits.

Daily intake of 160 to 1800 milligrams of berry extract is well-tolerated by people under normal conditions.

Additionally, you can convert Hawthorn berries into jams, tea, and juices to supplement your regular meals.

Similarly, you can add the flakes of dried Hawthorn berries to the top of your breakfast cereal.

Furthermore, prepare berry tea if you want to be innovative and brag about delicious dishes in front of friends and family.

Recipe for Preparation

You do not want to deny a hot cup of Hawthorn berry tea on a cold morning, do you?

Hence, follow the steps for preparing this quick beverage.

• Take one teaspoon of berries.
• Boil a cup of water and pour over fresh berries.
• Leave the berries for 10 to 15 minutes in hot water.
• Strain the tea to separate the berries.
• Add cinnamon sticks or honey to supplement your berry tea. Enjoy!

Where to Buy Hawthorn Berries

Eventually, you might want to know where to get this plant?

Fresh berries on top of the kitchen desk are a must for anyone who loves harvested fruits. 

Well, you don’t need a tedious pondering. You can receive the plant at your doorstep by clicking the following links.

Sites/ Shops	Delivery Period
MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY	Within 2 weeks after placing an order.
Fast Growing Trees	Within 1 to 2 days after placing an order.
Planting Justice	Within 3 to 6 weeks after placing an order.
Cold Stream Farm	Within 2 to 5 weeks after placing an order.
WILSON BROS GARDENS	Within 3 to 7 days after placing an order.

However, you can also get your hands on the dry berries by contacting any of the links below.

Sites/Shops	Delivery Period
Etsy	Within 9 days after placing an order.
Amazon	Within 4 to 5 days after placing an order.
STARWEST BOTANICALS	Within 1 to 6 days after placing an order.
Instacart	Within 2 hours after placing an order.
WILD TERRA apothecary	Within 1 to 3 days after placing an order.

Conclusion

Hawthorn berries have extensive qualities in food, medicine, skin-related benefits, and indoor decorations. Only a few plants contain such a various caliber of uses in multiple fields. 

Moreover, your pets are usually safe from the berries.

But some cases require precautions as studies to understand berries’ interaction with various drugs is still underway.

Hence, due to the vast array of benefits of the fruits, it is not wrong to entitle it as a wonder berry.  

Want to know more about the other berries? Check this out Black Tower Elderberry also read 11 Best Raspberry Companion Plants