Chinese hawthorn

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Crataegus pinnatifida, also known as Chinese hawthorn, is a berry that is being investigated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects.

Chinese hawthorn is most often used for

Summary

Crataegus pinnatifida, also known as Chinese hawthorn, is a berry traditionally used to improve heart health.

Crataegus pinnatifida is sometimes recommended as a supplement to control lipid levels. Crataegus pinnatifida may be able to block lipid absorption in the intestines, but this effect is unreliable and needs further study.

Crataegus pinnatifida has a more powerful effect on restricting lipid absorption than orlistat, an anti-obesity drug. An ethanolic extract of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves was found to have a stronger anti-allergic effect than Montelukast, a brand name drug for asthma and allergy relief.

There have been no human studies done on Crataegus pinnatifida, and the two main effects of the plant, reduced lipid absorption and allergy relief, have not been linked to any bioactive compounds in the plant.

Though preliminary evidence suggests the fruit and leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida are a promising heart supplement, there is not enough evidence for its effects to specifically recommend the plant for supplementation.

What else is Chinese hawthorn known as?
Note that Chinese hawthorn is also known as:
  • Chinese Hawthorn
  • Shanzha
  • Shanlihong
  • Yixintong (tablets)
  • Crataegus Pinnatifida
Chinese hawthorn should not be confused with:
  • Undaria pinnatifida (source of fucoxanthin and a seaweed rather than a berry)

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References
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2.^Liu P, Kallio H, Lü D, Zhou C, Ou S, Yang BAcids, sugars, and sugar alcohols in Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruitsJ Agric Food Chem.(2010 Jan 27)
6.^Min BS, Huong HT, Kim JH, Jun HJ, Na MK, Nam NH, Lee HK, Bae K, Kang SSFuro-1,2-naphthoquinones from Crataegus pinnatifida with ICAM-1 expression inhibition activityPlanta Med.(2004 Dec)
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27.^Huang W, Ye X, Li X, Zhao Z, Lan P, Wang L, Liu M, Gao Y, Zhu J, Li P, Feng PThe inhibition activity of chemical constituents in hawthorn fruit and their synergistic action to HMG-CoA reductaseZhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi.(2010 Sep)
31.^Tadić VM, Dobrić S, Marković GM, Dordević SM, Arsić IA, Menković NR, Stević TAnti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, free-radical-scavenging, and antimicrobial activities of hawthorn berries ethanol extractJ Agric Food Chem.(2008 Sep 10)
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