Where is Hawthorne Berry found and what is it used for?
Hawthorne Berry (crataegus oxyacantha) comes from the hawthorne shrub, a spiny tree that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Hawthorne Berry has a primary chemical constituent that includes vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, and cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries). Since the 19th century hawthorne berries have been used to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Hawthorne berry helps protect the arterial walls, can dilate (enlarge) coronary blood vessels (the vessels supplying the heart with vital oxygen, blood, and nutrients), and strengthens the heart’s pumping ability. They inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterase; the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (a secondary messenger of luteinizing hormone).
