Significance of hawthorn extract in general practice - a current positioning]. [Article in German

MMW Fortschr Med. 2018 Jul;160(Suppl 4):1-7. doi: 10.1007/s15006-018-0725-4. Epub 2018 Jul 4. [] Wegener T1, Gündling PW2, Holubarsch CJF3, Mayer JG4, Schini-Kerth VB5, Schmidt-Trucksäss A6, Stange R7. Author information 1 , Brückstraße 11, D-69469, Weinheim, Deutschland. t.wegener@consulting-hmp.de. 2 Hochschule Fresenius Idstein, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland. 3 Park Klinikum Bad Krozingen und Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland. 4 Forschergruppe Klostermedizin GmbH, Universität Würzburg und Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland. 5 UMR 1260 INSERM Nanomédecine Régénérative, Universität Straßburg, Fakultät für Pharmazie, Illkirch, Frankreich. 6 Bereich Sport- und Bewegungsmedizin, Department für Sport, Bewegung und Gesundheit (DSBG), Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz. 7 Abteilung Naturheilkunde, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin und Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Standort Berlin-Wannsee, Deutschland. Abstract BACKGROUND: Traditionally, hawthorn extract has been used for preventive and curative support in mild forms of age-related cardiovascular problems. There are now solid data demonstrating pre-clinical effects and mechanisms of action on a molecular-biological and cellular level that appear to be of particular interest in influencing vascular ageing and in arterial vascular disorders. METHOD: The review presents the results of a meeting of experts that took place to work out a current assessment of the therapeutic suitability of hawthorn extract in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Although currently no general recommendation can be given on the use of hawthorn extract in cardiac insufficiency, its use is indicated for typical challenges arising in general practice, where particularly patients with functional cardiorespiratory complaints present, possibly those with cardiac insufficiency with preserved heart function for whom there has thus far been no effective therapy apart from exercise. This recommendation is supported by the findings of studies on the safety and very good tolerability of hawthorn extract, particularly for therapy adjuvant to standard practice. KEYWORDS: Crataegus; Hawthorn; ageing patient; cardiovascular disease; quality of life