The Espino Albar or Hawthorn is a shrub native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Beech grows in or near them. Its botanical name is oxyacantha Crataegus, family Rosaceae. You can reach 9 feet high, its leaves are bright green, its fruits are red and see some sort of flowers between April and June. Its wood is very hard. Used in phytotherapy and medicinal flowers (collected in spring), and their leaves and fruit. Other medicinal species are Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata .
chemical composition. The drug contains a complex composition but three groups include phytochemicals, flavonoids , proanthocyanidins and terpenoids. Among the flavonoids highlights the presence of principles derived from apigenin, luteolin and quercetin (hyperoside and vitexin). It also contains essential oil, purines, amines, vitamin C and minerals.
pharmacological properties.
- cardiovascular system: moderate hypotensive effect, but prolonged in time. Reduces congestive heart failure and angina. Antiarrhythmic properties, regulating heart rhythm and preventing atrial fibrillation. It also has soothing properties of vascular smooth muscle. In vitro studies have shown that the standardized extract of hawthorn inhibits myocardial enzyme ATPase-Na +, K +-dependent and blocks the repolarizing potassium current, increasing the refractory period, which justifies its antiarrhythmic properties. Proanthocyanidins inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme, which further emphasizes its antihypertensive power, and is also potassium-sparing diuretic.
- nervous system: it is an interesting sendante nervous system, and antispasmodic. Is indicated as a mild sedative.
- Urinary System : already mentioned, for proanthocyanidins and its content in purines. This helps to lower high blood pressure.
undesirable effects and contraindications. hawthorn extract has low toxicity but described the possible interactions with other cardioactive drugs. Should be administered with caution in patients with cardio.
preparations and dosage. The use of standardized extracts at a dose between 160 and 900 mg / day. There are many preparations on the market: 350 mg powder capsules (3-5 per day) criomolido powder capsules 270 mg, Capsules 132 mg standardized aqueous extract (3-6 day) or 200 mg (2 daily). You can also manage standardized fluid extract (0.5-2 g daily) or infusion (10 g / l, 15 min) 250 ml, 2-3 a day.