Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart failure symptoms, high blood pressure, chest pain (angina).Based on those ingredients, 191 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: hawthorn flower and leaf extract at 600 mg per capsule. Hawthorn is a plant used traditionally for heart and circulation support.

The capsule itself is made from inactive ingredients — hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and binders that help hold the product together.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Hawthorn's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cardiovascular health and cardiac muscle support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension, Heart health — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Hawthorn is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Hawthorn is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension.

The evidence for hawthorn's effectiveness for heart-related conditions in our data is insufficient. It hasn't been rated as proven for angina, anxiety, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), cardiovascular disease, or cognitive function.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means we don't have strong enough research to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Hawthorn

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Hawthorn is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but because it affects the heart, any use needs to be supervised by your doctor. Serious side effects are rare, but multiorgan sensitivity reactions leading to kidney failure have been reported in isolated cases.

Minor side effects reported in studies include bronchitis, slower breathing, and palpitations — though palpitations showed up in only a small number of patients across large trials. There isn't enough safety information to use this during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Hawthorn

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Hawthorn.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 191 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this, double-check if you're on nitrates or PDE-5 inhibitors (Major severity). Also flag any beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, or digoxin with us — those are Moderate-severity interactions.

Even if you're not on any of those, bring your medication list to the counter so we can look it up.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Hawthorn extract is generally well tolerated, but it's really a product for people with heart conditions who are already under medical care. If you take any blood pressure medication, heart medication, blood thinners, or drugs for erectile dysfunction, you need to check with us or your doctor first.

Come back with a list of your exact medications and we can walk through it together.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739046994
Net contents 90 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 314314
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
733739046994
IngredientAmount% DV
Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract600 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule daily.

Formula

Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries have been used for generations by herbalists as a cardiovascular tonic. Hawthorn promotes cardiovascular health by supporting cardiac muscle tone and vascular integrity. Hawthorn Extract also exhibits powerful free radical scavenging activity. NOW Hawthorn Extract is standardized to 1.8% vitexin-2”-O-rhamnoside that, along with other natural components, has been found to support normal blood flow and may help to maintain blood pressure already within the healthy range.

Triangle K (Kosher)

This extra strength product has twice the hawthorn extract (600 mg per capsule) as in our regular strength product (300 mg per capsule).

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially cardiac and blood pressure medications), or have a medical condition (especially a heart or blood pressure condition).

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Cardiovascular support Supports blood pressure already within the healthy range

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract

Interacts with
191 drugs
600 mg per serving Form: Hawthorn Flower Extract, Hawthorn Leaf Extract

Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when...

Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
191Drugs
14 Major 177 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract6 drug types · 191 drugs

Nitrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that hawthorn can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, its effect in humans is unclear. One observational study shows that patients taking hawthorn shortly before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or valve replacement surgery have a 10% incidence of postoperative bleeding, compared with 1% in those who never consumed hawthorn extract. However, clinical research shows that taking a specific preparation of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers (Crataesor, Soria Natural Lab) 800 mg three times daily for 15 days does not affect platelet aggregation or levels of thromboxane B2, the metabolite of thromboxane A2, in healthy humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilation and hypotensive effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, hawthorn might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Hawthorn appears to improve cardiac output; however, hawthorn does not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Case reports suggest that at least one species of hawthorn root extract (Crataegus mexicana) may produce adverse effects similar to digoxin and can cross-react with digoxin assays, leading to falsely elevated plasma digoxin levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg has a known interaction with 191 medications, including 14 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What does hawthorn extract actually do?
Hawthorn flower and leaf extract has been used traditionally to support heart and circulation, but the evidence in our data isn't strong enough yet to say it reliably works for angina, heart rhythm issues, cardiovascular disease, or other specific conditions. That's why we rate it as insufficient evidence — not proven, but not ruled out either.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. Hawthorn can lower blood pressure on its own, so combining it with beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers could drop your pressure too far. Bring your exact medication name and dose to the pharmacy so we can look it up for you.
Is hawthorn safe for my heart condition?
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated, but because it affects the heart, you absolutely need your doctor's okay before you start it. Any heart condition deserves medical supervision, and your doctor needs to know about all the supplements you're taking alongside your prescriptions.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to recommend it either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they know your full health picture and can give you personalized advice about whether it's right for you right now.
What side effects might I have?
Most people tolerate hawthorn well. Rarely, people have reported palpitations, slower breathing, or bronchitis. Very rarely, serious allergic reactions affecting multiple organs and kidneys have been reported. If you develop chest pain, unusual heartbeats, or trouble breathing, stop and call your doctor right away.
Can I use this with nitroglycerine or other nitrates?
Not without talking to your doctor. Hawthorn and nitrates both relax your blood vessels, so together they could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This is a Major interaction and needs medical guidance.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 25 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Hawthorn 25 references
  1. Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J 2002;143:910-5. PubMed
  2. Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003;114:665-74.. PubMed
  3. Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, Chow MS. Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:605-12.
  4. Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, et al. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail 2008;10:1255-63. PubMed
  5. Pittler MH, Guo R, and Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane.Database.Syst Rev 2008:CD005312. PubMed
  6. Zick SM, Vautaw BM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009;11:990-99. PubMed
  7. Werner NS, Duschek S, and Schandry R. D-camphor-crataegus berry extract combination increases blood pressure and cognitive functioning in the elderly - a randomized, placebo controlled double blind study. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:1077-82. PubMed
  8. Dalli E, Colomer E, Tormos MC, et al. Crataegus laevigata decreases neutrophil elastase and has hypolipidemic effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 6-15-2011;18:769-75. PubMed
  9. Maek-a-nantawat W, Phonrat B, Dhitavat J, et al. Safety and efficacy of CKBM-A01, a Chinese herbal medicine, among asymptomatic HIV patients. Southeast Asian J Trop.Med Public Health 2009;40:494-501.
  10. Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, et al. Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. BMC.Complement Altern.Med 2012;12:26. PubMed
  11. Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, et al. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen.Pract 2006;56:437-43.
  12. Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, et al. Adverse-event profile of Crataegus spp.: a systematic review. Drug Saf 2006;29:523-35. PubMed
  13. Tankanow R, Tamer HR, Streetman DS, et al. Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2003;43:637-42. DOI
  14. Tauchert, M., Gildor, A., and Lipinski, J. [High-dose Crataegus extract WS 1442 in the treatment of NYHA stage II heart failure]. Herz 1999;24(6):465-474.
  15. Horoz, M., Gok, E., Genctoy, G., Ozcan, T., Olmaz, R., Akca, M., Kiykim, A., and Gurses, I. Crataegus orientalis associated multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction and acute renal failure. Intern.Med 2008;47(23):2039-2042. PubMed
  16. Dalli, E., Valles, J., Cosin-Sales, J., Santos, M. T., Moscardo, A., Milara, J., and Sotillo, J. F. Effects of hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Thromb.Res 2011;128(4):398-400. PubMed
  17. Rogov VD. [Toxiderma due to the fruits of the hawthorn]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 1984;7(7):46-47.
  18. Loew D, Albrecht M, and Podzuweit H. Efficacy and tolerability of a Hawthorn preparation in patients with heart failure Stage I and II according to NYHA - a surveillance study. Phytomedicine 1996;3(Suppl 1):92.
  19. Rababa'h AM, Altarabsheh SE, Haddad O, Deo SV, Obeidat Y, Al-Azzam S. Hawthorn Herb Increases the Risk of Bleeding after Cardiac Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach. Heart Surg Forum 2016;19(4):E175-9. PubMed
  20. Shatoor AS, Soliman H, Al-Hashem F, Gamal BE, Othman A, El-Menshaw N. Effect of hawthorn (Crataegus aronia syn. Azarolus (L)) on platelet function in albino wistar rats. Thromb Res 2012;130(1):75-80. PubMed
  21. Vibes J, Lasserre B, Gleye J, Declume C. Inhibition of thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in vitro by the main components of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) flower heads. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;50(4):173-5. PubMed
  22. Rogers KL, Grice ID, Griffiths LR. Inhibition of platelet aggregation and 5-HT release by extracts of Australian plants used traditionally as headache treatments. Eur J Pharm Sci 2000;9(4):355-63. PubMed
  23. Zhou CC, Huang XX, Gao PY, et al. Two new compounds from Crataegus pinnatifida and their antithrombotic activities. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2014;16(2):169-74.
  24. Palmer KG, Lebin JA, Cronin MT, Mazor SS, Burns RA. Crataegus mexicana (Tejocote) Exposure Associated with Cardiotoxicity and a Falsely Elevated Digoxin Level. J Med Toxicol. 2019;15(4):295-298. PubMed
  25. Espinosa J, Bassett R, Lucerna A, Finn D. Hawthorne root (Crataegus mexicana) toxicity. Am J Emerg Med. 2024;78:242.e5-242.e6. PubMed

See these in context on the Hawthorn monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring