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Dietary supplement

Hawthorn Berry Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

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

Hawthorn Berry Extract 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 Berry (Crataegus spp.) Liquid Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Hawthorn Berry Extract 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 berry liquid extract from Crataegus species. The extract is suspended in distilled water, vegetable glycerin, and grain alcohol.

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 support and healthy blood pressure.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypertension, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Arrhythmia, Angina, Atherosclerosis — and 2 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, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), and more.

The evidence we hold does not establish reliable benefit for hawthorn in angina, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, atherosclerosis, general cardiovascular disease, or cognitive function. We don't have effectiveness ratings beyond these uses, so we can't speak to what this extract may or may not do for other reasons someone might take it.

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 in studies, but because it affects the heart and blood vessels, anyone with a heart condition needs medical supervision while taking it. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know either way, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

Serious side effects are rare but have been reported: a small number of people have experienced reactions affecting multiple organ systems and acute kidney failure. Bronchitis and slow breathing have also been reported with certain hawthorn extracts.

Heart-related side effects including rapid heartbeat and palpitations are uncommon but have occurred in clinical trials and real-world use in people with heart failure.

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 taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take nitrates or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (erectile dysfunction drugs)—both carry Major-severity interaction risk. Also flag beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, or digoxin.

Altogether, these interactions span 191 individual medications.

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 berry extract may appeal to someone interested in cardiovascular support, but the evidence for specific benefits isn't established in our data. If you take any heart medications—especially blood-pressure drugs, blood thinners, digoxin, or erectile dysfunction medications—you need to discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Anyone with a diagnosed heart condition should have medical supervision while using it.

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 Oct 25, 2012.

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 Hawthorn Berry Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739048905
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2012
DSLD ID 14122
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Hawthorn Berry Extract 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:
0.8 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.6 mL
Servings per container
37
UPC/BARCODE
733739048905
IngredientAmount% DV
Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus spp.) Liquid Extract1.6 mL--

Other ingredients: distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Grain Alcohol

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

NOW(R) Hawthorn Extract provides powerful antioxidant flavonoids, including standardized Vitexin that, along with other components in Hawthorn, have been found to support healthy blood flow and healthy blood pressure within the healthy range.*

General Statements

CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT • Supports Healthy Blood Pressure • Supports Blood Flow*

Natural color variations may occur in this product.

Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries have been used for generations by herbalists as a cardiovascular tonic. Hawthorn supports cardiovascular health by enhancing cardiac muscle tone and vascular integrity.

Made in the U.S.A.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegetarian Formula

Seals/Symbols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

Precautions

Caution: Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women unless recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Keep out of reach of children.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USAGE: Shake well. As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 droppersful in tea or water 1-3 times daily.

General

CODE 4890 V2

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Hawthorn Berry Extract by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Hawthorn Berry Extract by NOW

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

Serving size0.8 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container37 Amounts shown are per serving.

1.6 mL per serving Form: Hawthorn Extract Powder

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 Berry (Crataegus spp.) Liquid Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Distilled Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Grain Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Hawthorn Berry Extract by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Hawthorn Berry Extract?

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.

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191Drugs
14 Major 177 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Hawthorn Berry Extract 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 Berry (Crataegus spp.) Liquid 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 Hawthorn Berry Extract, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
City
BLOOMINGDALE
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Hawthorn Berry Extract by NOW: Common Questions

Does Hawthorn Berry Extract by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Hawthorn Berry Extract 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?
Hawthorn Berry Extract 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.
Can I take hawthorn if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data we have advises against it—there isn't enough information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation before taking it.
What's hawthorn berry extract supposed to do?
It's often promoted for the heart and circulation, but we don't have reliable evidence showing it works for angina, heart disease, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, or the other uses we checked. The evidence just isn't established yet in our data.
Is hawthorn safe to use?
It's generally well tolerated in studies, but because it affects your heart and blood vessels, you need medical supervision if you have any heart condition. Serious side effects are rare, but reactions affecting kidneys and lungs have been reported.
Why does hawthorn interact with so many heart medications?
Hawthorn appears to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure and heart rate—the same effects many heart medications produce. When you combine them, those effects can add up and become too strong, which is why the interactions are serious.
Does this product have any fillers or added ingredients?
The liquid extract is suspended in distilled water, vegetable glycerin, and grain alcohol to preserve and deliver it. These are inactive ingredients, not the active hawthorn extract itself.

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

Not sure if Hawthorn Berry Extract is safe with your meds?

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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.

Hawthorn Berry Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Hawthorn Berry Extract’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Hawthorn Berry Extract'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

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