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

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Christopher's Original Formulas

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

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup is a dietary supplement by Christopher's Original Formulas 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, Fresh. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup contains one active ingredient: hawthorn, fresh (hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry). The product is delivered in a liquid base made up of glycerin, grape brandy, distilled water, and 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: heart and cardiovascular health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension, Heart disease — and 3 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 data we hold does not establish that hawthorn works for angina, anxiety, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, or cognitive function. For all these conditions, the evidence is insufficient to rate it.

If you're thinking about this product for a heart-related reason, talk with your doctor about whether the evidence supports its use for your specific situation.

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 when used appropriately. That said, because it affects the heart, any use should happen under medical supervision if you have a heart condition.

Rare serious side effects have been reported, including multiorgan allergic reactions that led to acute kidney failure. A small number of trial participants reported palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or circulation problems; bronchitis and slow breathing have also been reported in some cases.

There is not enough safety information to recommend hawthorn during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

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 pharmacist if you take nitrates or PDE-5 inhibitors (Major interactions) — these carry the highest risk of unsafe blood pressure drops. Also double-check if you're on beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, or digoxin, as hawthorn has Moderate interactions with each.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Hawthorn is a traditional heart herb that's generally well tolerated but interacts with many common cardiovascular drugs — especially blood-pressure medications and blood thinners. If your heart or blood vessels are the reason you're considering it, you need your doctor's input before starting.

Check your medications with the tool on this page.

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 May 21, 2025.

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 Heart Syrup, straight from the product label.

Brand Christopher's Original Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 084783885061
Net contents 16 Fluid Ounce(s); 472 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 329266
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas, 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:
0.5 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 Teaspoon(s)
Servings per container
192
UPC/BARCODE
084783885061
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend0 NP--
Hawthorn, Fresh0 NP--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Grape Brandy, Pure, Water, Distilled, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day, or as directed by your health care professional.

Storage

Refrigerate after opening.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy, or while nursing, except as directed by your healthcare professional.

General Statements

Christopher's Original Formulas 1-800-453-1406 www.drchristopher.com John R. Christopher

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Wildcrafted

No added fillers or chemicals

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas

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

Serving size0.5 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container192 Amounts shown are per serving.

Proprietary Blend

0 NP per serving

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

Interaction report

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup?

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 Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup 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, Fresh6 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 Heart Syrup, from the product label.

Christopher's Original Formulas

See all Christopher's Original Formulas products
Name
Wholistic Botanicals L.L.C.
City
Spanish Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-453-1406
Web Address
www.drchristopher.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas: Common Questions

Does Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup by Christopher's Original Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup 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 Heart Syrup 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.
Does hawthorn actually work for heart problems?
The data we have isn't strong enough to say. For angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions, the evidence is insufficient to rate hawthorn as effective. Talk with your cardiologist about whether it makes sense for you.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking with your doctor first. Hawthorn can lower blood pressure on its own and may add to the effects of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Your dose or medication may need adjustment.
Is hawthorn safe to use long-term?
Studies show it's generally well tolerated, but because it's heart-active, you need ongoing medical supervision — especially if you have any existing heart condition. Rare serious allergic reactions and kidney problems have been reported.
What's in this syrup besides the hawthorn?
The base is glycerin, grape brandy, distilled water, and alcohol. If you need to avoid alcohol, this liquid form may not be right for you.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy or while nursing.
What if I'm on a blood thinner — is hawthorn safe?
Hawthorn may increase bleeding risk when used with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. This is a Moderate concern, so definitely check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this product.

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

Not sure if Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup is safe with your meds?

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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.

Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup’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 Heart Syrup'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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