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Dietary supplement

HeartCare Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

HeartCare is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way 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 HeartCare by Nature's Way

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.

HeartCare contains one active ingredient: hawthorn flower and leaf extract, a plant remedy traditionally used to support heart and circulation. The product also includes inactive ingredients — cellulose, maltodextrin, sodium croscarmellose, stearic acid, hypromellose, silica, and glycerin — which serve as binders, fillers, and capsule materials.

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: promotes healthy heart function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension, Heart health — 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, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension.

The evidence in our data for hawthorn's effectiveness is insufficient to rate it for any of its common uses — angina, anxiety, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive function all show insufficient reliable evidence. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the studies we have aren't conclusive enough to make a confident claim 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 appropriately, though if you have a heart condition, medical supervision is important. Serious adverse effects are rare, but multiorgan allergic reactions resulting in acute kidney failure have been reported very rarely.

A small number of trial participants have reported heart palpitations, fast heartbeat, or (in rare cases) circulation problems. The safety data advises against using hawthorn during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe.

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 HeartCare, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these: nitrates (like nitroglycerin), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (like sildenafil), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners), or digoxin. These carry documented interaction risks.

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.

HeartCare may appeal to people looking for a traditional heart-support supplement, but it's not something to add on your own if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, or blood thinners — the interaction risks are significant. Even if you don't take those medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have an existing heart condition.

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 Jan 24, 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 HeartCare, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674066904
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 304667
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, 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 HeartCare by Nature's Way, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
033674066904
IngredientAmount% DV
Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract160 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Croscarmellose, Stearic Acid, Hypromellose, Silica, Glycerin

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.
Formulation

Promotes healthy heart function

Premium extract

Gluten free. No yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, or dairy.

Vegan

Formula

HeartCare contains the actual hawthorn extract used in studies. It supports blood and nutrient flow to the heart muscle. While many other hawthorn extracts contain vitexin from the plant's berries, HeartCare is standardized to 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins extracted from the leaves and flowers for optimal effectiveness.

Hawthorn 160 mg per serving

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Adults take 2 tablets once daily with water, may take up to two tablets twice daily. Best result obtained with continued use.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2023 Nature's Way Brands, LLC

General Statements

Questions? 1-800-962-8873 / naturesway.com

Bottles made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic

Seals/Symbols

Quality global sourcing Bottled & tested in the USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

HeartCare by Nature's Way label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HeartCare by Nature's Way

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

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Hawthorn Flower, Leaf Extract

Interacts with
191 drugs
160 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: Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Croscarmellose, Stearic Acid, Hypromellose, Silica, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

HeartCare by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HeartCare?

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 HeartCare 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 HeartCare, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HeartCare by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does HeartCare by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HeartCare 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?
HeartCare 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 HeartCare if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your options.
What is hawthorn used for?
Hawthorn is traditionally used to support heart and circulation health. Our data doesn't show conclusive evidence for any specific condition, but it's been studied for angina, cardiovascular disease, and arrhythmia.
Is hawthorn generally safe?
It's generally well tolerated in studies, but serious adverse effects — including rare allergic reactions affecting multiple organs and kidney function — have been reported. Some people also report heart palpitations or fast heartbeat. If you have a heart condition, you need medical supervision.
Can I take HeartCare with my blood pressure medication?
It depends on which one. Hawthorn can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, and it may cause dangerous drops in blood pressure with nitrates or ED medications. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
Does this product have fillers?
Yes — it contains several inactive ingredients including cellulose, maltodextrin, stearic acid, and silica, which serve as binders and fillers in the tablet.
Can I take HeartCare if I'm on a blood thinner?
Hawthorn may theoretically increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, though its effect in humans isn't fully understood. Don't add it without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if HeartCare 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.

HeartCare label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HeartCare'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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