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Dietary supplement

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

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

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola 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 and Hibisicus Flower Extract Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola

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 2 active ingredients.
  • “Hawthorn Berry and Hibisicus Flower Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.

This liquid drop contains 2 active ingredients: hawthorn berry extract and hibiscus flower extract. Hawthorn has a long history in herbal medicine and appears in cardiovascular formulations; hibiscus is commonly used in teas and traditional remedies.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—glycerin, water, natural mandarin flavor, and citrus extract—that give it its taste and stability.

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 support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension, Heart palpitations — 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 we hold does not establish that hawthorn works for angina, anxiety, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, or cognitive function—the data on these uses is insufficient to rate. Hibiscus flower extract's effectiveness is not documented in our data.

If you're considering this product for a heart condition or related concern, 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 when used as directed, but because it affects the heart and blood pressure, anyone with a heart condition needs medical supervision before starting it. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe in those situations.

Serious adverse effects are rare, but multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions resulting in kidney failure have been reported on rare occasions, and palpitations or changes in heart rhythm have occurred in some patients.

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, double-check your medications against it if you take nitrates or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Major severity risk), or beta-blockers, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), calcium channel blockers, or digoxin (Moderate severity risk). Use the checker on this page to search your exact drugs.

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.

If you take medications for heart conditions, blood pressure, or blood clotting, you'll need to check this product against your prescriptions first. The evidence for hawthorn's effectiveness isn't strong enough to rate for most uses.

Anyone with an existing heart condition, or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, should talk with their doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 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 Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 810487039697
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 308849
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
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 Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810487039697
IngredientAmount% DV
Hibiscus Flower Extract0 NP--
Hawthorn Berry Extract0 NP--
Hawthorn Berry and Hibisicus Flower Extract Blend1 mL--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Mandarin Flavor, Natural, Citrus Extract

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 use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) dropper (1mL) daily.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Dr. Mercola Providing quality products since 2001.

Formulation

USDA Organic Certified organic by: Quality Assurance International

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formula

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops with natural flavors

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

1 mL per serving

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 and Hibisicus Flower Extract Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Mandarin Flavor, Natural, Citrus Extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops?

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 Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops 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 and Hibisicus Flower Extract Blend6 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 Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops 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?
Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops 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.
Is hawthorn safe if I have a heart condition?
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated, but because it can lower blood pressure and heart rate, anyone with a heart condition needs medical supervision before starting it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first—this is important for safety.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice on whether it's right for you.
What does hawthorn do?
Hawthorn is used traditionally to support heart and cardiovascular health. The evidence we hold doesn't establish it as effective for conditions like angina, arrhythmia, or cardiovascular disease—the data is insufficient to rate those uses.
What is hibiscus flower extract for?
Hibiscus is commonly used in teas and herbal formulations, but we don't have effectiveness data on file for it in this product. If you have questions about its purpose, ask your pharmacist.
What are the side effects?
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated with no common side effects reported at normal doses. Serious effects are rare, but multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions and changes in heart rhythm (like palpitations) have been reported in some patients.
Does this product have fillers?
It contains glycerin, water, natural mandarin flavor, and citrus extract as inactive ingredients, which help give the liquid its form and taste.

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

Not sure if Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops 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.

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Organic Hawthorn and Hibiscus Liquid Drops'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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