Hawthorn

Hawthorn ( species) leaves, fruit and flowers contain flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Some hawthorn products are standardized based on the content of these ingredients. Hawthorn's main use is for treating mild heart failure. One small, old study found a galactogogue effect with hawthorn flowers;[1] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[2,3] No data exist on the excretion of any components of hawthorn into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of hawthorn in nursing mothers or infants. Hawthorn is generally well tolerated in adults with dizziness being the most common adverse effect. It can possibly increase the effect of anticoagulants, digoxin and hypotensive medications. Other occasional reactions include nausea, fatigue, sweating, and rash. The German Commission E states that there is no known reason to contraindicate use of the flowers or leaves during breastfeeding, but the fruit should be avoided. Other sources recommend avoiding hawthorn during breastfeeding because of a lack of studies. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.