Effect of crataegus oxyacantha on high blood pressure: A randomized single-blind controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundHawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a traditional herbal treatment for cardiovascular diseases. It contains bioactive compounds that may have cardiovascular benefits. Despite encouraging laboratory studies, additional clinical trials are required to confirm hawthorn's efficacy in treating hypertension. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on patients with high blood pressure (BP) who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 110 participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=55) or the control group (n=55). The intervention group received standard antihypertensive therapy plus Crataegus drops, while the control group received only standard antihypertensive therapy. BP was measured at baseline and weeks 6, 12, and 16. Adherence to treatment was evaluated using a checklist. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis and repeated measures ANOVA (p-value=0.05). ResultsThe results indicate that at week 6, the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly higher in the Crataegus group compared to the control group (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed at weeks 12 and 16. Notably, the mean values of SBP and MAP decreased significantly in the Crataegus group at 12 and 16 weeks compared to week 6. ConclusionCrataegus may decrease SBP and MAP more significantly than diastolic blood pressure (DBP). However, except for SBP at six weeks, there were no significant differences in BP between the control and Crataegus groups. Additional research with a larger sample size is required to better understand the potential of Crataegus as a treatment for hypertension.