Abstract
Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) fruits are rich in polyphenols (e.g., epicatechin, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B5, procyanidin C1, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and chlorogenic acid)—active compounds that exert beneficial effects. This review summarizes all information available on polyphenolic content and methods for their quantification in Chinese hawthorn berries and the relationships between individual polyphenolic compounds as well. The influence of species or cultivars, the locality of cultivation, the stage of maturity, and extract preparation conditions on the polyphenolic content were discussed as well. Currently, only fruits of C. pinnatifida and C. pinnatifida var. major are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Recent trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Chinese hawthorn fruit in lowering blood cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The fruit has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities. This review deals mainly with the biological activity of the fruit related to its antioxidant properties.
Highlights
IntroductionThe medicinal properties of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.—the genus comprises approximately 300 species) have been utilized by many cultures since antiquity for a variety of therapeutic applications [1,2].Various species of hawthorn have been widely using as medicinal materials and foodstuffs in China and the European countries, among which Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata are the major hawthorn species used in Europe, and Crataegus pinnatifida and Crataegus scabrifolia in China andAsian countries [3,4,5,6].The Chinese hawthorn is commonly considered to comprise 18 species, of which Crateagus pinnatifidaBge. and its “Shanlihong” (C. pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) variety are the most important, due to their large and delicious fruits with a characteristic acidic taste [5,7]
Rajendran et al showed that the hypolipidemic effects could be associated with flavonoid and triterpene saponins in fruits as well [69]
They discovered that the inhibitory rate of a mixture of compounds was up to 79.5%, much higher than that of the single compounds
Summary
The medicinal properties of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.—the genus comprises approximately 300 species) have been utilized by many cultures since antiquity for a variety of therapeutic applications [1,2].Various species of hawthorn have been widely using as medicinal materials and foodstuffs in China and the European countries, among which Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata are the major hawthorn species used in Europe, and Crataegus pinnatifida and Crataegus scabrifolia in China andAsian countries [3,4,5,6].The Chinese hawthorn is commonly considered to comprise 18 species, of which Crateagus pinnatifidaBge. and its “Shanlihong” (C. pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) variety are the most important, due to their large and delicious fruits with a characteristic acidic taste [5,7]. The medicinal properties of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.—the genus comprises approximately 300 species) have been utilized by many cultures since antiquity for a variety of therapeutic applications [1,2]. The Chinese hawthorn is commonly considered to comprise 18 species, of which Crateagus pinnatifida. The fruits of Crateagus pinnatifida and Crataegus scabrifolia have been used traditionally as a peptic agent in oriental medicine and recently in a local soft drink product [9], in jams, juices and tinned foods, and as a basic ingredient for making wines and various sweet foods [10]. Hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) have recently attracted increasing attention in the field of food nutraceuticals and medicine because of their widely reported health benefits. This review focuses its attention only in one species—Chinese hawthorn
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