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Planta Med 2011; 77(11): 1123-1128
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270849
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Standardized Extracts from Hawthorn Leaves and Flowers in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders – Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Egon Koch1 , Fathi Abdul Malek2
  • 1Preclinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
  • 2Clinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received Nov. 16, 2010 revised February 4, 2011

accepted February 8, 2011

Publication Date:
07 March 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Extracts from different parts of hawthorn plants (Crataegus spp.) are used worldwide for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. So far, almost all clinical studies have been conducted with standardized hydroalcoholic extracts from leaves and flowers. These trials with more than 4000 patients have provided evidence for clinical benefits in the therapy of mild chronic heart failure. Besides cardiotonic effects, recent pharmacological investigations indicate that hawthorn extracts also possess cardio- and vasoprotective properties. Thus, these extracts may also be employed in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of such conditions as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, or prevention of restenosis/reocclusion following peripheral endovascular treatment. In this review the pharmacological and clinical data relating to these standardized extracts are summarized.

Key words

Crataegus spp. - Rosaceae - cardiovascular diseases - cardioprotection - vasoprotection - atherosclerosis - nitric oxide - restenosis

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Dr. Egon Koch

Preclinical Research
Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG

Willmar-Schwabe-Strasse 4

76227 Karlsruhe

Germany

Phone: +49 72 14 00 53 56

Fax: +49 72 14 00 51 50

Email: egon.koch@schwabe.de

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