Phytotherapy

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna · Crataegus laevigata · Crataegus spp.

Mechanism

Leaves, flowers and fruit of hawthorn contain oligomeric procyanidines and flavonoids. In experimental and clinical studies (mostly human/rodent, standard extract WS 1442) cardiovascular effects have been described (incl. positively inotropic, antioxidant and vessel-modulating properties). Traditionally hawthorn is used to support the heart and circulation. Robust equine studies on clinical endpoints are lacking.

Cautions

· Cardioactive constituents — only after veterinary advice with existing heart disease or cardiac medication
· Possible interaction with cardioactive substances
· FEI: not named on the list, but cardioactive effect — check withdrawal time precautionarily in sport horses

Sources

PMID:27655074Orhan 2018 (Curr Med Chem) — Phytochemie/Pharmakologie Crataegus oxyacantha (Kardiotonikum)

PMID:29151068Zorniak et al. 2017 (J Physiol Pharmacol) — Review Crataegus-Spezialextrakt WS 1442

EMA/HMPC Crataegi folium cum floreEMA/HMPC — Weißdorn-Monographie (Crataegus spp., Blätter mit Blüten)

Equiterna Score

70/100

solid

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific as a standardised leaf/flower extract; introduce gradually

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidencemoderate

Frequently asked questions

Is Hawthorn a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Hawthorn as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Hawthorn allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Hawthorn is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Hawthorn?

Stated in the profile: product-specific as a standardised leaf/flower extract; introduce gradually. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Hawthorn?

The profile cites: PMID:27655074, PMID:29151068, and EMA/HMPC Crataegi folium cum flore.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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