Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:05
Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine
Published on: July 7, 2016
Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|February 7, 2008
Summary
Hawthorn extract significantly improves symptoms and physiological outcomes for chronic heart failure patients when used alongside conventional treatments. This herbal remedy offers benefits with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Hawthorn extract is recognized for its potential in managing chronic heart failure.
- German Commission E approved hawthorn leaf and flower extracts for heart failure (NYHA stage II).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hawthorn extract versus placebo in treating chronic heart failure.
- Assessed benefits and harms through double-blind, randomized clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED).
- Included randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials using hawthorn leaf and flower extract monopreparations.
- Performed independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis of 10 trials (855 patients) showed hawthorn extract improved maximal workload and exercise tolerance.
- Hawthorn treatment led to a beneficial decrease in the pressure-heart rate product, an indicator of cardiac oxygen consumption.
- Significant improvements were observed in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue compared to placebo.
- Adverse events were infrequent, mild, and transient, including nausea and dizziness.
Conclusions:
- Hawthorn extract demonstrates significant benefits in symptom management and physiological outcomes for chronic heart failure.
- It is effective as an adjunctive therapy to conventional treatments for heart failure.
- The study supports the use of hawthorn extract for improving quality of life in heart failure patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...