Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine and cardiovascular pharmacology.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its application in modern therapeutics.

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerosis, represents a significant global health burden, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
• Hawthorn has a long history of medicinal use, with documented applications for cardiovascular conditions dating back centuries in China.
• TCM theory suggests hawthorn aids digestion and improves circulation by reducing blood stasis, providing a traditional basis for its use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence supporting the use of hawthorn extracts for cardiovascular health.
• To elucidate the principal mechanisms by which hawthorn exerts its cardioprotective effects, focusing on atherosclerosis.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for the expanded clinical application of hawthorn in managing CVD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on hawthorn's effects on cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of studies investigating hawthorn extracts' impact on serum lipids, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function.
• Synthesis of findings to identify key pharmacological mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Hawthorn extracts demonstrate significant serum lipid-lowering properties.
• Extracts exhibit potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Evidence supports hawthorn's role in protecting vascular endothelium and mitigating atherosclerotic processes.

Conclusions:

• Hawthorn extracts possess scientifically validated lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, and cardiovascular protective effects.
• The primary mechanisms include modulating blood lipids, combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and preserving endothelial function.
• These findings establish a strong theoretical basis for utilizing hawthorn as a therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis and other CVDs.