powerman2000

A natural way to help alleviate the symptoms of congestive heart failure is good news for the millions living with this increasingly debilitating condition. Researchers from the United Kingdom found that hawthorn extract, made from the dried leaves, flowers and fruits of the hawthorn bush, improve the heart's functionality while also helping the fatigue and shortness of breath that are common symptoms. The study was published January 23, 2008, in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Study researchers reviewed 14 double-blind randomized clinical trials of hawthorn extract compared with placebo for heart failure patients. After finding 10 studies that met their criteria -- patients with mild to moderate heart failure, using hawthorn extract as an adjunct to conventional treatments -- the researchers combined the results into a meta-analysis of 855 patients. They concluded that when used in addition to a number of different conventional treatments and compared with a placebo, hawthorn extract significantly reduced shortness of breath and fatigue, said lead author Max H. Pittler, MD, PhD, formerly of the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, United Kingdom. He said these results can likely be attributed to hawthorn's ability to strengthen heart muscle contractions.

Side effects associated with hawthorn extract are "infrequent, mild and transient," said Dr. Pittler, and include nausea and dizziness. Hawthorn extract is available without a prescription, but Dr. Pittler strongly recommends that patients consult with their doctors before taking the herb. Heart failure is not a condition anyone can diagnose or manage on their own, he said. "Although our data suggest that hawthorn extract is effective and relatively safe, self-medication with hawthorn extract is inappropriate. Its use clearly requires the expertise of a doctor."


Source(s):

Max H. Pittler, MD, PhD, who was senior research fellow in complementary medicine at the Peninsula Medical School of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. Dr. Pittler is head of science for the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Köln, Germany.

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Guns don't kill people, men who come home early do.

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Ikaika

If they frown on "self medication" with hawthorn berry I'm sure they'd have a fit if they saw all the other stuff we "medicate" ourselves with.

Interesting read. Kinda makes sense that people use it while on-cycle.

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powerman2000

Your average doctor isn't going to know squat about Hawthorn anyways.

Probably not even most cardiologists.

__________________
Don't forget to periodize
Best BP 507 lbs *competitive*
Best Squat 705 lbs *competitive*
Best DL 650 lbs *competitive*


Guns don't kill people, men who come home early do.

My workout log http://www.ironmass.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6247

bubba g

I think people on cycle use it for blood pressure control. I have read alot of people who were on blood pressure meds for years, that had bad sides finaly switch over to harthorn berry extract, and celery seed extract.

Ikaika

Correct. I had something else to say but am mesmerized by your avatar.

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b-boy

nice post bro