Medline references on Crataegus / Hawthorn: Part 1

[Guest guest]

Hi All, & Hi Ihor,

 

Ihor Basko [VBMA] wrote:

> Dear members; Here's an abstract on an herb that IMO is under

> utilized in the treatment of congestive heart failure: Ihor

> ---------- Phytomedicine, 2003;10:363-369 Researchers used

> supplemental hawthorn to treat 143 men and women diagnosed with

> mild congestive heart faliure. The subjects, with an average age

> of 64 years, took an extract of fresh hawthorn berries or placebo

> three times daily for eight weeks. Their cardiovascular fitness

> was assessed by changes in exercise tolerance on a stationary

> bicycle. Results: Patients taking the hawthron extract benefited

> from significant improvements in exercise tolerance. These

> patients had an improvement in exercise tolerance, indicating

> significantly improved cardiovascular performance, compared with

> those taking placebos.

 

Ihor, the full reference is Degenring FH, Suter A, Weber M, Saller

R. A randomised double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of a

standardised extract of fresh Crataegus berries (Crataegisan) to

treat patients with congestive heart failure NYHA II. Phytomedicine.

2003;10 (5):363-9.

 

See other abstracts (from Medline, today) below.

 

Best regards,

Phil

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

A search of Pubmed Medline on 11 March 2004 for the expression

(hawthorn* OR crataeg*) gave >70 hits. The following were the

most relevant:

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

*Belz GG, Butzer R, Gaus W, Loew D. | Camphor-Crataegus berry

extract combination dose-dependently reduces tilt induced fall in

blood pressure in orthostatic hypotension. | Phytomedicine. 2002

Oct;9 (7):581-8. | In order to test the efficacy of a combination of

natural D-camphor and an extract of fresh crataegus berries

(Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) on orthostatic hypotension, two

similar, controlled, randomized studies were carried out in a

balanced crossover design in 24 patients each with orthostatic

dysregulation. The camphor-crataegus berry combination (CCC)

was orally administered as a single regimen in 3 different dosages

of 5 drops, 20 drops and 80 drops; a placebo with 20 drops of a

60% alcoholic solution served as control. Orthostatic hypotension

was assessed with the tilt table test before and after medication.

Source data of both studies were pooled and meta-analytically

evaluated for all 48 patients. CCC drops decreased the orthostatic

fall in blood pressure versus placebo, as almost uniformly

established at all times by mean arterial pressure and diastolic

blood pressure. Mean arterial pressure demonstrated the very fast

onset of action by a clearly dose-dependent statistically significant

effect even after 1-minute orthostasis. Increase of mean arterial

pressure as compared to the orthostasis test before medication

was on average 4.5 mmHg. CCC affected diastolic blood pressure

after 1 minute of orthostasis in all dosages as compared to

placebo. A statistically significant effect of the highest dose of 80

drops on diastolic blood pressure could be demonstrated after 1-, 3-

, and 5-minute orthostasis. The hemodynamic findings of a

stabilizing effect on arterial pressure in orthostasis corroborate the

long-term medical experience with CCC and justify the indication

orthostatic hypotension. | Center for Cardiovascular Pharmacology,

ZeKaPha GmbH, Mainz, Germany. belz | Publication

Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 12487321

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Belz GG, Loew D. | Dose-response related efficacy in orthostatic

hypotension of a fixed combination of D-camphor and an extract

from fresh crataegus berries and the contribution of the single

components. | Phytomedicine. 2003;10 Suppl 4:61-7. |

Independent, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled

studies using sublingual/oral administration of D-camphor, an

extract from fresh crataegus berries, and a combination of the two

(CCC) yielded the following results: Both the D-camphor and the

extract from fresh crataegus berries, the components of CCC,

contribute to the pressoric effects of the combination. The

underlying hemodynamic mechanisms can be attributed to an

increase in total peripheral resistance induced by an increased

tone of the arterioles with both components and the effect of

crataegus is intensified by an additional direct positive action on

cardiac performance. Conceivably, the D-camphor component is

the main factor in inducing the rapid initial effect, whereas the

extract from fresh crataegus berries adds a long-lasting effect. For

CCC, a dose-dependent increase in supine blood pressure and

prevention of orthostatic fall in blood pressure following tilt table-

induced orthostasis in patients with orthostatic dysregulation was

demonstrated as well. The effect revealed a very rapid onset of

action within 1 min following administration, confirming the

traditional use in emergency situations such as orthostatic

(pre)syncope. Thus, these studies show that CCC, depending on

the pressoric activity of its two mono-components, exerts a

significant effect that counteracts an orthostatic fall in blood

pressure and thereby provides a rationale for its application that

reemphasizes the decades-long usefulness of this phyto-

combination. | Center for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, ZekaPha

GmbH, Mainz-Wiesbaden, Germany. | Publication Types: Review

Review, Tutorial PMID: 12807346 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Blesken R. | [Crataegus in cardiology] [Article in German] |

Fortschr Med. 1992 May 30;110 (15):290-2. | The fact that the

effectiveness of numerous phyto-preparations has been

demonstrated to the satisfaction of traditional medicine has led to

increasing interest in phytotherapy. This also applies to Crataegus

(whitethorn), the effects of which have been demonstrated in

numerous pharmacological studies. These effects, produced

mainly by the flavonoids, indicate a simultaneous cardiotropic and

vasodilatory action, as confirmed clinically in controlled double-

blind studies. This means that Crataegus can be employed for

cardiological indications for which digitalis is not (yet) indicated.

Prior to use, however, a Crataegus preparation must meet certain

preconditions with respect to dosage, pharmaceutical quality of the

preparation, and an accurate definition of the later. | | PMID:

1634169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Chu CY, Lee MJ, Liao CL, Lin WL, Yin YF, Tseng TH. | Inhibitory

effect of hot-water extract from dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida

on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in cell and cell-free

systems. | J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Dec 17;51 (26):7583-8. |

Dried Fr Crataegi pinnatifidae, a local soft drink material and

medical herb, was found to possess potential against oxidative

stress. In the preliminary study, the antioxidant potential of a hot-

water extract obtained from the dried Fr C. pinnatifidae (CF-H) was

evaluated in terms of its capacity of quenching 1,1-diphenyl-2-

picrylhydrazyl free radicals (EC (50) = 0.118 mg/mL). After content

analysis, it was found that CF-H is mainly composed of

polyphenols including flavonoids (6.9%), procyanidins (2.2%), (+)-

catechin (0.5%), and (-)-epicatechin (0.2%). The antioxidative

bioactivity of CF-H had been assess previously using the models of

CuSO (4) as cell-free system and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) plus

macrophage RAW 264.7 cells as cell system to induce human low-

density lipoprotein oxidation. CF-H was found to inhibit relative

electrophoretic mobility and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

at the concentration of 0.5-1.0 mg/mL in the cell-free system and

at 0.01-0.10 mg/mL in the cell system. Also, it was found that CF-

H decreased the SNP-induced cell lipid peroxidation and reduced

glutathione depletion. | School of Applied Chemistry, College of

Health Management, and Institute of Biochemistry, College of

Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Chien

Kuao N. Road, Taichung, 402 Taiwan. | PMID: 14664511 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Degenring FH, Suter A, Weber M, Saller R. | A randomised double

blind placebo controlled clinical trial of a standardised extract of

fresh Crataegus berries (Crataegisan) to treat patients with

congestive heart failure NYHA II. | Phytomedicine. 2003;10 (5):363-

9. | A placebo controlled, randomised, parallel group, multicentre

trial conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Good Clinical

Practice (GCP) shows the efficacy and safety of a standardised

extract of fresh berries of Crataegus oxyacantha L. and monogyna

Jacq. (Crataegisan) in patients with cardiac failure NYHA class II.

A total of 143 patients (72 men, 71 women, mean age of 64.8 (8.0

years) were recruited and treated with 3 times 30 drops of the

extract (n = 69) or placebo (n = 74) for 8 weeks. The primary

variable for the evaluation of efficacy was the change in exercise

tolerance determined with bicycle exercise testing, secondary

variables included the blood pressure-heart rate product (BHP).

Subjective cardiac symptoms at rest and at higher levels of

exertion were assessed by the patient on a categorical rating

scale. An overall assessment of efficacy at the final visit was

provided by the patient and the investigator. In the ITT population

there was a significant increase in exercise tolerance in both

groups between visit 1 and visit 3. The difference between the

treatment groups was 8.3 watts in favour of the standardised

extract of fresh Crataegus berries (p = 0.045). The result is

confirmed in the PP population (p = 0.047). Changes in BHP at 50

watts and at comparable maximum load were in favour of

Crataegus extract but the results are not statistically significant.

The subjective assessment of cardiac symptoms at rest and at

higher levels of exertion did not change significantly and the patient

and investigator overall assessment of efficacy were similar for the

two groups. The medication was well tolerated and had a high level

of patient acceptability. The significant improvement, due to the

fact that dyspnoea and fatigue do not occur until a significantly

higher wattage has been reached in the bicycle exercise testing

allows the conclusion that the recruited NYHA II patients may

expect an improvement in their heart failure condition under long

term therapy with the standardised extract of fresh Crataegus

berries. | Bioforce AG, Roggwil, Switzerland. | Publication Types:

Clinical Trial Multicenter Study Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

12833999 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Fong HH, Bauman JL. | Hawthorn. | J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2002

Jul;16 (4):1-8. | Crataegus monogyna Jacq (Lindm), C. laevigata

(Poir) DC, or related Crataegus species, collectively known as

hawthorn, have been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Clinical

studies have found that standardized extracts show promise as

adjunctive agents for the treatment of left ventricular dysfunction.

Other trials consistently demonstrate its ability to improve exercise

tolerance and symptoms of mild to moderate heart failure.

Preliminary evidence indicates that it improves left ventricular

performance, as measured by ejection fraction. In order to properly

use hawthorn to treat heart failure, a large, controlled, multicenter

trial in which mortality serves as the primary endpoint is needed. |

Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical

Sciences, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and

Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at

Chicago, USA. | Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID:

12597258 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Garjani A, Nazemiyeh H, Maleki N, Valizadeh H. | Effects of

extracts from flowering tops of Crataegus meyeri A. Pojark. on

ischaemic arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats. | Phytother Res.

2000 Sep;14 (6):428-31. | Different species of Crataegus,

commonly called Hawthorn, were reported to possess wide

pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system. In the

present study, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol (70%)

extracts of the flowering tops of Crataegus meyeri A. Pojark. were

studied. The extracts were tested on the incidence and severity of

arrhythmias induced by a period of myocardial ischaemia in open-

chest anaesthetized male Wistar rats. Infusion of a hydroalcohol

extract (1 mg/kg/min) resulted in a significant decrease in the total

number of ventricular ectopic beats (from 1494 +/- 362 in the

control to 634 +/- 102), mainly by reduction of beats occurring as

ventricular tachycardia. A chloroform extract (1 mg/kg/min) also

reduced the total number of ventricular ectopic beats but this

reduction was due to the decrease of single extrasystoles. A

significant reduction in the time spent for ventricular fibrillation was

seen by the hydroalcohol and ethylacetate extracts. There were no

significant changes in the heart rate and blood pressure during the

extract infusion. However, bolus injection of all the extracts caused

a significant reduction in the blood pressure. The extracts of

Crataegus meyeri have a hypotensive and a potential

antiarrhythmic action on ischaemic myocardium and may possess

active principles. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz

University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. garjania.tbzmed.ac.ir |

PMID: 10960896 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Guan Y, Zhao S. | Yishou jiangzhi (de-blood-lipid) tablets to treat

hyperlipemia. | J Tradit Chin Med. 1995 Sep;15 (3):178-9. |

Yishoujiangzhi (de-blood-lipid) tablets (composed of Rx Polygori

Multiflori, Rz Polygonati, Fr Lycii, Crataegus Pinnatifida and Cassia

Tora) were used to treat 130 cases of hyperlipemia, achieving an

effective rate of 87.0% in lowering serum cholesterol and 80.8% in

lowering triglyceride. | Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning College of

Traditional , Shenyang. | Publication Types: Case

Reports PMID: 8569253 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*He G. | [Effect of the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

of a mixture of Hawthorn and Motherworn] [Article in Chinese] |

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Jun;10 (6):361, 326. | Two groups

of cocks were divided into controls and medications. High lipid food

was given to both groups. The given medications were mixture of

Hawthorn and Motherworn. The effect on prevention and treatment

of atherosclerosis with the mixture was observed. The results

showed that cholesterol, beta-lipid protein, triglyceride, blood

sugar, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, electrophoresis of

red cell and fibrinogen in the medications were statistically lower

than that in the controls. The results confirms the effect of the

mixture on the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in the

pathology section of coronary artery. | Ningbo Institute of Medical

Sciences. | PMID: 2397559 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, Gaus W, Tendera M. |

Survival and prognosis: investigation of Crataegus extract WS 1442

in congestive heart failure (SPICE)--rationale, study design and

study protocol. | Eur J Heart Fail. 2000 Dec;2 (4):431-7. | SPICE is

the first, international, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind

study to investigate the influence of the herbal drug Crataegus

Special Extract WS 1442 (hawthorn leaves with flowers) on

mortality of patients suffering from congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: In vitro and experimental animal studies have

suggested the following pharmacological modes of action of

standardized Crataegus extracts: (1) cAMP-independent positive

inotropy; (2) peripheral and coronary vasodilation; (3) protection

against ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias; (4) antioxidative

properties; and (5) anti-inflammatory effects. STUDY DESIGN: In

this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, international trial

(approximately 120 investigational centers in seven European

countries), up to 2300 patients with congestive heart failure, New

York Heart Association class II and III and markedly impaired left

ventricular function, will be enrolled and treated over a period of 24

months. During this time patients receive either two film-coated

tablets of 450 mg of the Special Extract WS 1442 standardized to

84.3 mg of oligomeric procyanidines or matched placebo per day in

addition to standard therapy for congestive heart failure, such as

diuretics, digoxin or digitoxin, beta-adrenoceptor blockers and

angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. The primary outcome

variable is the combined endpoint of cardiac death, non-lethal

myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to progression of

heart failure. Secondary outcome variables are total mortality,

exercise duration, echocardiographic parameters, quality of life as

well as pharmacoeconomic parameters. The first patient was

included in October 1998. The trial is expected to be completed at

the end of 2002. | Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abt. Innere

Medizin III - Kardiologie und Angiologie, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-

79106 Freiburg, Germany. holubarsch |

Publication Types: Clinical Trial Multicenter Study Randomized

Controlled Trial PMID: 11113721 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Jia YY, Yan XS, Nie K. | [Comparative analysis of ursolic acid in

Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E. Br. before and after

processing] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi.

1989 Aug;14 (8):466-8, 510. | We report the contents of ursolic

acid in Crataegus pinnatifida var. major before and after processing

determined by CS-920 TLC scanner: 0.274% and 0.265%,

coefficients of variation 1.180% and 1.150% respectively. This

method is simple, fast, reproducible and highly sensitive. | | PMID:

2508668 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Jin ZC, Qian J. | [inhibitory effects of fifteen kinds of Chinese

herbal drugs, vegetables and chemicals on SOS response] [Article

in Chinese] | Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 1994 May;28

(3):147-50. | Effects of 15 kinds of herbal drugs, vegetables and

chemicals on lex-dependent sfi-SOS response were determined by

micropersistent and/or pulse models induced by 4-Nitroquinoline-N-

oxide (4NQO) and Mitomycin C (MMC) in Escherichia coli (E. coli)

PQ37 and PQ35, respectively. Results showed the water extract of

Rz Polygonati (RP), Fr Chebulae (FC), Rx Polygoni Multiflori

(RPM), Fr Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), B Fritillariae Thunbergii (BFT), shell

of water chestnut with a pedicle, Chinese chives juice, and

solutions of 5-Fluorouracil, Tannic acid and garlicin could inhibit

SOS responses with a dose-response relationship and suggested

the inhibitory effects took place both inside and outside E. coli

cells. Water extract of FC, FLL, BFT, shell of water chestnut with a

pedicle, Chinese chives juice and solution of 5-Fluorouracil and

Tannic acid could intracellularly inhibit SOS responses induced by

MMC in E. coli PQ35, and acetone extract of Grifola Frondosa

(GF) could extracellularly inhibit SOS responses in E. coli PQ37

and intracellularly in PQ35 induced by 4NQO or MMC. Water

extract of raw hawthorn, Rx Angelicae Duhuricae (RAD), Rx

Ophiopogonis (RO), and 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine could extracellularly

inhibit SOS responses induced by 4NQO in E coli PQ37. The

possible mechanisms of intracellular inhibition and antidamage

repair were discussed in the paper. | Department of

Pathophysiology, Zhejiang Medical University, Hangzhou. | PMID:

7842869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Kirakosyan A, Seymour E, Kaufman PB, Warber S, Bolling S,

Chang SC. | Antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic extracts from

leaves of Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

subjected to drought and cold stress. | J Agric Food Chem. 2003

Jul 2;51 (14):3973-6. | Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus

monogyna (hawthorn) were subjected to drought and cold stress

treatments, and polyphenolic extracts from control and stress-

treated plants were assayed for antioxidant capacities using a

modified version of the Total Antioxidant Status Assay (Randox,

San Francisco, CA). In addition, these plants were analyzed for

levels of flavanol-type substance [ (-)-epicatechin] and flavonoid

(vitexin 2' '-O-rhamnoside, acetylvitexin 2' '-O-rhamnoside, and

hyperoside) constituents that are important metabolites in

hawthorn herbal preparations used to treat patients with heart

disease. Drought and cold stress treatments caused increases in

levels of (-)-epicatechin and hyperoside in both Crataegus species.

Such treatments also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the

extracts. The results from this study indicate that these kinds of

stress treatments can enhance the levels of important secondary

metabolites and their total antioxidant capacities in leaves of

Crataegus. | Department of Molecular Biology, University of

Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048, USA. | PMID:

12822932 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Periera da Silva A, Rocha R, Silva CM, Mira L, Duarte MF,

Florencio MH. | Antioxidants in medicinal plant extracts. A

research study of the antioxidant capacity of Crataegus,

Hamamelis and Hydrastis. | Phytother Res. 2000 Dec;14 (8):612-

6. | Extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha, Hamamelis virginiana,

Hydrastis canadensis, plants native to Europe and North America

have long been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiac

and circulatory functions. The total antioxidant potential conferred

by all hydrogen donating antioxidants present in these extracts has

been assessed by the ABTS assay and the relative order of

antioxidant potential has been established. Gas chromatography

coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been used for the

chemical identification of the antioxidant volatile compounds

present in the extracts. The GC-MS data were related to the

results obtained using the ABTS assay. | Laboratorio de Genetica

da Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1600 Lisboa, Portugal. |

PMID: 11113998 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Petry JJ, Hadley SK. | Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, Part

2. | Hosp Pract (Off Ed). 2001 Aug 15;36 (8):55-9. | Herbal

medicines typically contain active components. As a result, some

provide multiple benefits and some a mixture of benefits and

adverse effects. Hawthorn, kava, and saw palmetto fall into the first

category and licorice into the second. The problems with licorice

can be largely avoided by using a deglycyrrhizinated preparation. |

Vermont Healing Tools Project, Brattleboro, USA. | Publication

Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 11515778 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. | Hawthorn extract for treating

chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. | Am J

Med. 2003 Jun 1;114 (8):665-74. Comment in: Am J Med. 2003 Jun

1;114 (8):700-1. Am J Med. 2003 Nov;115 (7):585; author reply 585-

6. | This meta-analysis assessed the evidence from rigorous

clinical trials of the use of hawthorn extract to treat patients with

chronic heart failure. We searched the literature using MEDLINE,

EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CISCOM, and AMED.

Experts on and manufacturers of commercial preparations

containing hawthorn extract were asked to contribute published

and unpublished studies. There were no restrictions about the

language of publication. Two reviewers independently performed the

screening of studies, selection, validation, data extraction, and the

assessment of methodological quality. To be included, studies

were required to state that they were randomized, double-blind, and

placebo controlled, and used hawthorn extract monopreparations.

Thirteen trials met all inclusion criteria. In most of the studies,

hawthorn was used as an adjunct to conventional treatment. Eight

trials including 632 patients with chronic heart failure (New York

Heart Association classes I to III) provided data that were suitable

for meta-analysis. For the physiologic outcome of maximal

workload, treatment with hawthorn extract was more beneficial than

placebo (weighted mean difference, 7 Watt; 95% confidence

interval [CI]: 3 to 11 Watt; P < 0.01; n = 310 patients). The

pressure-heart rate product also showed a beneficial decrease

(weighted mean difference, -20; 95% CI: -32 to -8; n = 264 patients)

with hawthorn treatment. Symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue

improved significantly with hawthorn treatment as compared with

placebo. Reported adverse events were infrequent, mild, and

transient; they included nausea, dizziness, and cardiac and

gastrointestinal complaints. These results suggest that there is a

significant benefit from hawthorn extract as an adjunctive treatment

for chronic heart failure. | Complementary Medicine, Peninsula

Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, 25 Victoria

Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, United Kingdom.

M.H.Pittler | Publication Types: Meta-Analysis

PMID: 12798455 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Rietbrock N, Hamel M, Hempel B, Mitrovic V, Schmidt T, Wolf

GK. | [Actions of standardized extracts of Crataegus berries on

exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with congestive

heart failure] [Article in German] | Arzneimittelforschung. 2001

Oct;51 (10):793-8. | Standardized extracts of Crataegus leaves and

blossoms are said to have positive inotropic, positive dromotropic

and negative bathmotropic effects. Clinical trials produce evidence

for an improvement of symptoms in patients with congestive heart

failure (NYHA II). In this trial the efficacy of a standardized extract

of fresh Crataegus berries (Rob 10) on exercise tolerance and

quality of life was studied in 88 patients. In a three-month placebo-

controlled, randomized, double-blind trial these patients were

treated with Rob 10 (3 x 25 drops daily). Total exercise time in

bicycle ergometry was defined as primary efficacy variable, while

quality of life (Minnesota Questionnaire), Dyspnea-Fatigue Index

and the assessment of dyspnea by the patient on a visual

analogous scale were chosen as secondary parameters.

Investigations were performed after a two week placebo run-in

period as well as 6 and 12 weeks after the onset of the study.

Treatment with Rob 10 led to a increase of exercise time of 38.9 s

vs placebo (95% confidence interval 5.7-72.1 s). Quality of life

improved accordingly in favour of Rob 10. In the Minnesota

Questionnaire, the total score fell by 31% (30.6 vs 44.1) under Rob

10 vs 18% (34.6 vs 42.4) under placebo. The Dyspnea-Fatigue

Index demonstrated an increase of the total score of 12% (9.41 vs

8.37) vs 8% (8.92 vs 8.26) under administration of placebo.

According to findings of the assessment of dyspnea by the patient,

dyspnea decreased by 11% (50.5 vs 56.6 mm) vs 4% (54.8 vs 57.3

mm) under placebo. The present study proves the efficacy and

safety of a standardized extract of fresh Crataegus berries (Rob 10)

in patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA II) regarding the

parameters evaluated. | Institut fur Klinische Pharmakologie der

Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main. |

Publication Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

11715631 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Rigelsky JM, Sweet BV. | Hawthorn: pharmacology and

therapeutic uses. | Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2002 Mar 1;59

(5):417-22. | The uses, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, dosage and

administration, adverse effects, and drug interactions of hawthorn

are discussed. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a fruit-bearing

shrub with a long history as a medicinal substance. Uses have

included the treatment of digestive ailments, dyspnea, kidney

stones, and cardiovascular disorders. Today, hawthorn is used

primarily for various cardiovascular conditions. The cardiovascular

effects are believed to be the result of positive inotropic activity,

ability to increase the integrity of the blood vessel wall and improve

coronary blood flow, and positive effects on oxygen utilization.

Flavonoids are postulated to account for these effects. Hawthorn

has shown promise to treat New York Heart Association (NYHA)

functional class II congestive heart failure (CHF) in both

uncontrolled and controlled clinical trials. There are also

suggestions of a beneficial effect on blood lipids. Trials to establish

an antiarrhythmic effect in humans have not been conducted. The

recommended daily dose of hawthorn is 160-900 mg of a native

water-ethanol extract of the leaves or flowers (equivalent to 30-169

mg of epicatechin or 3.5-19.8 mg of flavonoids) administered in two

or three doses. At therapeutic dosages, hawthorn may cause a

mild rash, headache, sweating, dizziness, palpitations, sleepiness,

agitation, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Hawthorn may interact

with vasodilating medications and may potentiate or inhibit the

actions of drugs used for heart failure, hypertension, angina, and

arrhythmias. The limited data about hawthorn suggest that it may

be useful to treat NYHA functional class II CHF. | H. H. McGuire

Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA. |

Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 11887407

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Rothfuss MA, Pascht U, Kissling G. | Effect of long-term

application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion

induced arrhythmias in rats. | Arzneimittelforschung. 2001 Jan;51

(1):24-8. | The effect of long-term application of Crataegus

oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias was

investigated in Wistar rats on the heart in situ and on Langendorff

preparations. Seventeen rats were fed for 8 weeks with 0.5 g/kg

b.w. Crataegus extract per day, standardised to 2.2% flavonoids.

Twenty age-matched untreated rats served as controls. In the

hearts in situ as well as in the Langendorff preparations the left

anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligated for 20 min

and subsequently reperfused for 30 min. ECG was continuously

recorded and the time spent between start of ischemia and onset

of arrhythmias was measured. In addition, during ischemia and

reperfusion the number of ventricular premature beats and bigemini

and the duration of salvos and ventricular flutter and fibrillation were

determined. The ischemic area was evaluated in all experiments

and coronary flow was measured in Langendorff preparations. In the

present experiments, no cardioprotective effects of Crataegus

oxyacantha could be detected, neither in the heart in situ nor in the

Langendorff preparations. Although the ischemic areas were

identical, arrhythmias occurred even earlier in the Crataegus

collectives than in the controls. Also the number and duration of

ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias tended to occur

longer and more frequently in the Crataegus collectives, whilst

coronary flow remained unchanged. The phenomenon that

Crataegus aggravates rather than prevents arrhythmias may be

reduced to a Crataegus induced increase in intracellular Ca (2+)-

concentration proven true for the positive inotropic effects of

Crataegus. | Physiologisches Institut II, Universitat Tubingen,

Tubingen, Germany. | PMID: 11215322 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

*Schmidt U, Albrecht M, Schmidt S. | [Effects of an herbal

crataegus-camphor combination on the symptoms of

cardiovascular diseases] [Article in German] |

Arzneimittelforschung. 2000 Jul;50 (7):613-9. | 190 patients

presenting with " functional cardiovascular disorders " (ICD 10, F

45.3) received purely herbal combination therapy comprising

crataegus and camphor (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) or a

placebo, identical in colour and taste to the active treatment, over a

period of four weeks within the scope of a multi-centre, placebo-

controlled, double-blind study. The principal criterion was the fall in

the overall score obtained for a heart-related symptom complex

(HSK) during administration of the herbal combination or randomly

allocated placebo. The overall score fell significantly by 5.5 or 4.5

points, respectively, from a baseline value of 10.0 points each (p =

0.0165). The sub-score for exhaustion, joint pain, heart disorders,

pain on pressure and the total score on the Giessen discomfort

chart (GBB) indicated better efficacy with the crataegus-camphor

combination than with the placebo. On completion of treatment, the

investigators assessed the efficacy of the active drug as " very good

to good " in 70.5% of their patients compared with a similar

evaluation in just 49.5% of the placebo patients. The degree of

satisfaction with the drug therapy according to physician and

patient reflected the objective results obtained. 71.6% of subjects

in the active drug group were satisfied with their treatment

compared with just 52.7% in the placebo group. Adverse events

(undesirable side effects) were recorded in 8.3% and 8.5% of

patients, respectively. A correlation with the active drug therapy

was established in only two cases. Tolerance was therefore

positively assessed. | Arbeits- und Forschungsgemeinschaft fur

Arzneimittel-Sicherheit GmbH, Koln. | Publication Types: Clinical

Trial Multicenter Study Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

10965417 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Schroder D, Weiser M, Klein P. | Efficacy of a homeopathic

Crataegus preparation compared with usual therapy for mild (NYHA

II) cardiac insufficiency: results of an observational cohort study. |

Eur J Heart Fail. 2003 Jun;5 (3):319-26. | We compared the

efficacy of the homeopathic Crataegus preparation Cralonin for non-

inferiority to standard treatment for mild cardiac insufficiency. In a

multicentre non-randomised cohort study in patients aged 50-75

years in New York Heart Association class II, patients received

Cralonin (n=110) or ACE inhibitor/diuretics (n=102) for 8 weeks. To

adjust for confounding by baseline factors, populations were

stratified according to propensity score. After adjusting, there were

no statistically significant differences between treatment groups.

Treatment efficacy was assessed on 15 variables. A stringent non-

inferiority criterion for the upper limit of the 97.5% one-sided

confidence interval of the treatment difference was set to 0.2x the

standard deviation (S.D.). RESULTS: Both treatment regimens

improved scores on most variables studied, with the greatest effect

on double product after exercise (average score reduction 15.4%

with Cralonin vs. 16.0% for the control group). Stringent non-

inferiority of Cralonin was demonstrated on 7 variables. Medium-

stringent (0.5xS.D.) non-inferiority was indicated by 13 variables

(exceptions: systolic blood pressure (BP) during exercise and

diastolic BP at rest; for these, differences between treatments were

not significant). Both treatments were well tolerated. The Crataegus-

based preparation Cralonin is non-inferior to usual ACE

inhibitor/diuretics treatment for mild cardiac insufficiency on all

parameters except BP reduction. | Borsenstrasse 17,

Frankfurt/Main, Germany. | Publication Types: Evaluation Studies

Multicenter Study PMID: 12798830 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

*Si J, Gao G, Chen D. | [Chemical constituents of the leaves of

Crataegus scabrifolia (Franch.) Rehd] [Article in Chinese] |

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Jul;23 (7):422-3, 448. | We

explored the medicinal resources of Crataegus for compounds with

pharmaceutical effects. Column chromatography was used to

isolate and purify constituents and the structures were elucidated

by spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Six compounds were

obtained and identified as rutin, hyperoside, vitexin, ursolic acid,

daucosterol, and nonacosanol. Flavonoids are the main

constituents of the leaves of Crataegus scabrifolia. | Institute of

Medicinal Plant, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking

Union Medical College, Beijing, 100094. | PMID: 11601353

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Sun J, Yang S, Li G, Yang Z. | [investigation on method speliality

in identifying Fructus Crataegi with vitexin rhamnoside] [Article in

Chinese] | Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 Dec;24 (12):859-61. | The

methanol extract of Fr Crataegi was purified on macro-reticular

resins (model DM130)-polyamide column. Vitexin rhamnoside (I)

was identified from Fr Crataegi by TLC on polyamide layer sheets.

The false and the confused species of Fr Crataegi and some

TCHMs which contain vitexin were studied by the same method.

Compound I was special constitute of Fr Crataegi and the

identification method of Fr Crataegi with I was special. | Shangdong

Institute of Traditional and Meteria Medica, Jinan

250014. | PMID: 11917841 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Tankanow R, Tamer HR, Streetman DS, Smith SG, Welton JL,

Annesley T, Aaronson KD, Bleske BE. | Interaction study between

digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). | J

Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Jun;43 (6):637-42. | Hawthorn is currently

being evaluated for the treatment of heart failure. The flavonoid

components of hawthorn may be responsible for hawthorn's

beneficial effects to treat heart failure. However, these components

may also affect P-glycoprotein function and cause interactions with

drugs that are P-glycoprotein substrates, such as digoxin, which is

also used to treat heart failure. Therefore, the purpose of this study

was to determine the effect of hawthorn on digoxin pharmacokinetic

parameters. A randomized, crossover trial with 8 healthy volunteers

was performed evaluating digoxin 0.25 mg alone (D) for 10 days

and digoxin 0.25 mg with Crataegus special extract WS 1442

(hawthorn leaves with flowers; Dr. Willmar Schwabe

Pharmaceuticals) 450 mg twice daily (D + H) for 21 days.

Pharmacokinetic studies were performed for 72 hours. There were

no statistically significant differences in any measured

pharmacokinetic parameters. The AUC0-infinity, Cmax-Cmin,

Cmin, and renal clearance for the D group were 79 +/- 26 mcg.h/L,

1.4 +/- 0.7 mcg/L, 0.84 +/- 0.2 mcg/L, and 74 +/- 10 mL/min versus

73 +/- 20 mcg.h/L, 1.1 +/- 0.1 mcg/L, 0.65 +/- 0.2 mcg/L, and 81

+/- 22 mL/min for the D + H group, respectively (p > 0.05). After 3

weeks of concomitant therapy, hawthorn did not significantly alter

the pharmacokinetic parameters for digoxin. This suggests that

both hawthorn and digoxin, in the doses and dosage form studied,

may be coadministered safely. | University of Michigan College of

Pharmacy, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor,

Michigan, USA. | Publication Types: Clinical Trial Randomized

Controlled Trial PMID: 12817526 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Tauchert M, Gildor A, Lipinski J. | [High-dose Crataegus extract

WS 1442 to treat NYHA stage II heart failure] [Article in German] |

Herz. 1999 Oct;24 (6):465-74; discussion 475. Erratum in: Herz

1999 Nov;24 (7):586. | The efficacy and tolerance of the

standardized hawthorn (crataegus) extract WS 1442 were tested in

a multicenter utilization observational study. We monitored 1,011

patients with cardiac insufficiency stage NYHA II, treated with this

extract (Crataegutt novo 450, 1 tablet b.i.d.) over a period of 24

weeks. During and at the end of the observation period a significant

improvement in clinical symptoms (reduced performance in the

exercise tolerance test, fatigue, palpitation and exercise dyspnea)

was observed. Ankle edema and nocturia disappeared by 83%, and

by half of the patients respectively manifesting these symptoms

before treatment. The improvement and economization of cardiac

performance were additionally shown by a reduction in blood

pressure, an increased maximal exercise tolerance and a reduction

in the difference in the pressure/heart rate product (PHRP). The

positive effects of WS 1442 were further demonstrated by an

improved ejection fraction and an increased percentile shortening

fraction measured using M-mode echocardiography. The stabilizing

effect of the hawthorn extract on the heart rate was shown by a

slower rest pulse, as well as by an increase in the number of day

and night normorhythmic patients, as documented by long-term

ECG. The reduction in the number of patients showing ST

depressions, arrhythmias and ventricular extrasystoles at the

maximum exercise level is regarded as an indication for an

improved myocardial perfusion. Fourteen side effects were noted. In

two cases (abdominal discomfort and facial pains accompanied by

tachycardia) a possible relationship with the hawthorn therapy, was

postulated which however was considered unlikely by the treating

physicians. Almost 2/3 of the patients felt better or much better

following the 24 weeks of treatment. More than 3/4 of the

participating physicians noted a good or a very good efficacy, and

98.7% noted a good or a very good tolerance. High-dose hawthorn

therapy is an efficient, well-tolerated and easily regulated

therapeutic alternative for patients suffering from cardiac

insufficiency stage NYHA II. | Klinikum Leverkusen.

tauchert | PMID: 10546150 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

*Tauchert M. | Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in

comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York

Heart Association class-III heart failure. | Am Heart J. 2002

May;143 (5):910-5. | OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to

investigate whether long-term therapy with crataegus extract WS

1442 is efficacious as add-on therapy to preexisting diuretic

treatment in patients with heart failure with a more advanced stage

of the disease (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III),

whether effects are dose dependent, and whether the treatment is

safe and well tolerated. METHODS: Exercise capacity was

assessed by use of seated bicycle ergometry with incremental

workloads. Scores for subjective symptoms and complaints made

by the patients were analyzed. Efficacy and tolerability of the

treatments were judged by both the patients and investigators.

Safety was assessed by the documentation of adverse events and

the safety laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients were

randomized to treatment with 1800 mg of WS 1442, 900 mg of WS

1442, or with placebo. After 16 weeks of therapy with 1800 mg of

WS 1442 per day, maximal tolerated workload during bicycle

exercise showed a statistically significant increase in comparison

with both placebo and 900 mg of WS 1442. Typical heart failure

symptoms as rated by the patients were reduced to a greater

extent by WS 1442 than by placebo. This difference was significant

for both doses of WS 1442. Both efficacy and tolerability were

rated best for the 1800 mg of WS 1442 group by patients and

investigators alike. The incidence of adverse events was lowest in

the 1800 mg of WS 1442 group, particularly with respect to

dizziness and vertigo. There is a dose-dependent effect of WS

1442 on the exercise capacity of patients with heart failure and on

typical heart failure-related clinical signs and symptoms. The drug

was shown to be well tolerated and safe. | Klinikum Leverkusen,

Leverkusen, Germany. | Publication Types: Clinical Trial

Multicenter Study Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 12040357

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Veveris M, Koch E, Chatterjee SS. | Crataegus special extract

WS 1442 improves cardiac function and reduces infarct size in a

rat model of prolonged coronary ischemia and reperfusion. | Life

Sci. 2004 Feb 27;74 (15):1945-55. | In Germany, hydroalcoholic

extracts from hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) leaves with flowers are

approved drugs for the treatment of mild forms of heart

insufficiency. Besides cardiotonic effects these herbal remedies

have been shown to possess cardioprotective properties. We now

evaluated if treatment of rats with the Crataegus special extract

WS 1442 also improves cardiac function and prevents myocardial

infarction during prolonged ischemia and reperfusion lasting for 240

and 15 min, respectively. Oral administration of WS 1442 (10 or

100 mg x kg (-1) x day (-1)) for 7 days before ligation of the left

coronary artery dose-dependently suppressed the decrease of the

pressure rate product. WS 1442 treatment also attenuated the

elevation of the ST-segment in the ECG, diminished the incidence

of ventricular fibrillations (control: 67%; 10 mg x kg (-1): 64%; 100

mg x kg (-1): 27%) and reduced the mortality rate (control: 47%; 10

mg.kg (-1): 27%; 100 mg x kg (-1): 9%). Also, the area of

myocardial infarction within the ischemic zone was significantly

smaller in treated rats (10 mg x kg (-1): 64.3 +/- 5.1%; 100 mg x

kg (-1): 42.8 +/- 4.1%) when compared with controls (78.4 +/-

2.6%). It is suggested that these pharmacological effects are

accounted for by the combined antioxidative, leukocyte elastase

inhibiting and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis enhancing

properties of WS 1442. | Department of Medicinal Chemistry,

Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia. | PMID:

14761675 [PubMed - in process]

 

*Wang W, Chen WW. | [Antioxidative activity studies on the

meaning of same original of herbal drug and food] [Article in

Chinese] | Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Mar;11 (3):159-61, 134.

| The antioxidative activity of aqueous extracts of 6 kinds of

common food, Ziziphus jujuba, Crataegus pinnatifida, fresh Allium

sativum, fresh Zingiper efficinale, Citrus tangerina and green tea,

which are also used as traditional herbal drugs, was studied. All

these extracts can scavenge (O2) free radical, inhibit lipid

peroxidation of mice liver homogenate (in vivo and in vitro),

decrease hyaluronic acid depolymerization induced by (O2), and

inhibit the adenosine deaminase activity of mice liver homogenate

(in vivo). These actions are very similar to the actions of those

traditional Chinese tonic prescriptions and their individual herbal

drugs studied before. | Beijing College of TCM. | PMID: 2065395

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Wang X, Che Q, Li Y, He Y. | [A study on chemical constituents

in seeds of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Br.] [Article

in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Dec;24 (12):739-

40, 763. | We studied the chemical constituents in S Crataegi

pinnatifidae var. major. Four compounds were isolated and

identified by column chromatography and 1H, 13C-NMR data. The

compounds were identified as protocatechuic acid, gallic acid,

catechol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. All the compounds were

isolated from this plant for the first time. | Department of Traditional

Chinese Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing

Medical University, Beijing 100083. | PMID: 12205981 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Weikl A, Assmus KD, Neukum-Schmidt A, Schmitz J, Zapfe G,

Noh HS, Siegrist J. | [Crataegus Special Extract WS 1442.

Assessment of objective effectiveness in patients with heart failure

(NYHA II)] [Article in German] | Fortschr Med. 1996 Aug 30;114

(24):291-6. | In a multicenter, placebo-controlled double-blind study,

the efficacy of the Crataegus-Specialextrakt WS 1442 in patients

with NYHA stage II cardiac insufficiency was investigated. A total

of 136 patients with this diagnosis were admitted to the study and,

following a 2-week run-in phase, treated with Crataegus-

Specialextract or placebo over a period of 8 weeks. The primary

target parameter was the change in the difference of the pressure,

heart rate product (systolic blood pressure x heart rate/100) (PHRP

50 W load vs. rest) measured at the beginning and end of

treatment. RESULTS: On the basis of this variable, a clear

improvement in the performance of the heart was shown in the

group receiving the test substance, while the condition of the

placebo group progressively worsened. The therapeutic difference

between the groups was statistically significant. The positive result

for the objective efficacy parameter was confirmed by a statistically

obvious superiority of Crataegus in the patient's own assessment of

improvement in the main symptoms (reduced performance,

shortness of breath, ankle edema etc.). In addition, active

treatment led, in comparison with placebo, to a considerably better

quality of life for the patient, in particular with respect to mental well-

being. The tolerability of the active substance proved to be very

good-as shown by comprehensive laboratory investigations and the

recording of undesirable events. The results of the present clinical

investigation confirm those of previous studies showing that

Crataegus-Specialextrakt WS 1442 is an effective and low-risk

phytotherapeutic form of treatment in patients with NYHA II cardiac

insufficiency. | Hauptkrankenhaus Deggendorf. | Publication Types:

Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 8974970 [PubMed

- indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Wittig J, Leipolz I, Graefe EU, Jaki B, Treutter D, Veit M. |

Quantification of procyanidins in oral herbal medicinal products

containing extracts of Crataegus species. | Arzneimittelforschung.

2002;52 (2):89-96. | According to the European Pharmacopeia a

photometric assay is used for the estimation of procyanidins in

Crataegi Fr. This assay is also most commonly used for

procyanidin analysis in herbal medicinal products (HMPs)

containing extracts of hawthorn (Crataegus species). In order to

find an appropriate method for the determination of oligomeric and

polymeric procyanidins by analysing various preparations

containing extracts of Crataegus, the Ph. Eur.-method was

compared to an HPLC-method with chemical reaction detection

(HPLC-CRD-method) and another conventional photometric assay

using 4-dimethylamino-cinnamic-aldehyde (DMACA). Total

procyanidins estimates obtained with the pharmacopeial method

were, depending on the reference standard used, at least more

than 50% higher than those obtained with the DMACA-assay. The

determination of individual procyanidins could only be achieved by

HPLC-CRD. Monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric procyanidins could

be separated and detected individually, whereas no HPLC

separation was possible for higher polymeric compounds. However,

these compounds could be analysed as co-eluting groups. Using

the DMACA method for the estimation of total oligomeric

procyanidins and the HPLC-CRD method for quantification of the

mono- up to trimeric procyanidins, some market leading herbal

medicinal products from Germany containing extracts Crataegus

species (C. monogyna Jacq., C. laevigata D.C., C. pentagyna

Waldst. et Kit., C. nigra Waldst. et Kit, C. azarolus L.) were

analysed. Procyanidin B2 (epicatechin- (4 beta-->8)-epicatechin)

was isolated from Aesculus hippocastanum Fr shells as reference

standard for calibration purposes. The structure elucidation was

carried out by by means of MS and 1H-NMR. Quantitative 1H-NMR

spectroscopy (qNMR) was applied for purity assessment. |

Zentralinstitut Arzneimittelforschung, Sinzig, Germany. | PMID:

11878204 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

*Xie M, Lu Q, Zhu L, Gu Z. | [Comparison of the effects of xianyu

tablet and its component on electrophoretic mobility of serum LDL

and expression of ET-1 mRNA and iNOS mRNA of vessel wall in

atherosclerotic rabbits] [Article in Chinese] | Zhong Yao Cai. 2000

Aug;23 (8):474-6. | Xiaoyu tablet, a compound preparation of

Chinese herbal medicines, consists of Rx Salviae Miltiorrhizae

(SM) and Fr Crataegi (FC) extracts. To determine whether the

proved recipe was reasonable, the effects of Xiaoyu tablet and its

component on electrophoretic mobility of serum LDL and

expression of ET-1 mRNA and iNOS mRNA of vessel wall in

atherosclerotic rabbits were observed. Inhibition of expression

iNOS mRNA in vessel wall by Xiaoyu tablet was the same as its

single extract of SM or FC, but Xiaoyu talbet was superior to SM or

FC extract in reduction of electrophoretic mobility of serum LDL

and inhibition of ET-1 mRNA expression in vessel wall. There was

obvious synergism on prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

when both of the Chinese herbal medicines were used

simultaneously. | Suzhou Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,

Suzhou 215007. | PMID: 12575163 [PubMed - in process]

 

*Zapfe jun G. | Clinical efficacy of crataegus extract WS 1442 in

congestive heart failure NYHA class II. | Phytomedicine. 2001

Jul;8 (4):262-6. | The clinical efficacy and safety of Crataegus

extract WS 1442, standardised to 18.75% oligomeric

procyanidines, were investigated in 40 female and male outpatients

suffering from congestive heart failure NYHA class II in a

randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.

Following a wash-out period of up to seven days, the patients were

randomised to be treated for 12 weeks with either WS 1442 (3 x 1

capsule) or placebo. The primary outcome variable was exercise

tolerance determined with bicycle exercise testing; as a secondary

outcome variable the difference of the double product was

calculated. On average, the exercise tolerance increased by 66.3

W x min (10.8%) in the WS 1442 group while in the placebo group

a reduction of 105.3 W x min (16.9%) was measured. This

difference between the groups was borderline statistically

significant (p = 0.06). During the three month therapy the difference

of the double product (heart rate x systolic blood pressure x 10 (-

2)) decreased by 14.4 mmHg s (-1) (26.8%) in the WS 1442 group

and by 1.3 mmHg s (-1) (2.7%) in the placebo group, respectively.

Recording of laboratory parameters and adverse events showed

that WS 1442 was safe and well tolerated. Crataegus extract WS

1442 is clinically effective in patients with congestive heart failure

corresponding to NYHA class II. | | Publication Types: Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 11515715 [PubMed - indexed

for MEDLINE]

 

*Zhang PC, Zhou YJ, Xu SX. | Two novel flavonoid glycosides from

Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.var.major N.E.Br. | J Asian Nat Prod

Res. 2001;3 (1):77-82. | Two novel natural products, namely

pinnatifida C, pinnatifida D, were isolated from the leaves of

Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.var.major N.E.Br. Their structures were

elucidated by the spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. |

Department of Phytochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical

University, China. | PMID: 11355773 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 

Best regards,

 

Email: <

 

WORK : Teagasc Research Management, Sandymount Ave., Dublin 4, Ireland

Mobile: 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

 

HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm