May reduce blood cholesterol levels

According to some studies, hawthorn extract may lower blood cholesterol levels due to its flavonoid and pectin content. A pectin is a form of fiber that aids in the metabolism of cholesterol. Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in your blood vessels, is exacerbated by unbalanced blood cholesterol levels, notably high triglycerides, and low HDL (good) cholesterol. If plaque continues to accumulate, it has the potential to totally block a blood vessel, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

In one animal study, mice given two doses of hawthorn extract exhibited lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, as well as 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, as compared to mice given no extract. Similarly, rats receiving hawthorn berry supplements had considerably lower levels of fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol after 6-week research. Finally, 6-month research of 64 persons with atherosclerosis discovered that ingesting hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight reduced the thickness of dangerous plaque accumulation in the carotid artery. Though this study is encouraging, more human studies are needed to determine the effect of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol levels.