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Chinese Hawthorn

Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) differs from European hawthorn (C. oxyacantha) primarily in use pattern - Chinese hawthorn is used more for digestion and lipids, European for cardiovascular. The berries are eaten as food and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 'food stagnation' (digestive aid). Contains flavonoids, triterpenes, and organic acids. Limited human research shows potential for lipid lowering and digestive benefits. Some anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects in preclinical studies.

Quick Answer

What it is

Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) differs from European hawthorn (C. oxyacantha) primarily in use pattern - Chinese hawthorn is used more for digestion and lipids, European for cardiovascular.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Lipid Levels
  • Grade D: Antioxidant Activity
  • Grade D: Atherosclerosis Progression

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Chinese Hawthorn

Quick Facts: Chinese Hawthorn

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Cardiovascular Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D4
4 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Blood Lipid Levels
In hyperlipidemic mouse models, Chinese hawthorn extract consistently reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides across multiple studies. Mechanisms include PPARα upregulation in liver and inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase transcription via NF-κB signaling. No controlled human trials identified.
moderate↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Activity
In vitro studies show flavonoids and procyanidins from C. pinnatifida fruit provide antioxidant activity, including reduction of LDL oxidation. NIRS-based analysis confirmed significant antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts. A formula combining hawthorn with Salvia miltiorrhiza showed enhanced antioxidant effects.
small↑Improves
D
Atherosclerosis Progression
Network pharmacology and animal pharmacology studies on the Danshen-Shanzha herb pair suggest protective effects against atherosclerosis. A 2026 study demonstrated synergistic promotion of fatty acid oxidation via PPARα, Plin-5, and Plin-2 activation in metabolic liver disease models.
small↓Worsens
D
Allergic Inflammation
Preclinical studies report that Chinese hawthorn extracts inhibit mast cell degranulation and histamine release, and reduce inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB inhibition. Evidence is limited to in vitro and animal models with no human trials.
small↓Improves
D
Digestive Function
Chinese hawthorn has centuries of traditional use in TCM for 'food stagnation' (indigestion, bloating after heavy meals). May enhance digestive enzyme activity. Modern clinical validation remains very limited despite widespread food-level consumption in East Asia.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (11)

The active components of the Danshen-Shanzha herb-pair exert a protective effect on MASLD by synergistically promoting fatty acid oxidation via the activation of PPARα, Plin-5 and Plin-2.
(2026)
PMID: 41690426
Crataegus pinnatifida: A botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview.
(2023)
PMID: 36228891
Rapid determination of chemical components and antioxidant activity of the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge by NIRS and chemometrics.
(2023)
PMID: 36508903
Effects and mechanisms of Danshen-Shanzha herb-pair for atherosclerosis treatment using network pharmacology and experimental pharmacology.
(2019)
PMID: 30312741
Ethanol extract of Zhongtian hawthorn lowers serum cholesterol in mice by inhibiting transcription of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase via nuclear factor-kappa B signal pathway.
(2016)
PMID: 26825354
Crataegus pinnatifida: Chemical constituents, pharmacology, and potential applications
(2014)
PMID: 26342172
Antioxidant activity and components of a traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of Crataegus pinnatifida and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
(2013)
PMID: 23663253
Decrease of blood lipids induced by Shan-Zha (fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida) is mainly related to an increase of PPARα in liver of mice fed high-fat diet.
(2011)
PMID: 21823058
Development of the origin and application of shanza in ancient and modern.
(2011)
PMID: 22335842
Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of Crataegus pinnatifida
(2007)
PMID: 21475413

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