Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 07/11/2015 01:50:02

Title: Do Hawthorn berries have medicinal properties?
Post by: thedoc on 07/11/2015 01:50:02

michele asked the Naked Scientists:
   wondering if you had any info on hawthorn berry, leafs and/or flowers when taken with calcium and beta blockers for the treatment of high blood pressure??  Want to get my husband off these brutal meds..Toprol 100 mg,, Norvasc 10 mg,, HCTZ 37.5/25 and benezapril 40 mg .  All have contributed to swelling of the lower extremities and severe peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities>>Thanks for any help?? Michele
What do you think?

Title: Re: Do Hawthorn berries have medicinal properties?
Post by: evan_au on 07/11/2015 09:13:41

I'm sorry to hear about this conditions - it sounds like the symptoms are quite severe.

In this case, it is not clear if high blood pressure is a cause or an effect of heart failure (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_failure).

Failure of the heart to pump properly can result in swollen legs. So it is not clear from this description if the medication is helping or harming - do talk to a cardiologist.

Having said that, it appears that some people have used Hawthorn berry  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus#Human_studies)to reduce blood pressure - but if it goes too far, low blood pressure can also harm the patient. There are many species of Hawthorn berry, which may have different strengths or side-effects. 

Note: This website cannot give medical advice. Talk to a cardiologist.