ABSTRACT
Hawthorn is one of the most popular herbal medicines for the heart worldwide. In Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, hawthorn preparations are eligible for marketing authorization as drugs for the treatment of mild forms of heart insufficiency. In the United States, hawthorn products are regulated as dietary supplements. Numerous preparations are available, including teas, homeopathic preparations, and tinctures as well as simple and standardized extracts. Different starting materials are used. Extracts are prepared from leaves, flowers, fruits, or leaves and flowers. A substantial number of hawthorn products in the United States consist of comminuted hawthorn leaves, flowers, or fruits.
