Hawthorn berry is promoted by some natural medicine websites
for its positive effects on ADHD.
However, there has been only limited research on this herb and there
have been no studies published in peer reviewed journals which specifically
address patients with ADHD.
Effectiveness
Most clinical trials which have evaluated hawthorn berry’s
effects on concentration have focused on adults or elderly patients with low to
normal blood pressure. In these trials,
a particular extract of camphor and hawthorn berry has been shown to increase
blood pressure and focus measured by psychometric testing in the short
term. All of the trials have been small,
with 40-50 participants in the treatment group, and none of them lasted for
more than a day . The participants did
not necessarily have ADHD.
Side Effects
While hawthorn has been used for centuries in cooking in
various cultures, it is also has some effects on the cardiovascular
system. If taken in overdose, it can
cause cardiac rhythm disturbances and low blood pressure. Also,
it interacts with the cardiac medication digoxin.
As a side note, some hawthorn fruit candies contain red dye.
In summary, hawthorn berry has no proven effectiveness in
ADHD. While it is likely safe in most
adults in children who eat it as a fruit in small quantities, as a drug used in
higher quantities or in concentrated amounts, it has the potential to become
deadly. Thus, it is not a safe herb to use without the guidance of a licensed practitioner and probably should not be used in children at all.
References:
Schandry, Rainer, and Stefan Duschek. "The
Effect of Camphor–Crataegus Berry
Werner, Natalie S., Stefan Duschek, and Rainer
Schandry. "D-camphor-crataegus Berry Extract Combination Increases Blood
Pressure and Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly – A Randomized, Placebo
Controlled Double Blind Study." Phytomedicine 16.12
(2009): 1077-082. Web.
Everything ADHD Medical Disclaimer
Everything ADHD Medical Disclaimer
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