The review provides a comprehensive overview of how Chinese hawthorn can be beneficial in managing and treating various aspects of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood sugar, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which collectively increase the risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The review highlights that Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as Chinese hawthorn, is extensively utilized in addressing hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.
Chinese hawthorn’s leaves, fruits, and seeds contain a range of active substances, including flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and sesquiterpenes. These compounds are effective through different mechanisms in combating metabolic syndrome. Notably, flavonoids in hawthorn leaves significantly reduce the area of atherosclerotic lesions. The fruit extracts of Chinese hawthorn, rich in oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, are capable of inhibiting the acyl-coA-cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) enzyme, consequently decreasing levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additionally, a specific sesquiterpene found in the seeds of C. pinnatifida demonstrates antithrombotic activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Overall, this review underscores the diverse benefits of C. pinnatifida in managing high blood sugar, dyslipidemia, obesity, and atherosclerosis, emphasizing its significant role in addressing metabolic syndrome.
Original Publication:
Dehghani, S., Mehri, S., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2019). The effects of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn) on metabolic syndrome: A review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 22(5), 460-468.
https://doi.org/10.22038/IJBMS.2019.31964.7678
