Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Dill vs Hawthorn
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Dill and Hawthorn: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), cardiovascular / heart health, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Dill | Hawthorn | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cardiovascular / heart health | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Inflammation (general) | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
| Skin irritation | 8/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Dill |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Seed essential oil dominated by the monoterpene ketone carvone and limonene, giving dill its characteristic aroma and much of its carminative and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant flavonoids and phenolics identified in metabolomic analysis of leaf and seed extracts.
Principal cardioprotective and antioxidant polyphenols characterised by chemical profiling of leaf, flower and fruit.
Contribute to the vasoactive and antioxidant effects, the basis for extract standardisation.
Pharmacological Actions
Anethum graveolens (dill) extract and essential oil induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in melanoma and lung adenocarcinoma cells (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Anethum graveolens (dill) extract induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in HT-144 melanoma cells, and its essential oil is selectively cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells (preclinical).
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Widely used as a food herb/spice; WHO monograph notes a “generally regarded as safe” status as a flavouring agent (World Health Organization, 2007). Allergic reactions (including oral itching, swelling, urticaria, vomiting/diarrhoea) are reported; avoid if you react to Apiaceae-family plants (World Health Organization, 2007; Egyptian Drug Authority, n.d.).
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for dill's antibacterial and antispasmodic activities, consistent with Commission E and PhEur approvals. Traditional uses include management of colic, dyspepsia, and flatulence. The plant is a well-documented lactagogue (promotes milk production) and has a mild hypotensive effect. Dose: 1–3 g seeds as tea three times daily. Dill is generally safe (++) with no known significant contraindications at culinary and medicinal doses (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated. Hawthorn should not replace prescribed cardiac medications without medical supervision. May potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides (digoxin), antihypertensive drugs, and coronary dilators. Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Mild side effects (nausea, dizziness, GI upset) occasionally reported.
Duke (2002) rates hawthorn as +++ — one of the most clinically supported cardiovascular herbs. Clinical evidence (score 2) supports its use for decreasing cardiac output (NYHA functional Stage II heart failure), as recognized by Commission E. Key activities include vasodilation, positive inotropic effects, and antioxidant protection of vascular tissue. Dose: 160–900 mg standardized leaf/flower extract (containing 18.75% oligomeric proanthocyanidins) daily. Duke emphasizes that hawthorn should not replace conventional heart failure therapy, and therapeutic effects may take 4–8 weeks to emerge. Mild interactions with cardiac glycosides (digitalis) are possible (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic annual herb with a slender, hollow, ridged, blue-green stem. The leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments, feathery and soft, similar to fennel but more delicate. Small yellow flowers are borne in flat, wide compound umbels at the stem tips in summer, ripening into flattened, ridged, aromatic seeds (fruits).[1]
Small deciduous tree or large shrub, densely thorny, with deeply lobed, glossy leaves (more deeply cut than midland hawthorn). Clusters of small, five-petalled white flowers with a strong, musky scent appear in spring ('May blossom'), followed by small red berries (haws), each containing a single seed (nutlet) - the origin of the species name monogyna.[4]
Habitat
Believed native to the eastern Mediterranean, Western Asia and southern Russia; widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens and fields across Europe, Asia and the Americas.[1]
One of the commonest hedgerow and scrub trees of Europe, growing in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and pasture on a wide range of soils; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.[4]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked fresh through the growing season; the seeds are harvested in late summer once the umbels have browned and dried, then threshed and dried further before storage.
Flowers are picked as they open in May, leaves are picked with the young flowering shoots, and the ripe red berries (haws) are gathered in autumn after the first frosts soften them slightly; all three parts are traditionally combined.[4]
Traditional Uses
Dill seed and leaf have a long culinary-medicinal history as a carminative digestive remedy for colic, dyspepsia and flatulence, and as a traditional lactagogue (galactagogue) to support breastfeeding; dill water ('gripe water') is a classic infant remedy for colic.[1]
Common hawthorn shares the same long cardiovascular and calming tradition as midland hawthorn, used across European herbal medicine as a heart tonic for mild circulatory complaints, palpitations and nervous tension, and remains one of the most clinically studied cardiovascular botanicals.[4]
Preparations
Leaf-and-flower extract standardised to flavonoid or procyanidin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form.
Dosage
The WHO monograph on Fructus Anethi gives an average daily dose of 3 g of the dried ripe fruit, or 0.1-0.3 g of the essential oil, or the equivalent in other preparations. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore gives dry extracts in divided daily doses of 240-900 mg (single dose 80-450 mg) or, for one quantified extract, 570-1750 mg daily (single dose 190-350 mg), in adults and elderly. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a doctor should be consulted, and hawthorn is never used as a substitute for prescribed heart medication without medical supervision. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the comminuted leaf and flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily (maximum 6 g daily), in adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Thanuma, J., Phetcharaburanin, J., Dokduang, H., Loilome, W. and others (2025) 'Metabolomic analysis of bioactive compounds in dill (Anethum graveolens L.) extracts', PeerJ, 13, pp. e19567. doi:10.7717/peerj.19567 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19567 - Sharma, H., Yang, H., Sharma, N. and An, S.S.A (2024) 'Neuroprotection by Anethum graveolens (Dill) Seeds and Its Phytocompounds in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Lines and Acellular Assays', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(13), pp. 7104. doi:10.3390/ijms25137104 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137104 - Mohammed, F.A., Elkady, A.I., Syed, F.Q., Mirza, M.B. and others (2018) 'Anethum graveolens (dill) - A medicinal herb induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cell line', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, pp. 15-22. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.008 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.008 - Haidari, F., Zakerkish, M., Borazjani, F., Ahmadi Angali, K. and others (2020) 'The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes', Trials, 21(1), pp. 483. doi:10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3 - Li, Z., Xue, Y., Li, M., Guo, Q. and others (2018) 'The Antioxidation of Different Fractions of Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Their Influences on Cytokines in Macrophages RAW264.7', Journal of Oleo Science, 67(12), pp. 1535-1541. doi:10.5650/jos.ess18134 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess18134 - Jang, S.A., Lee, S.J., Hwang, Y.H. and Ha, H (2023) 'Anti-Osteoporotic Potential of Water Extract of Anethum graveolens L. Seeds', Nutrients, 15(19), pp. 4302. doi:10.3390/nu15194302 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194302 - Stavri, M. and Gibbons, S (2005) 'The antimycobacterial constituents of dill (Anethum graveolens)', Phytotherapy Research, 19(11), pp. 938-941. doi:10.1002/ptr.1758 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1758 - Orhan, I.E., Senol, F.S., Ozturk, N., Celik, S.A. and others (2013) 'Phytochemical contents and enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) samples cultivated under organic and conventional agricultural conditions', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 59, pp. 96-103. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.053 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.053 - Tian, J., Ban, X., Zeng, H., He, J. and others (2012) 'The mechanism of antifungal action of essential oil from dill (Anethum graveolens L.) on Aspergillus flavus', PLoS One, 7(1), pp. e30147. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030147 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030147 - Castro, L.M., Pinto, N.B., Moura, M.Q., Villela, M.M. and others (2021) 'Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae', Brazilian Journal of Biology, 81(1), pp. 183-188. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.225856 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.225856 - World Health Organization (2007) 'Fructus Anethi'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Egyptian Drug Authority (n.d.). Available at: https://dev.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/a4kf0fmp/anethum-graveolens_1.pdf Traditional / reference
https://dev.edaegypt.gov.eg/media/a4kf0fmp/anethum-graveolens_1.pdf - Haidari, F., Mohammadshahi, M., Zarei, M., Gorji, Z., Asghari-Jafarabadi, M. and Alizadeh, M (2020) 'The effects of anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes'. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102367 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102367 - Mousavi, S.M., Pizarro, A.B., Akhgarjand, C., Bagheri, A., Persad, E., Karimi, E., Wong, A. and Jayedi, A (2022) 'The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', 62(21), pp. 5705--5716. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1889459 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1889459 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837530-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837530-1 - World Health Organization (2007) 'WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Volume 3: ‘Fructus Anethi'. Available at: https://e-lactancia.org/media/papers/Fitoterapia-Plantas-WHO-03_2007.pdf Traditional / reference
https://e-lactancia.org/media/papers/Fitoterapia-Plantas-WHO-03_2007.pdf - Aydogmus-Ozturk, F. and Jahan, H. and Ozturk, M. and Gunaydin, K. and Choudhary, M.I (2020) 'Preclinical study of the medicinal plants for the treatment of malignant melanoma', Molecular Biology Reports, 47(8), pp. 5975-5983. doi:10.1007/s11033-020-05671-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-020-05671-5 - Tavakkol Afshari, H.S. and Homayouni Tabrizi, M. and Ardalan, T. and Jalili Anoushirvani, N. and Mahdizadeh, R (2021) 'Anethum graveolens Essential Oil Nanoemulsions (AGEO-NE) as an Exclusive Apoptotic Inducer in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma (A549) Cells', Nutrition and Cancer, 74(4), pp. 1411-1419. doi:10.1080/01635581.2021.1952450 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1952450 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Washington State University Extension, Yakima County (2025) 'One Invasive, One Native, Both Deadly'. Available at: https://extension.wsu.edu/yakima/2025/08/09/one-invasive-one-native-both-deadly/ Traditional / reference
https://extension.wsu.edu/yakima/2025/08/09/one-invasive-one-native-both-deadly/ - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - Grow Forage Cook Ferment 'Poison Hemlock: How to Identify and Potential Look-alikes'. Available at: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/ Traditional / reference
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/
- Ez-Zahra Amrati, F., Mssillou, I., Boukhira, S., Djiddi Bichara, M. et al (2024) 'Phenolic Composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Extract and Its Anti-Inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, and Antileukemia Effects', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 17(6), pp. 786. doi:10.3390/ph17060786 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060786 - Lis, M., Szczypka, M., Suszko-Pawłowska, A., Sokół-Łętowska, A. et al (2019) 'Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Phenolic Extract Modulates Lymphocyte Subsets and Humoral Immune Response in Mice', Planta Medica, 86(2), pp. 160-168. doi:10.1055/a-1045-5437 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1045-5437 - Paun, G., Neagu, E., Albu, C., Alecu, A. et al (2024) 'Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Crataegus monogyna L. and Cornus mas Fruit Extracts', Molecules, 29(15), pp. 3595. doi:10.3390/molecules29153595 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153595 - Nabavi, S.F., Habtemariam, S., Ahmed, T., Sureda, A., Daglia, M. and Sobarzo-Sanchez, E (2015) 'Polyphenolic Composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq.: From Chemistry to Medical Applications', Nutrients, 7(9), pp. 7708-7728. doi:10.3390/nu7095361 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095361 - Belabdelli, F., Bekhti, N., Piras, A., Benhafsa, F.M., Ilham, M. and Adil, S (2021) 'Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Crataegus monogyna leaves' extracts', Natural Product Research, 36(12), pp. 3234-3239. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.1958215 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2021.1958215 - Jalali, A.S., Hasanzadeh, S. and Malekinejad, H (2012) 'Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences', Acta Medica Iranica, 50(1), pp. 1-8. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Crataegus%20monogyna%20aqueous%20extract%20ameliorates%20cyclophosphamide-induced%20toxicity%20in%20rat%20testis%3A%20stereological%20evidences - Martin-Garcia, B., Razola-Diaz, M.D.C., Gomez-Caravaca, A.M., Benitez, G. and Verardo, V (2021) 'Setup of an Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction to Obtain High Phenolic Recovery in Crataegus monogyna Leaves', Molecules, 26(15), pp. 4536. doi:10.3390/molecules26154536 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154536 - Arslan, R., Bektas, N., Bor, Z. and Sener, E (2014) 'Evaluation of the antithrombotic effects of Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus davisii in the carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model', Pharmaceutical Biology, 53(2), pp. 275-279. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.914957 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2014.914957 - Edwards, J.E., Brown, P.N., Talent, N., Dickinson, T.A. and Shipley, P.R (2012) 'A review of the chemistry of the genus Crataegus', Phytochemistry, 79, pp. 5-26. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.04.006 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.04.006 - Jarzycka, A., Lewinska, A., Gancarz, R. and Wilk, K.A (2013) 'Assessment of extracts of Helichrysum arenarium, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra in photoprotective UVA and UVB; photostability in cosmetic emulsions', Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 128, pp. 50-57. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.07.029 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.07.029 - Lucconi, G., Chlapanidas, T., Martino, E., Gaggeri, R., Perteghella, S. and Rossi, D (2013) 'Formulation of microspheres containing Crataegus monogyna Jacq. extract with free radical scavenging activity', Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 19(1), pp. 65-72. doi:10.3109/10837450.2012.752387 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/10837450.2012.752387 - Zorniak, M., Szydlo, B. and Krzeminski, T.F (2017) 'Crataegus special extract WS 1442: up-to-date review of experimental and clinical experiences', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 68(4), pp. 521-526. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Crataegus%20special%20extract%20WS%201442%3A%20up-to-date%20review%20of%20experimental%20and%20clinical%20experiences - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Crataegus%20spp.%2C%20folium%20cum%20flore - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hawthorn%20extract%20for%20treating%20chronic%20heart%20failure - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Tankanow, R., Tamer, H.R., Streetman, D.S., Smith, S.G., Welton, J.L., Annesley, T., Aaronson, K.D. and Bleske, B.E (2003) 'Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)', Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(6), pp. 637-642. doi:10.1177/0091270003253417 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270003253417 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.