Plant Comparison
Hawthorn vs Bay-leaf willowherb
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
Hawthorn and Bay-leaf willowherb: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hawthorn | Bay-leaf willowherb | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
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
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.
Characteristic Epilobium polyphenols underlying the anti-inflammatory and prostate activity; a genus review identifies oenothein B as the dominant constituent and likely driver of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects.
Antioxidant constituents.
Sterols associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia support.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Antibacterial, including against Escherichia coli (urinary support); Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Lower urinary tract / prostate symptoms must be medically assessed first to exclude prostate cancer; willowherb is a supportive measure, not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment.
Well tolerated over three months in clinical use; longer-term safety data are limited.
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Slender, softly hairy perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, four-petalled, pale pink to lilac flowers with a notched tip, borne singly in the upper leaf axils. After flowering, long, narrow seed pods split to release cottony-tufted seeds, typical of the willowherb genus.[13]
Habitat
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]
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, streamsides and waste ground on moist soils; native to Europe and temperate Asia.[13]
Harvesting
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]
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[13]
Traditional Uses
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]
Small-flowered willowherb, along with related Epilobium species, has a Central European folk tradition as a supportive remedy for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, and as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb for minor infections; the traditional prostate-support use is attributed mainly to its oenothein B content, though robust clinical evidence remains limited.[13]
Preparations
Dosage
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.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-2.0 g of the comminuted herb in 250 mL of boiling water as an infusion, twice daily, in adults and elderly; long-term use is possible. Lower urinary tract or prostate symptoms should always be medically assessed first, and the monograph directs that a doctor be consulted if fever, spasms, blood in the urine, painful urination or urinary retention occur. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- 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
- Vitalone, A. and Allkanjari, O (2018) 'Epilobium spp: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1229-1240. doi:10.1002/ptr.6072 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6072 - Cicero, A.F.G., Allkanjari, O., Busetto, G.M., Cai, T. et al (2019) 'Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer', Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 91(3), pp. 139-152. doi:10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 - Vlase, A.M., Toiu, A., Gligor, O., Muntean, D. et al (2024) 'Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential', Plants (Basel), 13(2), pp. 198. doi:10.3390/plants13020198 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020198 - Granica, S., Piwowarski, J.P., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2014) 'Phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses of different Epilobium species (Onagraceae): a review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 316--346. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 - Ramstead, A.G., Schepetkin, I.A., Quinn, M.T. and Jutila, M.A (2012) 'Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFN-gamma production by lymphocytes', PLoS One, 7(11), pp. e50546. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 - Kiss, A.K., Bazylko, A., Filipek, A., Granica, S., Jaszewska, E., Kiarszys, U., Kosmider, A. and Piwowarski, J (2011) 'Oenothein B's contribution to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Epilobium sp', Phytomedicine, 18(7), pp. 557-560. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 - Schepetkin, I.A., Kirpotina, L.N., Jakiw, L., Khlebnikov, A.I., Blaskovich, C.L., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2009) 'Immunomodulatory activity of oenothein B isolated from Epilobium angustifolium', Journal of Immunology, 183(10), pp. 6754-6766. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 - Ducrey, B., Marston, A., Gohring, S., Hartmann, R.W. and Hostettmann, K (1997) 'Inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species', Planta Medica, 63(2), pp. 111-114. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957624 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957624 - Schepetkin, I.A., Ramstead, A.G., Kirpotina, L.N., Voyich, J.M., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2016) 'Therapeutic potential of polyphenols from Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)', Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), pp. 1287-1297. doi:10.1002/ptr.5648 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5648 - Merighi, S., Travagli, A., Tedeschi, P., Marchetti, N. and Gessi, S (2021) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Epilobium parviflorum, Melilotus officinalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum plant extracts in macrophage and microglial cells', Cells, 10(10), pp. 2691. doi:10.3390/cells10102691 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10102691 - Hevesi Toth, B., Blazics, B. and Kery, A (2009) 'Polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity of Epilobium species', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 49(1), pp. 26-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 - Vitalone, A., McColl, J., Thome, D., Costa, L.G. and Tita, B (2003) 'Characterization of the effect of Epilobium extracts on human cell proliferation', Pharmacology, 69(2), pp. 79-87. doi:10.1159/000072360 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1159/000072360 - Steenkamp, V., Gouws, M.C., Gulumian, M., Elgorashi, E.E. and van Staden, J (2005) 'Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2005. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L. and/or Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf - Coulson, S., Rao, A., Beck, S.L., Steels, E., Gramotnev, H. and Vitetta, L (2013) 'A phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation (containing Epilobium parviflorum) for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy', Complementary Therapies in Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007
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.