Plant Comparison
Hawthorn vs Elecampane
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 Elecampane: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hawthorn | Elecampane | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 2/10 | 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.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory principles of the root; the eudesmane core and the alpha,beta-methylene-lactone ring are essential for the antimicrobial activity.
A fructan polysaccharide abundant in the root (the genus Inula gives inulin its name).
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy)
inferred from anticancer action
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy); Soothes irritated airways / chronic catarrh (traditional)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
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).
The sesquiterpene lactones (especially alantolactone) are known skin sensitisers and can cause allergic contact dermatitis; people sensitive to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should be cautious.
Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
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]
Tall, robust perennial herb with large, coarse, hairy leaves - broadly oval near the base and progressively smaller up the stem - arising from a thick, aromatic rhizome. Large, shaggy, bright yellow daisy-like flower heads with numerous narrow ray florets are borne at the top of stout, branching stems.[12]
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, pastures, roadsides and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; native to Europe and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
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 root and rhizome are dug in autumn of the second or later year, when sesquiterpene lactone and inulin content is highest, then cleaned, sliced and dried.[12]
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]
Elecampane root has a long European tradition, reflected in the old name 'elf dock', as a warming expectorant remedy for productive cough, bronchitis and chronic respiratory catarrh, and topically and internally as an antimicrobial for skin and wound infections.[12]
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.
Not documented
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
- Gierlikowska, B., Gierlikowski, W., Bekier, K., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2019) 'Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, pp. 112311. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 - Gao, S. and Wang, Q. and Tian, X.H. and Li, H.L. and Shen, Y.H. and Xu, X.K. and Wu, G.Z. and Hu, Z.L. and Zhang, W.D (2016) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 39--46. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 - Wang, Q., Gao, S., Wu, G., Yang, N., Zu, X., Li, W., Xie, N., Zhang, R., Li, C., Hu, Z. and Zhang, W (2018) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice', Phytomedicine, 46, pp. 78-84. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 - Dao, T.T.P., Song, K., Kim, J.Y. and Kim, Y.S (2020) 'Igalan from Inula helenium (L.) suppresses the atopic dermatitis-like response in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes via JAK/STAT3 signaling', Inflammation Research, 69(3), pp. 309-319. doi:10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 - He, X., Zhao, W., Shao, B., Zhang, B., Liu, T., Sun, C., Huang, H., Wu, J., Liang, J. and Ma, X (2020) 'Natural soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Inula helenium and their interactions with soluble epoxide hydrolase', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 161, pp. 1465-1474. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 - Buza, V., Niculae, M., Hanganu, D., Pall, E., Burtescu, R.F., Olah, N., Matei-Latiu, M., Vlasiuc, I., Iozon, I., Szakacs, A.R., Ielciu, I. and Stefanut, L.C (2022) 'Biological Activities and Chemical Profile of Gentiana asclepiadea and Inula helenium Ethanolic Extracts', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3560. doi:10.3390/molecules27113560 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113560 - Zheng, X., Wu, Z., Xu, J., Zhang, X., Tu, Y., Lei, J., Yuan, R., Cheng, H., Wang, Q. and Yu, J (2021) 'Bioactive sesquiterpenes from Inula helenium', Bioorganic Chemistry, 114, pp. 105066. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 - Nder, A.E (2021) 'Efficacy of methanol-water extract of Inula helenium root against oxidative DNA damage', Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(2), pp. 293-300. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Efficacy%20of%20methanol-water%20extract%20of%20Inula%20helenium%20root%20against%20oxidative%20DNA%20damage - Chun, J., Song, K. and Kim, Y.S (2018) 'Sesquiterpene lactones-enriched fraction of Inula helenium L. induces apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2501-2509. doi:10.1002/ptr.6189 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6189 - Li, Y., Ni, Z., Zhu, M., Dong, M., Wang, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, M., Wang, Y., Huo, C., Kiyota, H. and Cong, B (2012) 'Antitumour activities of sesquiterpene lactones from Inula helenium and Inula japonica', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 67(7-8), pp. 375-380. doi:10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 - Yan, Y.Y., Zhang, Q., Zhang, B., Yang, B. and Lin, N.M (2019) 'Active ingredients of Inula helenium L. exhibits similar anti-cancer effects as isoalantolactone in pancreatic cancer cells', Natural Product Research, 34(17), pp. 2539-2544. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 - Kenny, C.R., Stojakowska, A., Furey, A. and Lucey, B (2022) 'From Monographs to Chromatograms: The Antimicrobial Potential of Inula helenium L. (Elecampane) Naturalised in Ireland', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules27041406 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041406 - Stojanovic-Radic, Z. and Comic, Lj. and Radulovic, N. and Blagojevic, P. and Denic, M. and Miltojevic, A. and Rajkovic, J. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T (2012) 'Antistaphylococcal activity of Inula helenium L. root essential oil: eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones induce cell membrane damage', European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 31(6), pp. 1015--1025. doi:10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 - Cantrell, C.L. and Abate, L. and Fronczek, F.R. and Franzblau, S.G. and Quijano, L. and Fischer, N.H (1999) 'Antimycobacterial eudesmanolides from Inula helenium and Rudbeckia subtomentosa', Planta Medica, 65(4), pp. 351--355. doi:10.1055/s-1999-14001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-1999-14001
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.