Plant Comparison
Hawthorn vs Olive
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 Olive: 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 | Hawthorn | Olive | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cardiovascular / heart health | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
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 principal bioactive phenolics of the leaf, responsible for most of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity.
Antioxidant flavonoids of the leaf.
Pentacyclic triterpenes of the leaf cuticle and fruit skin, studied for anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
The dominant fatty acid of the fruit oil, a key component of the Mediterranean-diet lipid profile.
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 antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic 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).
Olive leaf extract may lower blood pressure; use caution if already on antihypertensive medication. May have mild hypoglycaemic effects. Olive oil is safe for dietary use. Rare olive pollen allergy. Well tolerated in normal culinary and supplement doses.
Duke (2002) includes olive leaf as ++ and notes hypotensive, hypoglycemic, ACE inhibitor-like, and antioxidant activities at the experimental level (score 1). Olive leaf extract (containing oleuropein) has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering and antiarrhythmic effects consistent with clinical support (PHR). Duke notes that traditional Mediterranean use for both the leaf and fruit is food-grade and safe. Olive leaf preparations are used as mild antihypertensives in European phytotherapy. No significant adverse effects are reported at standard herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
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]
Evergreen tree (Oleaceae), typically 3-15 m tall, often gnarled and long-lived, with some specimens surviving for centuries. Leaves are narrow, leathery, lance-shaped, dark green above and silvery-grey beneath. Small, fragrant, creamy-white four-lobed flowers are borne in axillary clusters, followed by a fleshy drupe (the olive) that ripens from green to purple-black.[1]
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]
Native to the Mediterranean basin, the Near East and parts of Africa, and cultivated for millennia across Mediterranean-type climates worldwide (warm, dry summers and mild winters); tolerates poor, rocky, calcareous soils and drought.[1]
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]
Leaves can be harvested year-round from pruned or fallen branches, generally at their highest oleuropein content in late autumn and winter; fruit is hand- or machine-harvested from early autumn (green olives) through winter (fully ripe black olives), depending on the intended product.[10]
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]
Olive leaf and fruit have a long Mediterranean tradition as a tonic, antipyretic and mild antihypertensive remedy, and olive oil is the foundation fat of the traditional Mediterranean diet, long associated with cardiovascular health. Modern research on oleuropein and other leaf polyphenols supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, blood-pressure-lowering and insulin-sensitising effects consistent with these traditional and dietary uses.[1, 4, 7]
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.
A meta-analysis of trials for blood pressure used around 500 mg/day of standardised olive leaf extract. Educational reference only, not a prescription; culinary olive oil and leaf tea are considered food-safe at normal dietary amounts.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
Pairings
Not documented
Olive leaf and black seed (Nigella sativa) can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[11, 18]
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
- Omar, S.H., Kerr, P.G., Scott, C.J., Hamlin, A.S. and others (2017) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) Biophenols: A Nutriceutical against Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells', Molecules, 22(11), pp. 1858. doi:10.3390/molecules22111858 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111858 - Ruzzolini, J., Peppicelli, S., Andreucci, E., Bianchini, F. and others (2018) 'Oleuropein, the Main Polyphenol of Olea europaea Leaf Extract, Has an Anti-Cancer Effect on Human BRAF Melanoma Cells and Potentiates the Cytotoxicity of Current Chemotherapies', Nutrients, 10(12), pp. 1950. doi:10.3390/nu10121950 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121950 - Al-Rimawi, F., Sbeih, M., Amayreh, M., Rahhal, B. and others (2024) 'Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of oleuropein, Olea europaea leaf extract, and Thymus vulgaris oil', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), pp. 297. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04596-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04596-x - Qabaha, K., Al-Rimawi, F., Qasem, A. and Naser, S.A (2018) 'Oleuropein Is Responsible for the Major Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Olive Leaf Extract', Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(3), pp. 302-305. doi:10.1089/jmf.2017.0070 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.0070 - Pang, K.L., Lumintang, J.N. and Chin, K.Y (2021) 'Thyroid-Modulating Activities of Olive and Its Polyphenols: A Systematic Review', Nutrients, 13(2), pp. 529. doi:10.3390/nu13020529 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020529 - Kheirandish, F., Mosaffa, N., Tarahi, M.J. and Fallahi, S (2018) 'Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract alters the cytokine profile of Leishmania major-infected macrophages: New insight into the underlying mechanism', Parasite Immunology, 40(4), pp. e12520. doi:10.1111/pim.12520 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12520 - de Bock, M., Derraik, J.G., Brennan, C.M., Biggs, J.B. and others (2013) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged overweight men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial', PLoS One, 8(3), pp. e57622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 - Pasban-Aliabadi, H., Esmaeili-Mahani, S., Sheibani, V., Abbasnejad, M. and others (2013) 'Inhibition of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PC12 cell apoptosis by olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract is performed by its main component oleuropein', Rejuvenation Research, 16(2), pp. 134-142. doi:10.1089/rej.2012.1384 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2012.1384 - Imperatrice, M., Lasfar, A., van Kalkeren, C.A.J. and Troost, F (2024) 'Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Improves Postmenopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study on Postmenopausal Women', Nutrients, 16(22), pp. 3879. doi:10.3390/nu16223879 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223879 - de Bock, M., Thorstensen, E.B., Derraik, J.G., Henderson, H.V. and others (2013) 'Human absorption and metabolism of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol ingested as olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 57(11), pp. 2079-2085. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200795 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201200795 - Ismail, M.A., Norhayati, M.N. and Mohamad, N (2021) 'Olive leaf extract effect on cardiometabolic profile among adults with prehypertension and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PeerJ, 9, pp. e11173. doi:10.7717/peerj.11173 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11173 - Boskov Hansen, H.C. et al (2012) 'Oleocanthal, a phenolic derived from virgin olive oil: a review of the beneficial effects on inflammatory disease', 13(9), pp. 11628--11670. doi:10.3390/ijms150712323 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150712323 - Wainstein, J. et al (2012) 'Olive leaf extract as a hypoglycemic agent in both human diabetic subjects and in rats', 15(7), pp. 605--610. doi:10.1089/jmf.2011.0243 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2011.0243 - Waterman, E. and Lockwood, B (2007) 'Active components and clinical applications of olive oil', 12(4), pp. 331--342. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Active%20components%20and%20clinical%20applications%20of%20olive%20oil - 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 - de Bock, M., Derraik, J.G.B., Brennan, C.M., Biggs, J.B., Morgan, P.E., Hodgkinson, S.C., Hofman, P.L. and Cutfield, W.S (2013) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged overweight men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial', PLoS One, 8(3), pp. e57622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 - Willcox, M.L., Elugbaju, C., Al-Anbaki, M., Lown, M. and Graz, B (2021) 'Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 777561. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 - Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049
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.