Composition and health effects of phenolic compounds in hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) of different origins

Abstract

Epicatechin, aglycons and glycosides of B-type oligomeric procyanidins and flavonols, phenolic acids and C-glycosyl flavones are the major groups of phenolic compounds in hawthorn (Crataegus spp). The total content of phenolic compounds is higher in the leaves and flowers than in the fruits. Procyanidins dominate in the fruits, whereas flavonol glycosides and C-glycosyl flavones are most abundant in the leaves. Genotype and developmental/ripening stage have strong impacts. Procyanidin glycosides and C-glycosyl flavones may be chemotaxonomic markers differentiating species and varieties of hawthorn. Future research shall improve the separation, identification and quantification of procyanidins with degree of polymerisation (DP) ≥ 6, procyanidin glycosides, C-glycosyl flavones and some flavonol glycosides. In vitro and animal studies have shown cardioprotective, hypolipidaemic, hypotensive, antioxidant, radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory potentials of hawthorn extracts, suggesting different phenolic compounds as the major bioactive components. However, the varying and insufficiently defined composition of the extracts investigated, as a result of different raw materials and extraction methods, makes comparison of the studies very difficult. Clinical evidence indicates that some hawthorn extracts may increase the exercise tolerance of patients with congestive heart failure. More clinical studies are needed to establish the effects of hawthorn, especially in healthy humans.

Mediterranean Hawthorn Fruit (Crataegus) Species and Potential Usage

“…The physiological benefits of flavonoids appear to result from their antioxidant-and free radical-scavenging properties, even though flavonoids display other biological activities [31]. The major groups of phenolic compounds in hawthorn are epicatechin, aglycons, and glycosides of B-type oligomeric procyanidins and flavonols; phenolic acids; and C-glycosyl flavones [32]. Total flavonoid concentrations are also measured in some hawthorn species (Table 1), and flavonoids are mainly concentrated in the flowers and leaves, while the fruits contain less.…”

“…Procyanidins dominate in the fruits, whereas flavone glycosides and C-glycosyl flavones are most abundant in the leaves. The plant's genotype and developmental and ripening stages have strong impacts on chemical composition [32], and the action of these compounds on the cardiovascular system has led to the development of leaf and flower extracts, which are widely used in Europe.…”

Validation of the Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Hawthorn by Assessment of Gluconeogenesis and Lipogenesis Related Genes and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation

“…The chemical components of hawthorn consist of triterpene acids, flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, organic acids, and cardioactive amines [4]. Clinical evidence indicates that some hawthorn extracts may increase the exercise tolerance of patient with congestive heart failure [5]. The pharmacological effects were believed to mainly possess a number of beneficial effects such as cardiotonic [5], hypolipidemic [6, 7], and antioxidative activities [8].…”

Quality Comparison of Hawthorn Wines Fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with and without Pulp Contact and Pectase Treatment

“…It is an edible fruit used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve digestion and increase appetite [1]. Hawthorn is an important plant in traditional Chinese medicine and is recommended for the treatment of some diseases such as tumors and cardiovascular disease related to the production of radical species resulting from oxidative stress [2,3].…”