Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.)

Hawthorn species belong to the Crataegus genus in the Rosaceae family. They are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions and are highly adaptable trees that frequently grow in challenging environments.    This group of species has a remarkable ability to hybridise. Crataegus species can hybridise with Sorbus, Pirus, Rubus and Rosa species, resulting in a large number of variable species and genotypes, particularly in North America.  All species have a basal chromosome 17. While some are woody, others can grow up to 10-12 metres in height.

The term 'Crataegus' is derived from the Greek word 'kratos', which means hard wood. Crataegus is a genus of trees and shrubs that are typically found in northern temperate regions. The species Crataegus monogyna is a member of the Rosaceae family. Hawthorn was used as a food source in the past.  The name 'hawthorn' comes from the Anglo-Saxon 'haegthorn'. In the 19th century, Dr Green, an Irish physician, referred to hawthorn as a 'miracle cure' for cardiovascular disorders. After his death in 1894, his daughter revealed his famous treatment to the scientific community. In 1896, Dr Jennings of Chicago published his first well-known article on the 'major remedy of the heart'. In the 20th century, hawthorn gained recognition as a cardiovascular agent.

The distribution, habitat, and botanical characteristics of the C. monogyna species;

Turkey is the genetic centre of hawthorn, and naturally growing hawthorn species have a wide distribution. The Crataegus genus has approximately 300 species worldwide, growing in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In our country, it is represented by 21 taxa. This plant is commonly used as a hedge and is cultivated in Europe. The species, which is found in Northern Europe, temperate regions of Asia, North Africa, North America, South America, China, and India, is also present in Turkey. C. monogyna grows in almost all provinces of Turkey  except the northeast, including Izmir, Istanbul, Ankara, Aydın, Muğla, Antalya, Samsun, Konya, and many others.  The wide distribution of this species is due to the seeds being carried by birds and other animals.

C. monogyna leaves consist of two leafy bracts. The branches meet the stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, and range from 15 mm to 5 cm in length. They are broadly ovate or obovate, glabrous, and have toothed margins with three to seven lobes. The flowers grow in corimbuses, are five-parted, and lack an epicalyx. The hypanthium is united with the carpels and grows in clusters of five to twelve. The flower colours range from white to pink, pink to red, and are monoecious. Insects are attracted to the flowers' scent, which leads to fertilisation.  The hawthorn plant produces oval false berries that start off green-red and then turn red and subsequently dark red. The petals are usually longer than the sepals and can be white or pink. The plant has between five and twenty-five stamens and one to five carpels that are fused with the inner margins at least at the base. The fruit is drupaceous and can be yellow, red, dark purple or black. The fruit is typically soft and fleshy, with a hard endocarp that ranges from one to five. The white fleshy parts contain one or two fruits. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of position and cutting time on shoot growth of C. monogyna in newly planted hedges. Cutting had an impact on the total shoot length. In general, vertical and horizontal cutting produced tall shoots with large bud tips. Therefore, cutting time is crucial. In summer, horizontal cuttings produced fewer but longer shoots, while vertical cuttings resulted in shoots with thorny slopes. In winter, vertical cutting produced longer shoots than in summer and reduced the number of thorn slopes. The management types of farm hedges are characterised by different growth parameters. Hedges that are manually cut produce many short shoots and more old wood per unit area, while those that are not pruned or cut have larger leaves and taller hedges. It is important to note that the original text was already well-written and did not require significant changes. C. monogyna is a small shrub that is widespread in various soil types and commonly cultivated.  Hedges are usually pruned either at the top or on the sides to promote upward growth. The optimal time to trim hedges is in July, between the hay and maize harvests, or in early autumn when work is less busy and hedges are more accessible. With the introduction of mechanical fencing machines and the conclusion of harvesting new crops, such as autumn-sown oilseed rape, hedges are frequently trimmed. Farmers are advised to lay hedgerows in January or February to minimize disturbance to wildlife. The effects of different hedge cutting methods on growth have been evaluated based on research, experience, and observation. This study investigated the seasonal effects and cutting position of the first two years of growth for newly planted hedgerows. In conventional farming methods, C. monogyna is pruned heavily every year. However, it has the capacity to regenerate despite exposure to agrochemicals and root disturbance.

Hawthorn is commonly used to treat cardiovascular disorders because of its bioactive compounds, including hyperoside, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid, which are found in its leaves and flowers.  Hawthorn is commonly used to treat cardiovascular disorders because of its bioactive compounds, including hyperoside, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid, which are found in its leaves and flowers. These compounds have strong antioxidant properties. They exhibit free radical scavenging activities. They have also been reported to have various pharmacological effects, such as hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective properties. The fruit contains active substances such as flavonoids (procyanidin), vitamin C, glycoside, anthocyanin, saponin and trace amounts of vitexin.  Hawthorn is used in the treatment of heart disease because of its biochemical pathway. It induces cAMP-dependent positive inotropy, causes peripheral and coronary vasodilation, provides protection against ischaemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias, has antioxidant properties and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.

Traditional use of Crataegus species;

Crataegus species are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. Hawthorn leaf decoction is reported to be particularly effective in treating heart diseases, including heart failure, myocardial injuries, chest tightness, arrhythmia, and arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, it is believed to enhance the circulatory system and aid in the elimination of blood stasis. The hawthorn plant is frequently used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and improve digestion. It can also relieve symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In Europe, hawthorn is renowned for its antispasmodic, cardiotonic, astringent, and diuretic properties. The fruit decoction is used in Buğralar and Dağkuzören villages in Ankara as an anti-inflammatory for heart disease and rheumatism. Hawthorn extracts have been traditionally used in Arab medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and sexual weakness. In Mexico, they have been used to treat diabetes.

Hawthorn has also been used to treat anxiety, asthma, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hypotension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure and digestive disorders. The receptor has shown significant clinical benefits in chronic congestive heart failure. There is limited evidence to support other traditional uses.