Chinese hawthorn

Crataegus pinnatifida, also known as Chinese hawthorn, is a berry traditionally used to improve heart health.

Crataegus pinnatifida is sometimes recommended as a supplement to control lipid levels. Crataegus pinnatifida may be able to block lipid absorption in the intestines, but this effect is unreliable and needs further study.

Crataegus pinnatifida has a more powerful effect on restricting lipid absorption than orlistat, an anti-obesity drug. An ethanolic extract of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves was found to have a stronger anti-allergic effect than Montelukast, a brand name drug for asthma and allergy relief.

There have been no human studies done on Crataegus pinnatifida, and the two main effects of the plant, reduced lipid absorption and allergy relief, have not been linked to any bioactive compounds in the plant.

Though preliminary evidence suggests the fruit and leaves of Crataegus pinnatifida are a promising heart supplement, there is not enough evidence for its effects to specifically recommend the plant for supplementation.