Abstract
Crataegus oxycantha has been used traditionally as a cardiac tonic since the first century A.D., as noted by the Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, and became even more popular among European and American herbalists in the late 19th century.1 Currently it is used as a cardiotonic for a variety of functional heart disorders. Recent research shows Crataegus extracts exert a wide range of positive actions on heart function, supporting and evaluating historical observations.2,3