A Review, Inventory Structural Aspects of Phytochemical Compounds in Hawthorn Plant and Highlighting their Properties: Towards Standardization and Authentication
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In phytotherapy, Crataegus (hawthorn) is one of the most remarkable medicinal plants. Recently, it has gained attention for treating diseases mostly affecting the cardiovascular system. The pharmacologically active metabolites that give Crataegus its activity are flavonoids, specifically hyperoside, vitexin, and rutin, according to reports. Consequently, the amounts of these active metabolites in phytopharmaceuticals meant to be made from Crataegus species are standardized in accordance with those specified by the official pharmacopeias. Scientific databases were the source of the knowledge about hawthorn that was available. The information gathered is summarized in this publication together with information on traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and concerns. As indicated by the literature review, Crataegus is a polyphyletic genus comprising approximately 3300 species, as demonstrated by phylogenetic and morphological studies. A total of 249 phytochemical compounds have been identified within this genus. These include flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids, organic acids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids, and steroids, all of which are present in hawthorn. Correlative research on its pharmacological properties and traditional applications is currently lacking. Furthermore, several varieties of hawthorn with traditional uses have not yet been the subject of phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Consequently, a thorough investigation of the genus Crataegus is essential.
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