Phytotherapy in heart failure

Abstract

According to the results of experimental investigations, standardized Crataegus extracts differ markedly from other inotropic drugs used for the treatment of heart failure. Crataegus has positive inotropic, positive chronotropic, positive dromotropic but negative bathmotropic effects, increases coronary and myocardial perfusion, lowers peripheral resistance and has antiarrhythmic and economising action with respect to oxygen and energy consumption. In randomised double-blind clinical trials, key surrogates required for demonstration of efficacy in heart failure were improved. Defined Crataegus extracts accordingly represent an alternative to synthetic drugs in patients with NYHA Grade II heart failure.