FolkKB

Chinese hawthorn

Crataegus cuneata

Shanzha, derived from Crataegus cuneata, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine dating back over 2000 years. It is traditionally employed for digestive and cardiovascular issues. Scientific evidence suggests that the root of Crataegus cuneata may have beneficial effects on male fertility; a study found improvements in sperm parameters and testicular morphology in rats, along with increased sperm progressive motility up to 120 minutes. Metabolomics analysis identified potential bioactive ingredients, though more research is needed for broader application. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions are associated with Crataegus cuneata at this time.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Shanzha, derived from Crataegus cuneata, has been used for over 2000 years in China for digestive and cardiovascular issues. D PMID
  • The water decoction of Crataegus cuneata root improved sperm parameters and testicular morphology in rats with infertility induced by GTW. D PMID
  • The study found that a medicated serum with the root of Crataegus cuneata significantly increased sperm progressive motility in vitro, effects observed up to 120 minutes. D PMID
  • This study used metabolomics and chemometrics to identify potential bioactive ingredients in hawthorn (Crataegus cuneata) fruits, providing guidance for assessing their functional properties. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Chinese hawthorn?

Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus cuneata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese hawthorn?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese hawthorn; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Shanzha, derived from Crataegus cuneata, has been used for over 2000 years in China for digestive and cardiovascular issues.

How strong is the evidence for Chinese hawthorn?

The strongest finding for Chinese hawthorn carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Chinese hawthorn safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese hawthorn in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Chinese hawthorn interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese hawthorn in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Chinese hawthorn a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 [The influence of medicated serum with root of Crataegus cuneata on human sperm motility parameters in vitro]. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 [Resistant effect of water decoction of root of Crataegus cuneata on male infertility induced by GTW in rats]. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 [Development of the origin and application of shanza in ancient and modern]. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 A comprehensive strategy integrating metabolomics with multiple chemometric for discovery of function related active markers for assessment of foodstuffs: A case of hawthorn (Crataegus cuneata) fruits. literature abstract metadata

More Crataegus plants