Crataegus douglasii and Cardiovascular Effects
From the UCLA Herbarium, Crataegus douglasii was collected by Carl Epling in June 1927 in Santa, Idaho. It is part of the Rosaceae family and the coordinates of the plant were located between 47.151097 and -116.449687 with an elevation of 300 meters. Researchers likely traveled and hiked to specified regions to be able to collect this specimen.
Another image of Black Hawthorn was produced in August 1992. Emmet J. Judziewicz depicted the plant in a beautiful manner. The plant was spread out with its black flowers attached. A reason behind this image was to add to research supported by the National Park Service and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Herbarium fund. The role of this image contributed to the collection, identification, and classification of Crataegus douglasii by building up the data on Black Hawthorns. Overall, the addition of this image illustrates the progression and identification of Crataegus Douglasii through the lens of a collector.
Crataegus douglasii has been used to help protect against heart disease and help control high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Different studies have shown that Crataegus douglasii seems to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and increase coronary artery blood flow. It has also been used to treat boils and skin sores. This plant contains different flavonoids, such as rhamnosides and schaftosides. Flavonoids are phytonutrients found in almost all fruits and vegetables that have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease. Because of the flavonoids, Crataegus douglasii has a positive inotropic effect on the heart by strengthening the force of the heartbeat.
The specimen has leaves that are broad, long, and serrated at the tip. It has dense clusters of white flowers in the spring and edible fruits that mature to black in late summer. Its flowers have an unpleasant fragrance which tends to attract pollinators such as midges and butterflies. Crataegus douglasii can also be planted for erosion control. This specimen is self-fertile, meaning that both male and female parts can be found on the same plant. The best method of propagating Crataegus douglasii is through seeds and wind dispersal. It is native to wetlands, open moist places, bluffs and slopes, meadows, ditches, and along streams in a large geographic territory. It is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.
Crataegus douglasii relates to the main theme of cardiovascular effects. These effects include anti-inflammatory response, protection against hypertension, treatment of infection, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties. These medicinal properties overlap with other specimens that affect the cardiovascular system, and further research is needed to link the similarities of effects on the cardiovascular system as a connection between Crataegus douglasii and other specimens.
WORKS CITED
Judziewicz, Emmet J. "Crataegus Douglasii Lindl." Wisflora Herbarium, (2001). https://wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu/content/spec_images/misc/201808/sp6450701595507760033att_153505
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Rubick, Jade. “Crataegus Douglasii - Lindl.” Plants for the Future, (2009). https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Crataegus+douglasii