Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Supportive and Palliative Care

Cardiotoxicity

Chemotherapy can sometimes cause heart muscle weakness that leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). Although there is little evidence that natural treatments can be useful to treat this symptom, some studies have shown that Hawthorne berry extract may be helpful for some patients.

Hawthorne berry extract for cardiotoxicity

Naturopathic physicians frequently use Hawthorne berries extract to treat chemotherapy-induced CHF in cancer patients. However, there are no trials yet reported on the use of Hawthorne berries extract to treat chemotherapy-induced heart failure.

Known side effects from Hawthorne berry extract include nausea, dizziness, and cardiac and gastrointestinal complaints. Although side effects from hawthorn extract are rare, mild, and transient, it is advisable that you consult with your physician before adding any herbal extract to your medication regime.