The Nutritional and Bioactive Components, Potential Health Function and Comprehensive Utilization of Hawthorn: A Review

Hawthorn is widely cultivated in China, with excellent varieties and steadily increasing production. Recognized by China's National Health Commission as a dual-purpose medicinal and edible resource, hawthorn contains diverse bioactive components across its flowers, leaves, unripe fruits, seeds, and roots. Notably, hawthorn leaves and flowers are rich in phenols and flavonoids, whereas its seeds are a valuable source of unsaturated fatty acids. Research highlights hawthorn's multifaceted bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, cardiovascular protective, and skincare effects. In the food industry, fresh hawthorn is processed into popular products such as hawthorn cake, candied hawthorn, jam, and juice. Beyond food applications, hawthorn is increasingly utilized in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in hawthorn research, proposes innovative directions for resource development, and provides a theoretical foundation for further research and industrialization. Additionally, it serves as a reference for exploring hawthorn germplasm resources to unlock their full potential.