# Tejocote **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tejocote **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-15 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Fruit **Also Known As:** Crataegus mexicana, Crataegus pubescens, Mexican hawthorn, Tejocote root ## Overview Tejocote fruit contains high concentrations of flavonoids including epicatechin (4.32 mg/100mg dry weight) and catechin (9.17 mg/100mg), while the root contains digitalis-like compounds that inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase. The fruit provides [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits, but the root can cause dangerous cardiac toxicity mimicking digoxin poisoning. ## Health Benefits - **Supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)**: by improving blood flow, regulating blood pressure, and enhancing arterial flexibility through flavonoids and polyphenols. - **Enhances digestive and**: gut health via dietary fiber and pectin, promoting regularity and nourishing gut microbiota. - **Provides potent antioxidant**: and cellular [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) effects by neutralizing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and protecting cellular DNA. - **Boosts [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)**: and respiratory vitality through its rich vitamin C and flavonoid content, reducing inflammation. - **Aids in metabolic**: and weight management by promoting satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels due to its pectin content. - **Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties**: beneficial for managing chronic inflammation throughout the body. ## Mechanism of Action Tejocote fruit's flavonoids including epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin 3-D-galactoside provide antioxidant effects through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and enhance [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) via nitric oxide pathways. The root's digitalis-like compounds inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase at the same binding site as digoxin, increasing intracellular calcium and cardiac contractility. This mechanism also prolongs action potential duration and cardiac refractory period, producing antiarrhythmic effects. ## Clinical Summary Clinical evidence is limited to case reports documenting cardiac toxicity rather than controlled efficacy trials. Two documented cases showed patients using tejocote root developed sinus bradycardia, Mobitz Type 1 heart block, and falsely elevated digoxin levels on immunoassays. [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) is supported only by in vitro DPPH and FRAP assays showing seed extracts have the highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. No randomized controlled trials have validated the [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) or weight loss benefits claimed in traditional use. ## Nutritional Profile - Dietary fiber (high in pectin) - Vitamin C - Calcium - Iron - Magnesium - Potassium - Polyphenols - Flavonoids ## Dosage & Preparation - Common forms: Fresh fruit, dried slices, powdered extracts, and encapsulated supplements. - Traditional use: Revered in Mexican folk medicine for respiratory support, [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), and heart strengthening; a core ingredient in festive beverages like ponche. - Modern applications: Used in [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), digestive, immune-boosting, and metabolic wellness formulations. - Dosage: 1–2 small fruits (20–40g) daily, or 500–1,500 mg of Tejocote extract for targeted support. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Tejocote root poses serious cardiotoxicity risks including bradycardia, AV heart block, and pericarditis-like symptoms that can mimic digoxin overdose. The root compounds may have additive effects with digoxin and other cardiac glycosides, potentially not responding to standard Digoxin Immune Fab treatment. Cross-reactivity with digoxin immunoassays causes falsely elevated digoxin levels, complicating clinical assessment. Contraindicated in patients with cardiac conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking cardioactive medications, with particular caution needed in pediatric populations. ## Scientific Research Studies validate Tejocote's significant [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and cardioprotective properties, attributed to its rich polyphenol and pectin content. Research highlights its potential for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), metabolic, and respiratory support. Ethnobotanical literature further confirms its widespread traditional use across Mexican highlands and deep cultural integration into traditional medicine. ## Historical & Cultural Context Tejocote has been a cornerstone of Mexican traditional medicine and culinary heritage for centuries, revered for its heart-supporting, digestive-enhancing, and immune-boosting properties. Deeply woven into Mexican tradition and seasonal celebrations, it is a fruit of nourishment and remembrance, grounding festive rituals and ancestral healing. Its historical significance underscores its enduring role in holistic wellness. ## Synergistic Combinations Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Gut & [Microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) | Immune & [Inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) Primary Pairings: - Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus monogyna) - Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus) - Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the active compounds in tejocote fruit versus root? Tejocote fruit contains beneficial flavonoids like catechin (9.17 mg/100mg) and epicatechin (4.32 mg/100mg), plus chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidins. The root contains dangerous digitalis-like compounds and dibenzofurans that can cause cardiac toxicity similar to digoxin poisoning. ### Is tejocote safe for weight loss and cardiovascular health? While tejocote fruit may offer cardiovascular benefits through its flavonoid content, the root preparations commonly sold for weight loss pose serious cardiac risks. Case reports document heart rhythm abnormalities including bradycardia and heart block from root use, with no controlled trials proving weight loss efficacy. ### Can tejocote interact with heart medications like digoxin? Yes, tejocote root contains compounds that bind to the same sodium-potassium ATPase site as digoxin, potentially causing additive cardiac effects. It also cross-reacts with digoxin blood tests, showing falsely elevated levels, and may not respond to standard digoxin antidote treatments. ### What's the difference between Mexican hawthorn and regular hawthorn? Tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) is a Mexican species of hawthorn with higher concentrations of specific flavonoids and unique digitalis-like compounds in the root. While related to European hawthorn species used medicinally, tejocote appears to have more potent cardiac effects and greater toxicity potential. ### How much tejocote is safe to consume daily? No established safe dosage exists for tejocote, particularly root preparations which have caused cardiac toxicity in documented cases. While the fruit may be safer due to its different compound profile, the lack of controlled studies means safe consumption levels remain unknown. ### What is the best form of tejocote supplement — dried fruit, extract, or tea? Standardized extracts typically offer the highest concentration of active flavonoids and polyphenols per dose, making them most bioavailable for cardiovascular benefits. Dried fruit provides whole-food fiber and pectin benefits but requires larger quantities to achieve therapeutic levels. Tea or infusions are gentler and best for digestive support, though they contain lower concentrations of heart-supporting compounds than extracts. ### Is tejocote safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Tejocote is not well-studied in pregnant or nursing populations and should be avoided as a precaution due to its cardiovascular-active compounds and potential uterine stimulation properties. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using any tejocote supplement. Limited safety data in lactation means it is best to defer use until after breastfeeding is complete. ### How does tejocote's antioxidant capacity compare to other common heart-health fruits? Tejocote contains comparable or higher polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations than blueberries and pomegranate, with ORAC (antioxidant) values placing it among top fruit sources of cellular protection. Its unique combination of fiber, pectin, and heart-specific compounds like procyanidins makes it particularly effective for both cardiovascular and digestive benefits. Clinical research on tejocote is more limited than for established fruits, so direct efficacy comparisons remain incomplete. ## References Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32147612; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.105931; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464621017768; https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.876649/full; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7603723/ Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115000050 --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*