Horse chestnut

Synonym(s): Aescin

Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients

Sources

Dietary sources

The common horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a species of the genus Aesculus which belongs to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). The tree is native to the Balkans but today is widespread in Central Europe. It has no relationship to the well-known, edible sweet chestnut. In food it is only theblossoms are used in production of honey. A component of horse chestnus, Aescin, is a mixture of over 30 different saponins and is often used as a phytotherapeutic agent in the treatment of leg edema.

Detailed information

Horse chestnut extract to support venous diseases

The horse chestnut is traditionally used for venous diseases. Its effect is based on a mixture of flavonoids and saponins, of which aescin is the most active. Aescin has anti-inflammatory and edema reducing effects and can increase venous tone (1). In addition, the degradation of mucopolysaccharides in the surrounding tissue is reduced and the resulting damage is minimized. Clinical studies show that horse chestnut extract and aescin are efficient and safe substances for use against chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids and peripheral edemas (2) (3).

Indications

Effect	Indication	Dosage
Physiological effects at low nutrient intake	Preventive against first signs of connective tissue weakness and varicose changes (pain and heaviness in the legs, calf cramps at night, itching, leg swelling)	20 - 80 mg/d
	Complementary therapy of chronic venous diseases, chronic venous insufficiencies and in diabetic foot	20 - 80 mg/d
	For hemorrhoids & varices	20 - 80 mg/d

Administration

General mode of administration
When	Horse chestnut extract should be taken between meals.
Side effects
In rare cases mild gastrointestinal complaints may occur.
Contraindications
Do not take in case of hypersensitivity to horse chestnut extracts, thrombosis or higher risk of embolism or in the presence of large open wounds.

Interactions

Drug interactions
Heparin sodium	In combination with heparin sodium, an improved anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effect has been observed
Nutrient interactions
Phosphatidylcholine	In combination with phosphatidylcholine, improved anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects have been observed.

References

1) Wagner, H., Wiesenauer, M. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika. 2003.
2) Sirtori, C. R. 2001. pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic profile. Pharmacol Res. 44(3):183-93
3) Pittler, M. H, Ernst, E. 2004. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2:CD003230.

References Interactions
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011.
Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.