Health Benefits of Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum

Health Benefits of Horse chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum 

Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) is a large deciduous, rapidly-growing tree that can reach a height of 36 meters. It is native to the countries of the Balkan Peninsula, but because of its large, showy fower clusters the tree is cultivated worldwide for its beauty. Flowers are white or pink with a small red spot. Leaves are large, consisting of either fve or seven leafets and the fruit is round with a thick, green, spiny husk containing a glossy brown seed (chestnut or conker). While the common name for the tree is horse chestnut, it is also known as buckeye, and like other buckeyes, is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family, rather than the chestnut family (Castanea). Te name, horse chestnut, is believed to be derived from the brown conkers that look similar to chestnuts and because a horseshoe shaped mark (complete with spots resembling horseshoe nails) is left on the twig when the leaves drop of in autumn.

Historically, the seed extract was used as a treatment for many ailments, including rheumatism, rectal com-plaints,  bladder and gastrointestinal disorders, fever (frst written account in 1720), hemorrhoids (as early as 1886),  and leg cramps.Currently, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is widely used in Europe for chronic venous insuffciency, hemorrhoids, post-operative edema, and topically for clearing skin conditions. In the United States, HCSE is gaining wider acceptance as an efective therapy for venous disorders and edema, based on the publication over the last two decades of numerous randomized controlled trials in prominent, peer-reviewed journals.

Nutrient content

Te primary active constituent found in horse chestnut seed extract is aescin. Aescin is actually a mixture of triterpene saponins present in two forms, α and β, which are distinguished by their water solubility and melting points. Other constituents include biofavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), proanthocyanidin A2 (an antioxidant), and the coumarins fraxin and aesculin.In 1960, Lorenz and Marek determined the anti-edematous and vasoprotective properties observed after administering an extract from the horse chestnut were due exclusively to aescin. Of the two forms of aescin, β-aescin is the active component in the saponin mixture and the form found in most HCSE pharmaceuticals used for venous insufciency.

Aescin from HCSE has been shown to have anti-edematous, anti-infammatory, and venotonic properties hat may be attributable to decreased vascular permeability,Post-Operative Edema ,Varicose Veins,Venous Stasis Ulcers,Hemorrhoids and Inner Ear Perfusion.

Side Efects and Toxicity

HCSE is associated with relatively few side effects and is generally considered to be safe when given at recommended dosages.Recently reported adverse events are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, headaches, and itching. Gastrointestinal side efects are more often associated with high doses of HCSE.In the case of topically applied aescin, rare incidences of acute anaphylactic reaction have been reported.Lesser skin sensitivities to topical HCSE are characterized by redness and itching at the site of application.