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First found growing naturally in regions of Asia and north Greece,
today the horse chestnut tree is cultivated in many areas of Europe
and North America. Many of the parts of the horse chestnut tree,
including the seeds, leaves, and bark, have been used medicinally.
However, it is now believed that only the seeds of the Horse
Chestnut offer proven medicinal value.
Active
constituents and Benefits Horse Chestnut
Horse
chestnut seeds are the most commonly used plant part for making
medicinal remedies and herbal preparations. The seeds of the horse
chestnut contain a chemical saponin known as aescin, which in
clinical studies has been reported to promote increased blood
circulation. Aescin purportedly is able too promote blood
circulation through the veins by increasing the tone in the walls of
the veins, whereby enabling blood to flow unrestricted. Its ability
to promote blood circulation has made horse chestnut a popular
treatment, both topically and internally, for both chronic venous
insufficiency and varicose veins.
More recent studies
indicate that aescin (extracted from horse chestnut seeds) may also
possess anti-inflammatory effects useful in reducing edema, swelling
caused by excess fluid, as result of injuries. As a topical
application, aescin is also popular in Europe for treating sprains.
Additionally, poultices of the seed have been used in connection
with skin ulcers and skin cancer, although there are no studies to
confirm the effectiveness of this application.
Historically,
leaves of the horse chestnut plant have been used medicinally to
relieve cough, to reduce fever, and to relieve pain and inflammation
associated with arthritis. But again the medicinal value of horse
chestnut leaves has not been proven.
The horse chestnut herb
contains additional substances that contribute to its medicinal
effects. These include flavonoids, sterols, and
tannins.
Dosage and Application
A
commonly recommended dosage of the horse chestnut seed extract is an
amount delivering 40 to 120 milligrams of aescin daily. Since the
strength of commercial preparations may vary, we suggest following
the instructions on the manufacturer's label of the
package.
Possible Interactions
It is
recommended that horse chestnut not be taken in conjunction with any
other medications that thin the blood (coumadin, trental, aspirin,
heparin) without medical supervision. We know of no major side
effects associated with horse chestnut
supplementation.
However, high doses of Horse Chestnut seed
can be harmful. Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, loss of
consciousness, enlarged pupils, reddening of the face, visual
disturbances, severe thirst, and vomiting. If you suspect an
overdose, seek qualified medical attention
immediately.
Supporting
Literature
Guillaume M. and Padioleau F.
Venotonic effect, vascular protection, anti-inflammatory and free
radical scavenging properties of horse chestnut extract.
Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1994;44:25–35.
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