Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut

(Aesculus hippocastanum)

Varicose veins and other venous insufficiencies, deep venous thrombosis, lower extremity edema.

Kreysel, 1983, Pittler, 1998, Simini, 1996

Standardized: 20% standardized extract containing 50 mg Aescin
1 capsule twice daily

Whole Herb: IS NOT USED - IS TOXIC AND USE COULD BE FATAL

Pharmacology:

Horse Chestnut reportedly inhibits platelet aggregation and contains proanthocyanidins, which are free radical scavengers. Aescin is reported to be an anti-inflammatory and reduces edema lowering fluid exudation by decreasing capillary permeability. It is reported to increase venous tone related to increased prostaglandin F ( alpha vasoconstrictor). It is also reported to support collagen structures and to facilitate red blood cells' passage through the capillaries. Horse Chestnut contains coumarin glycosides which may improve lymphatic drainage and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Do not use in individuals with active bleeding (peptic ulcer, intracranial), those on anti-coagulants (warfarin, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs, or anti-platelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyredamole. Discontinue use for 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures. May cause muscle spasms, nausea, nephropathy, pruritus, urticaria, and vomiting. Severe bleeding and bruising due to antithrombotic activity of aesculin may occur. Do not use in pregnant or breast-feeding women, as effects are unknown. The fruit, leaves and older bark are extremely poisonous. Only products made from standardized extracts are to be used. Urine may become colored red.

Theoretical Interactions:

Aspirin, aspirin-containing products, anticoagulants, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet agents.

References:

Bombardelli, E., et al. "A. Review: Aesculus hippocastanum L," Fitoterapia 67:483-511, 1996.

Kreysel, H. W., et. al. "A Possible Role of Lysosomal Enzymes in the Pathogenesis of Varicosis and the Reduction in their Serum Activity by Venostatin", Vasa 12:377-82, 1983.

Pittler, M.H., Ernst, E., "Horse-Chestnut Seed Extract for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. A Criteria-Based Systematic Review," Arch Dermatol, 1998, 143(11): 1356-60.

Simini, B., "Horse-Chestnut Seed Extract for Chronic Venous Insufficiency," Lancet, 1996, 347(9009): 1182-3.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Horse Chestnut Standardized Herbal Supplement 12.99

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