Horse Chestnut - Herbal SupplementsAesculus hippocastanum
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©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Introduction |
The horse chestnut tree was introduced into Northern Europe from the East in the sixteenth century. The French used extracts of horse chestnut seed for the treatment of hemorrhoids as early as the 1800s. Germany has been using extracts of horse chestnut seed for chronic venous insufficiencies for a few decades with great success, and it's actually one of the most prescribed pharmaceuticals in Germany. Also in Germany, prescriptions for oral, standardized horse chestnut seed extract are written more than any other anti-edema venous agent.( 1) |
| Interactions and Depletions |
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| Dosage Range |
300mg (standardized extract), 1-2 times a day, 1/2 hour before or 1 hour after meals. Topically: Apply a 2% escin gel, 1-2 times daily to affected area(s). |
| Most Common Dosage |
300mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day, 1/2 hour before or 1 hour after meals. Topically: Apply a 2% escin gel, 2 times daily to affected area(s). |
| Standardization |
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 50mg triterpene glycosides, calculated as anhydrous escin per dose (16%).
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| Reported Uses |
A number of studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of horse chestnut on venous insufficiency.( 2),( 3) Venous insufficiency describes a condition in which the lower extremities cannot return blood to the heart. Symptoms of this disorder include varicose veins and pain and swelling in the legs. Many have suggested that horse chestnut can lower the volume of blood trapped in the lower extremities and reduce the pain, swelling and other common symptoms associated with venous insufficiency.( 4),( 5),( 6)
Edema can be described as improper blood flow to the capillaries and leakage of fluid from the capillaries into surrounding organs and tissues, most noticeably in the hands, ankles and feet. In the case of edema support, studies suggest that horse chestnut may reduce capillary permeability and decrease leakage of fluids while promoting overall circulatory health.(7),(8),(9)
The key compounds present in horse chestnut may also act as an anti-inflammatory. Finally, researchers have found that horse chestnut may be a valuable antioxidant and free radical scavenger.(10) |
| Toxicities & Precautions |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| Introduction |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| General |
This dietary supplement is generally well-tolerated when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.( 11)
Do not apply this dietary supplement topically to areas of open wounds or broken skin.
If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure.
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| Health Conditions |
If you have kidney or liver problems do not take this dietary supplement.( 12) If you have a bleeding disorder talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.( 13) |
| Side Effects |
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause stomach upset or rash.( 14) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away. |
| Pregnancy/Breast Feeding |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
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| Age Limitations |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
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References
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.