Product details

Assay: Aescin (Escin) 20% Latin name: Aesculus wilsonii Rehd Used part: Fruit

Solubility: non-denatured ethanol, glycol
Suggested percentage: No data available - up to customer's discretion.
Storage: Store in cool and dark place. Do not freeze. Keep away from strong light and heat.

Country of origin: China

There is an unproven believe that Horse Chestnut increases the strength & tone of the veins in particular, so it is often used to treat phlebitis, varicose veins, and haemorrhoids.

Horse Chestnut
BAUMANN LS, Skin & Allergy News- 2006 01 (Vol. 37, Issue 1)

"There are 15 known species of horse chestnut, which is found as both a tree and a shrub in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Believed to have originated in northern Greece and the Balkan region, the European horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is the species most often used in medical applications. It is not known whether other horse chestnut species have been thoroughly evaluated for their potential medicinal value. The European horse chestnut is not related to the more familiar sweet chestnut (Castanea vesca).

Most of the aerial sections of the European horse chestnut tree,including the seeds, leaves, and bark, have been traditionally utilized in medical treatments. As early as the 1500s, nuts from the horse chestnut tree were used to treat persistent fever; later, they were used for hemorrhoids, varicose veins in the leg, and phlebitis.

Modern horse chestnut formulations are derived from seed extracts, which are high in the active component aescin (also known as escin). The seeds also contain hydroxycoumarins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, and glycosides.

Today, oral administration of standardized horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is a well-established treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and edema. CVI is characterized by enlarged veins near the skin surface, edema, and leg fatigue. The extract is also effective when used in a sitz bath for the treatment of hemorrhoids. In addition, HCSE is used as an astringent and an anti-inflammatory.

Horse chestnut is a common ingredient in lotions, creams, massage oils, and other skin care products, often in combination with other herbal ingredients. Most such topical products tout the capacity of horse chestnut to combat varicose veins, swelling, and water retention, but some of the newer products ascribe antioxidant potency to horse chestnut and purport to combat wrinkling.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses horse chestnut (Aesculus chinensis, known as tien shi li) as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant, as well as for a wide range of ailments, including circulatory problems and viral infections.

It is speculated that HCSE may work by inhibiting leukocyte activation (Arch. Dermatol. 1998;134:1356-0). A natural bioflavonoid and saponin, aescin is believed to foster normal, healthy tone in vein walls by inhibiting enzymes that attack vein interiors (Arzneimittelforschung 1994;44:25??5). Aescin facilitates the contraction of elastic fibers in blood vessel walls, thereby elevating the flexibility of the vessels (Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. 1986;111:1321, Lancet 1996;347:292, The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1996).

Researchers also have shown that aescin inhibits elastase and hyaluronidase in vitro. Both enzymes have roles in the degradation of proteoglycans, an important element in the extravascular matrix and a component of endothelium. It is speculated that aescin alters the equilibrium between proteoglycan synthesis and degradation, resulting in the prevention of vascular leakage (Arch. Dermatol. 1998;134:1356-0).

Aescin is associated with the release of prostaglandin F2 from veins, an antagonism to histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, and a decreased catabolism of tissue mucopolysaccharides (Pharmacol. Res. 2001;44:183-3).

Rutin, which is believed to strengthen fragile capillaries, is another active ingredient in horse chestnut seeds. Many researchers in Europe claim that aescin and rutin work synergistically with other active components to enhance circulation and ease inflammation.

The leaves of the horse chestnut tree purportedly have antioxidant properties that may slow skin wrinkling; such claims, however, have not been confirmed by controlled clinical trials." Read more