Lynn Smythe
Herbs at a Glance - Horse Chestnut
November 23rd 2007 03:55
Horse Chestnut Tree in Bloom
Common Names—horse chestnut, buckeye, Spanish chestnut
Latin Name—Aesculus hippocastanum
What It Is Used For
• For centuries, horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used for a variety of conditions and diseases.
• Horse chestnut seed extract has been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins in the legs do not efficiently return blood to the heart). This condition is associated with varicose veins, pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching, and nighttime leg cramping.
• The seed extract has also been used for hemorrhoids.
How It Is Used
Horse chestnut seed extract standardized to contain 16 to 20 percent aescin (escin), the active ingredient, is the most commonly used form. Topical preparations have also been used.
What the Science Says
• Small studies have found that horse chestnut seed extract is beneficial in treating chronic venous insufficiency and is as effective as wearing compression stockings.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of horse chestnut seed, leaf, or bark for any other conditions.
Side Effects and Cautions
• Homemade preparations of horse chestnut should not be used. Raw horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers contain esculin, which is poisonous.
• When properly processed, horse chestnut seed extract contains little or no esculin and is considered generally safe. However, the extract can cause some side effects, including itching, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset.
• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including horse chestnut. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Sources
Horse chestnut. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 3, 2006.
Horse chestnut. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 3, 2006.
Horse chestnut seed extract. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:201-204.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health
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