supplements

Horse chestnut

The horse-chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) is an imposing tree, up to 25 meters high and equipped with a thick and wide crown. Typical ornamental species, widely used along avenues and public parks, it produces fruits wrapped by thorny urchins, which enclose from one to four shiny seeds.

Very similar to chestnuts, hence the name Chestnuts of India, horse chestnut seeds are a typical memory of childhood spent playing with schoolmates in the school gardens.

Chemical composition

When they are ingested fresh, Indian chestnuts are very bitter and dangerous for their saponosides with a haemolytic effect. If from the nutritional point of view the horse chestnut seeds represent a product of little interest (they were used in the past as a source of starch and fat materials), they are instead widely known in the phytotherapeutic field. The chestnuts of India are indeed rich in chemical substances with anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and vasoconstrictor action. Among these, we remember the escin, the tannins, the flavonoids and the curarine. Escin, in particular, represents the most important active ingredient of the horse chestnut, so much so that it represents the reference standard for assessing the quality of the drug; also flavonoids, which represent a set of substances universally known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties, contribute to the therapeutic properties of the horse chestnut.

Moreover, escin is able to reduce the activity of elastase and hyaluronidase, two enzymes that attack the endothelium of the vessels and the extracellular matrix, weakening its structure. By reducing the activity of these enzymes, the vessels regain their normal resistance and permeability (andemic effect).

Therapeutic indications

The horse chestnut extracts, therefore, are precious allies of our vessels and are therefore widely used in proctology. However, the therapeutic indications are not limited to the treatment of anorectal diseases (external hemorrhoids, fissures and anal itching), but extend to the treatment of circulatory disorders of various kinds.

The capillary-protective and decongestant action is used to relieve heavy legs, in conditions of peripheral venous insufficiency and in phlebitic syndromes (this is because the increase in vein tone has a positive effect on the venous return to the heart). A lower stagnation of blood in the periphery means less swollen and heavy legs and constitutes an excellent preventive action against cellulite. Between an elastic stocking and a cold water pack, horse chestnut extracts are very useful even in the presence of varicose veins.

The horse chestnut tree, which as we have seen makes the veins "waterproof", is often used together with other natural extracts that boast synergistic phytotherapeutic properties. This is the case, for example, of witch hazel, buckwheat, milk thistle and comfrey. It should be noted that many of these products are registered as medicinal specialties and that the horse chestnut is part of the composition of many cosmetics used to fight cellulite.

Since leg edemas may also be closely related to heart or kidney problems, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before resorting to do-it-yourself remedies (although potentially effective as in the case of the horse chestnut). The symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include the appearance of a feeling of heaviness, swelling and itching of the legs, often accompanied by nocturnal cramps.

The active ingredients with decongestant action present in the horse chestnut can also be used in the cosmetic field, for example in the preparation of face creams.

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dosage

When the horse chestnut is taken for curative purposes it is essential to use defined and standardized pharmaceutical forms in active ingredients (in this case in escin), the only ones that let you know how many active molecules are being administered to the patient. Traditional herbal preparations such as infusions, juices and decoctions, do not allow to establish exactly the quantity of active ingredients administered to the patient, which increases the risk of therapeutic failure.

Indicative dosage in the adult and in the elderly for the treatment of venous insufficiency.

  • Take orally 240-290 mg of dry extract (or other dose containing 50 mg of triterpene glycosides calculated as escin), in the form of prolonged-release tablets, twice a day. In general, at least four weeks of treatment are required before any therapeutic benefits are observed. In case of prolonged use consult your doctor.

Contraindications and side effects

Horse chestnut extracts are contraindicated in subjects with gastrointestinal disorders. It is precisely the disorders of the digestive system (constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea) that represent the most common, albeit rare, side effects of the horse chestnut taken orally.