Horse Chestnut

A Vogel Horse chestnut, or Aesculus hippocastanum, is a tree native to the Balkan Peninsula. Extract from the horse chestnut seed is a popular dietary supplement commonly used to improve vein health and reduce inflammation. The main active component in Aesculus extract is aescin, which has been studied for its many health benefits.

Aesculus Health Benefits

Vogel Horse chestnut effective for people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).2 CVI is a condition in which the veins don’t efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart and is link to problems like varicose veins, ankle swelling, and night time leg cramping. Very little research has been done on horse chestnut for other conditions.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Research suggests that horse chestnut seed extract may be useful in treating CVI. In a systematic review of 12 clinical trials published in 2012, for instance, Aesculus seed extract improved leg pain, swelling, and itching in people with CVI when taken for a short time. Researchers concluded that “the evidence present suggests. That Aesculus seed extract is an efficacious and safe short‐term treatment for CVI. One trial indicated that Aesculus may be as effective as treatment with compression stockings. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Evidence to support the beneficial impact of horse chestnut on other conditions besides CVI is lacking.

Aesculus Possible Side Effects

Horse chestnut extract may produce a number of adverse effects, including itching, nausea, or gastrointestinal problems, muscle aches, and headache.

In order to ensure the safe use of Aesculus , make sure to consult your physician. If you’re considering using the herb to treat CVI or another chronic health condition.

People with kidney or liver disease and bleeding disorders should avoid .  Aesculus should not be combine with aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Coumadin (warfarin), and other anticoagulant or anti-platelet (blood-thinning) drugs unless under medical supervision as it may increase the effect of these medications.5