L "horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is an imposing tree, up to 25 meters high and with a thick and wide crown. Typical ornamental species, widely used along avenues and public parks, it produces fruits wrapped in thorny curls, which contain from one to four shiny seeds.
Chemical composition
When ingested fresh, chestnuts from India are very bitter and dangerous due to their haemolytic saponosides. If from a nutritional point of view horse chestnut seeds represent a product of little interest (they were used in the past as a source of starch and fats), they are widely known in the phytotherapeutic field. Chestnuts from India are in fact rich in chemical substances with anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and vasoconstrictive action. Among these, we remember escin, tannins, flavonoids and curarins. Escin, in particular, represents the most important active principle of horse chestnut, so much so that it represents the reference standard for evaluating 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 horse chestnut.
Furthermore, aescin is able to reduce the activity of elastase and hyaluronidase, two enzymes that attack the endothelium of the vessels and the extracellular matrix, weakening their structure. By reducing the activity of these enzymes, the vessels regain their normal resistance and permeability (andiedemigeno effect).
Therapeutic indications
The extracts of horse chestnut, therefore, are precious allies of our vessels and are therefore widely used in the proctological field. 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 the tone of the veins has a positive effect on the venous return to the heart). Less blood stagnation in the periphery means less swollen and heavy legs and is an excellent preventive action against cellulite. Between an elastic stocking and a cold water pack, horse chestnut extracts are also very useful in the presence of varicose veins.
Horse chestnut, 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 It should be noted that many of these products are registered as medicinal specialties and that horse chestnut is part of the composition of many cosmetics used to combat cellulite.
Since leg edema can 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 (even if potentially effective as in the case of horse chestnut). chronic venous insufficiency include the appearance of a feeling of heaviness, swelling and itching in the legs, often accompanied by nocturnal cramps.
The active ingredients with decongestant action present in horse chestnut can also be used in the cosmetic field, for example in the preparation of face creams.
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Dosage
When horse chestnut is taken for curative purposes it is essential to resort to pharmaceutical forms defined and standardized in active ingredients (in this case aescin), the only ones that allow you to 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 the exact quantity of active ingredients administered to the patient, which increases the risk of therapeutic failure.
Indicative dosage in adults and the elderly for the treatment of venous insufficiency.
- Orally take 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. Generally, at least four weeks of treatment are required before seeing therapeutic benefits. 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 digestive activity (constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea) that represent the most common, although rare, side effects of horse chestnut taken orally.
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