| CHESTNUT SIDE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS |
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees grow in northern India
and Europe. Their nuts are shiny and brown. Horse chestnut gets its
name from marks found on its branches that resemble horseshoes.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Horse chestnut is rich in saponins and flavones, while, horse chestnut
seed extract contains beta-aescin and many flavonoids. In most
products, the extracts are standardized to 20% or more aescin.
HEALTH BENEFITS
In the past, teas made from horse chestnut were used to treat
diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and it was also used topically on sores and
rashes. Without much scientific evidence, horse chestnut is believed to
have benefits on people suffered from fevers and arthritis. Horse
chestnut may also benefit people with swelling and pain due to
hemorrhoids, veins (phlebitis), varicose veins and other chronic
circulation problems. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory
properties and be able to inhibit hyaluronidase.
SIDE EFFECTS
The excellent tolerability of aescin in the clinical trials indicates that
aescin or horse chestnut extracts have a definite clinical benefit in
patients with clinical conditions resulting in chronic venous
insufficiency, haemorrhoids or peripheral oedema formation. [8]
However, whole horse chestnut seed is different from horse chestnut
seed extract; the whole horse chestnut seed is believed to be toxic.
Read the product label carefully before use.
In general, horse chestnut extract is safe; side effects are usually mild
and infrequent. [4]
The side effects of horse chestnut may include stomach irritation,
nausea, vomiting and dizziness. And, you may also experience
symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing may
occur, if you are allergic to chestnut. [5] Horse chestnut has
anti-clotting activities, you should avoid using horse chestnut if you are
on NSAIDs, aspirin or other anti-clotting therapies. [1,3,9]
Approximately 30-50% of individuals who are allergic to natural rubber
latex show an associated hypersensitivity to some plant-derived
foods, especially freshly consumed fruits. This association of latex
allergy and allergy to plant-derived foods is called latex-fruit syndrome.
Chestnut has been associated with this syndrome. The prevailing
hypothesis is that allergen cross-reactivity is due to IgE antibodies
that recognize structurally similar epitopes on different proteins that
are phylogenetically closely related or represent evolutionarily
conserved structures. Several types of proteins have been identified to
be involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. [7]
RESEARCH STUDIES
Aescin, the major active principle from Aesculus hippocastanum
(Hippocastanaceae) the horse chestnut tree, has shown satisfactory
evidence for a clinically significant activity in chronic venous
insufficiency (CVI), haemorrhoids and post-operative oedema. [8]
Aescin's therapeutic benefit is well supported by a number of
experimental investigations in different animal models, indicative of
anti-oedematous, anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties, mainly
related to the molecular mechanism of the agent, allowing improved
entry of ions into channels, thus raising venous tension in both in vitro
and in vivo conditions. Other mechanisms, i.e. release of PGF(2) from
veins, antagonism to 5-HT and histamine, reduced catabolism of tissue
mucopolysaccharides, further underline the wide ranging mechanisms
of the therapeutic activity of aescin. [8]
BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION Kanebo says it has found a way of
extracting polyphenols from chestnut skin, which could then be used to
regulate blood sugar levels. [2]
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY Superficial thrombophlebitis is a
common disease for older people. And, it affects more on females. If
deep venous thrombosis is involved, the typical medical treatment is
heparin or low-molecular weight heparins. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to alleviate pain and inflammation,
in some cases. If concomitant chronic venous insufficiency happens,
horse chestnut extracts are often used to support the therapy. [6]
Horse chestnut seed extract may have benefit on chronic venous
insufficiency; research suggests. [4] Improvement in chronic venous
insufficiency related signs and symptoms appeared in patients treated
with horse chestnut seed extract compared with placebo. Researchers
assessed leg pain in seven placebo-controlled trials. Six reported a
significant reduction of leg pain in the horse chestnut seed extract
groups compared with the placebo groups, while another reported a
statistically significant improvement compared with baseline.
Researchers also found significant reductions in leg volume in groups
treated with horse chestnut seed extract compared with placebo. One
trial even indicated that horse chestnut seed extract might be as
effective as compression stockings at reducing leg volume. [4]
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
The general recommended dosage of extract is usually 500 to 650 mg
daily, divided into two doses. The dose should be equivalent to 90 and
150 mg of aescin. Once benefit is noted, the dosage can be
significantly reduced. People with edema should use horse chestnut
under doctor's supervision.
Full Spectrum Horse Chestnut, 300 mg, Planetary Formulas
According to its label, the serving size is 1 tablet. Each serving
contains 55 of calcium, 300 mg of horse chestnut seed extract
(standardized to 20% aescin, yielding of 60 mg of aescin). Take 1
horse chestnut tablet, two times daily between meals.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. PUBLISHER WILL NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF THIS ARTICLE AND THE QUALITY OF
ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2006
zhion.
HOME
REFERENCE
[1] Horse-chestnut, Vitamins Ultimate Fatburner Online Publication, October 11,
2005. [2] Kanebo testing chestnut polyphenol for glucose lowering, Nutra
Ingredients Online Publication, 04/10/2005 [3] Abebe W Herbal medication:
potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002
Dec;27(6):391-401. [4] Pittler MH Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic
venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2) [5] Latex-fruit
syndrome. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2003 Jan;3(1):47-53. [6] Raake W and
Binder M, Treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis Hamostaseologie. 2002
Dec;22(4):149-53. [7] Wagner S, The latex-fruit syndrome. Biochem Soc Trans.
2002 Nov;30(Pt 6):935-40. [8] Sirtori CR Aescin: pharmacology,
pharmacokinetics and therapeutic profile. Pharmacol Res. 2001
Sep;44(3):183-93. [9] Argento A et al Oral anticoagulants and medicinal
plants. An emerging interaction Ann Ital Med Int. 2000 Apr-Jun;15(2):139-43.]
and Europe. Their nuts are shiny and brown. Horse chestnut gets its
name from marks found on its branches that resemble horseshoes.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Horse chestnut is rich in saponins and flavones, while, horse chestnut
seed extract contains beta-aescin and many flavonoids. In most
products, the extracts are standardized to 20% or more aescin.
HEALTH BENEFITS
In the past, teas made from horse chestnut were used to treat
diarrhea and hemorrhoids, and it was also used topically on sores and
rashes. Without much scientific evidence, horse chestnut is believed to
have benefits on people suffered from fevers and arthritis. Horse
chestnut may also benefit people with swelling and pain due to
hemorrhoids, veins (phlebitis), varicose veins and other chronic
circulation problems. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory
properties and be able to inhibit hyaluronidase.
SIDE EFFECTS
The excellent tolerability of aescin in the clinical trials indicates that
aescin or horse chestnut extracts have a definite clinical benefit in
patients with clinical conditions resulting in chronic venous
insufficiency, haemorrhoids or peripheral oedema formation. [8]
However, whole horse chestnut seed is different from horse chestnut
seed extract; the whole horse chestnut seed is believed to be toxic.
Read the product label carefully before use.
In general, horse chestnut extract is safe; side effects are usually mild
and infrequent. [4]
The side effects of horse chestnut may include stomach irritation,
nausea, vomiting and dizziness. And, you may also experience
symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing may
occur, if you are allergic to chestnut. [5] Horse chestnut has
anti-clotting activities, you should avoid using horse chestnut if you are
on NSAIDs, aspirin or other anti-clotting therapies. [1,3,9]
Approximately 30-50% of individuals who are allergic to natural rubber
latex show an associated hypersensitivity to some plant-derived
foods, especially freshly consumed fruits. This association of latex
allergy and allergy to plant-derived foods is called latex-fruit syndrome.
Chestnut has been associated with this syndrome. The prevailing
hypothesis is that allergen cross-reactivity is due to IgE antibodies
that recognize structurally similar epitopes on different proteins that
are phylogenetically closely related or represent evolutionarily
conserved structures. Several types of proteins have been identified to
be involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. [7]
RESEARCH STUDIES
Aescin, the major active principle from Aesculus hippocastanum
(Hippocastanaceae) the horse chestnut tree, has shown satisfactory
evidence for a clinically significant activity in chronic venous
insufficiency (CVI), haemorrhoids and post-operative oedema. [8]
Aescin's therapeutic benefit is well supported by a number of
experimental investigations in different animal models, indicative of
anti-oedematous, anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties, mainly
related to the molecular mechanism of the agent, allowing improved
entry of ions into channels, thus raising venous tension in both in vitro
and in vivo conditions. Other mechanisms, i.e. release of PGF(2) from
veins, antagonism to 5-HT and histamine, reduced catabolism of tissue
mucopolysaccharides, further underline the wide ranging mechanisms
of the therapeutic activity of aescin. [8]
BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION Kanebo says it has found a way of
extracting polyphenols from chestnut skin, which could then be used to
regulate blood sugar levels. [2]
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY Superficial thrombophlebitis is a
common disease for older people. And, it affects more on females. If
deep venous thrombosis is involved, the typical medical treatment is
heparin or low-molecular weight heparins. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to alleviate pain and inflammation,
in some cases. If concomitant chronic venous insufficiency happens,
horse chestnut extracts are often used to support the therapy. [6]
Horse chestnut seed extract may have benefit on chronic venous
insufficiency; research suggests. [4] Improvement in chronic venous
insufficiency related signs and symptoms appeared in patients treated
with horse chestnut seed extract compared with placebo. Researchers
assessed leg pain in seven placebo-controlled trials. Six reported a
significant reduction of leg pain in the horse chestnut seed extract
groups compared with the placebo groups, while another reported a
statistically significant improvement compared with baseline.
Researchers also found significant reductions in leg volume in groups
treated with horse chestnut seed extract compared with placebo. One
trial even indicated that horse chestnut seed extract might be as
effective as compression stockings at reducing leg volume. [4]
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
The general recommended dosage of extract is usually 500 to 650 mg
daily, divided into two doses. The dose should be equivalent to 90 and
150 mg of aescin. Once benefit is noted, the dosage can be
significantly reduced. People with edema should use horse chestnut
under doctor's supervision.
Full Spectrum Horse Chestnut, 300 mg, Planetary Formulas
According to its label, the serving size is 1 tablet. Each serving
contains 55 of calcium, 300 mg of horse chestnut seed extract
(standardized to 20% aescin, yielding of 60 mg of aescin). Take 1
horse chestnut tablet, two times daily between meals.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. PUBLISHER WILL NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF THIS ARTICLE AND THE QUALITY OF
ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2006
zhion.
HOME
REFERENCE
[1] Horse-chestnut, Vitamins Ultimate Fatburner Online Publication, October 11,
2005. [2] Kanebo testing chestnut polyphenol for glucose lowering, Nutra
Ingredients Online Publication, 04/10/2005 [3] Abebe W Herbal medication:
potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002
Dec;27(6):391-401. [4] Pittler MH Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic
venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2) [5] Latex-fruit
syndrome. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2003 Jan;3(1):47-53. [6] Raake W and
Binder M, Treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis Hamostaseologie. 2002
Dec;22(4):149-53. [7] Wagner S, The latex-fruit syndrome. Biochem Soc Trans.
2002 Nov;30(Pt 6):935-40. [8] Sirtori CR Aescin: pharmacology,
pharmacokinetics and therapeutic profile. Pharmacol Res. 2001
Sep;44(3):183-93. [9] Argento A et al Oral anticoagulants and medicinal
plants. An emerging interaction Ann Ital Med Int. 2000 Apr-Jun;15(2):139-43.]
| Horse chestnut seed extract is widely used in Europe for the management of chronic venous insufficiency. |
