Horse chestnut extract is used to treat swollen veins, varicose veins, diarrhea, and fever. Its active ingredient, escin, helps with blood circulation and inflammation. However, it should not be taken by people with diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or pregnant or lactating women. It also has potential drug interactions with lithium and blood clotting drugs.
Horse chestnut extract is an herbal treatment made from the seeds of a large deciduous tree. It is mainly used to treat swollen veins, varicose veins, diarrhea, and fever, as well as various other conditions. The active ingredient in the extract is called escin and it has been shown to work positively in treating problems with blood circulation. Although there are several related varieties of the tree that produces horse chestnut, their seeds do not possess the same properties.
The fruit called buckeye comes from a deciduous tree known as buckeye. The Aesculus hippocastanum tree can grow to over 100 feet (30.5 meters) tall. An important aspect of the fruit of the tree is that its raw, unprocessed form contains aesculin. Aesculin is a very powerful poison that can be fatal if swallowed. The process of extracting the aescin from the fruit removes the poison.
The escin contained in horse chestnut extract is a proven anti-inflammatory. While there is evidence that it can help treat chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and various other circulatory problems, there is no firm evidence to suggest that it can positively influence other conditions. In any case, some people still take the extract for inflammation, prostate enlargement, and menstrual pain.
Horse chestnut extract works by thinning the blood. This helps promote circulation and potentially reduce swelling. In a very minor way, aescin helps prevent fluid from leaking through the veins and may aid urination. Both effects ultimately help reduce water retention, a condition called edema.
The main active ingredient in horse chestnut extract affects the body’s blood and circulation, so it is important to use caution when taking it. Specifically, people with diabetes should not take the extract because it could lower blood sugar. People who have liver or kidney problems should also avoid taking the extract, as it could worsen existing conditions or cause harm.
Pregnant or lactating women should not take horse chestnut extract. As of 2011, there is not enough information to determine if it can be harmful to an unborn child. There is also no information on whether it can be transmitted through breast milk.
There are also some potential drug interactions with horse chestnut extract. People who take lithium or drugs that slow down the blood clotting mechanism should avoid this extract. These types of drugs can combine with horse chestnut and cause unexpected complications.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
