Aesculus hippocastanum
(Horse chestnut)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Active against influenza virus (in vitro)
• Antagonizes the effects of bradykinin
• Anti-edematous
• Anti-exudative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Antitumor activity in vitro:
  
  Constituents, hippocaesculin and barringtogenol-C-21-angelate)
• Astringent, especially to the genito-urinary system
• Decreases capillary permeability:
  
  Due to inhibition of lysosomal enzymes and stimulation of the production and release of prostaglandins of the F-alpha type, which induce contraction of veins
• Increases plasma levels of ACTH, corticosterone and glucose in animal studies
• Vulnerary - use externally

Clinical Indications:

• BPH
• Hemorrhoids
• Bedwetting
• Lymphedema
• Relaxes bronchial spasms
• Relaxes ureter spasms, especially left sided
• Venous congestion

Contraindications:

• Acute kidney inflammation
• Bleeding disorders, due to the antithrombin activity of aesculin
• Children under age 4
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Pregnancy

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Aspirin or anticoagulants interact with aesculin, the antithrombin constituent, causing increased bleeding

Chemical Constituents:

• Acyl groups are usually tiglic, angelic, or acetic acids
• Aescin composed of :
  
  Acylated glycosides of protoaesigenin and barringtogenol-C
  Hippocaesculin
• Nicotine
• Saponins
• Silicic acid, a source of silicon

Toxicity:

• Toxic: a few nuts can cause severe symptoms
• Fatal: in children, a few nuts may cause death
• Symptoms:
  
  Coma
  Increased temperature
  Inflamed membranes
  Mental stupor
  Nausea
  Nervous twitching
  Uncoordination
  Vertigo
  Vomiting
  Death due to respiratory paralysis
• Treatment:
  
  Charcoal
  Emesis
  Establish adequate respiration
  Gastric lavage
  Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).