Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a type of tree that grows throughout the northern hemisphere. In herbal and folk medicine, the seeds, leaves, bark and flowers of horse chestnut have long been used to relieve symptoms, such as swelling and inflammation, and to strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Health claims for horse chestnut include treating the following problems:
Horse chestnut contains a compound called escin, which has been found to produce an anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds, leaves, bark and unprocessed flowers also contain esculin, which is poisonous and can increase the risk of bleeding. (Escin is a different compound and is considered safe.) Esculin can be removed Proper processing of horse chestnut seed extract removes esculin.
Horse chestnut has been shown to be effective for people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart and is linked to problems such as varicose veins, swollen ankles, and nighttime leg cramps. Very little research has been done on horse chestnut for other conditions.
Research suggests that horse chestnut seed extract may be useful in the treatment of CVI. In a systematic review of 12 clinical trials published in 2012, for example, horse chestnut seed extract improved leg pain, swelling, and itching in people with CVI when taken for a short period. The researchers concluded that "the evidence presented suggests that horse chestnut seed extract is an effective and safe short-term treatment for CVI." One study indicated that horse chestnut may be as effective as compression stocking treatment. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is a lack of evidence to support the beneficial impact of horse chestnut on conditions other than CVI.1
Horse chestnut extract may produce a number of adverse effects, including itching, nausea or gastrointestinal problems, muscle aches and headaches.
In order to ensure the safe use of horse chestnut, be sure to consult your doctor if you are considering using the herb to treat CVI or another chronic health condition.
People with kidney or liver disease and bleeding disorders should avoid horse chestnut. Horse chestnut should not be combined with aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Coumadin (warfarin) and other anticoagulant or antiplatelet (blood thinning) medications unless under medical supervision as it may increase the effect of these medications.
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