Aesculus hippocastanum
(Horse chestnut)
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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).