Its Latin name, hippocastanum, means "horse chestnut", as the Turks used to administer it as a stimulant to their stubborn horses; they recognized the fruit of the horse chestnut tree as having the property of curing premature baldness. The tree was imported from Constantinople to France in 1615 by Dr. Bachelier for its botanical curiosity, relegating it to the rank of ornamental tree. It was subsequently introduced throughout Europe. In the 18th century, its bark was reputed to treat fevers, and was used when cinchona was in short supply. At the beginning of the following century, it was found that the bark had little febrifuge action, but was astringent, and was therefore used orally for diarrhea, and locally as an antiseptic for ulcers and gangrenous wounds. Its medicinal use in folk medicine is well documented. Alcoholic extracts have been used for their venotonic effects since the early 1900s, notably in cases of visceral microcirculation insufficiency such as varicose veins of the esophagus, pelvis or hemorrhoids. Externally, the seed is used for contusions and non-penetrating wounds.
In 1565, Guillaume Quackelbeen sent branches of the Istanbul chestnut to Matthiole, who described them in Italy. Ten years later, the chestnut tree was planted in Vienna, then introduced to France by Dr. Bachelier in Paris. In the 18th century, it spread throughout Europe, even reaching Great Britain, where Dr. Bach created the famous Bach flowers, White Chestnut and Chestnut Bud. In Balkan folk medicine, the leaves and seeds were used to treat inflammation and wounds, while the bark was used to treat sore throats and respiratory disorders. Its Latin name, Hippocastanum, is a reminder of its veterinary use to treat horses that were suffering from a bout of pus.
Action ofescin on lysosomal enzymes.
Thanks to its active compounds, notably aescin, horse chestnut has remarkable health properties, particularly for the venous and capillary systems.
Aescin acts by increasing venous tension through improved ion regulation in venous channels, as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. It also stimulates secretion of F2α prostaglandins and exerts corticomimetic activity, reinforcing its anti-inflammatory action.
Horse chestnut extract effectively captures reactive forms of oxygen, such as free radicals and lipid peroxides, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Methanolic extracts, rich in aescin, have the highest antioxidant activity.
At venous level, aescin reduces blood viscosity, tones venous walls and inhibits lysosomal enzymes such as hyaluronidase, protecting hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans. These mechanisms reduce oedema and improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, as confirmed by clinical trials.
At capillary level, horse chestnut strengthens capillary resistance, reduces transcapillary filtration and prevents edema.
Horse chestnut seed also has normoglycemic, nephroprotective, diuretic, anti-infectious, neuroprotective and gastroprotective effects, offering a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Horse chestnut has certain contraindications and precautions to be observed:
These precautions ensure the safe and appropriate use of horse chestnut.
Stabilized horse chestnut tincture is listed in the French Pharmacopoeia. The seed and bark, dispensed in pharmacies, have an EMA Community monograph and are listed as medicinal plants in the French Pharmacopoeia. They are authorized as ingredients in dietary supplements in France.
Soin-et-Nature offers a comprehensive range of food supplements dedicated to improving blood circulation and relieving associated discomforts. Here are the main categories available:
These dietary supplements for circulation, available on Soin-et-Nature, support venous health and improve daily comfort, while meeting the specific needs of each user.
