The benefits of horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is a tree that produces thorny fruits containing seeds, called conches. These fruits may have health benefits , for example in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

What is horse chestnut?

Proponents of horse chestnut suggest that the seed extract contains active compounds that can protect veins and promote blood circulation . This is why some people may use it to treat varicose veins .

However, while the seed extract appears safe for short-term use, the raw materials of horse chestnut may contain toxic compounds, so more research is needed to distinguish possible health benefits and side effects.

This article discusses the properties of horse chestnuts and their health benefits. It also reviews research findings and key things to consider regarding safety and side effects.

Also read: Healing yourself with natural treatments

A bit of history

Aesculus hippocastanum , or horse chestnut , is a tree native to parts of southeastern Europe , but now growing in many parts of the world . It is also known as "buckeye " or "Spanish chestnut".

The tree is recognizable by its leaves and flowers , but its most notable feature is its fruit . Insects pollinate the flowers, which then develop a shiny red-brown cone inside a spiky green husk.

The fruits of the tree resemble chestnuts but have a bitter taste and are unfit for consumption . However, horse chestnut extract is traditionally used as a medicinal plant to treat several health problems.

The main active component of horse chestnut is escin. In addition, horse chestnut seeds contain the following chemical compounds

• kaempferol
• quercetin
• proanthocyanidins
• sterols

The benefits of horse chestnut

Research suggests that escin has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the cells that line the veins. This can reduce blood plasma leakage and prevent swelling . Additionally, escin can improve the tone of the veins and their ability to contract effectively.

Therefore, the properties of horse chestnut suggest that it is a potential treatment for conditions that involve inflammation or swelling of the veins.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the valves in a person's veins do not work properly . The veins are then less able to return blood to the heart . This can lead to varicose veins .

CVI affects about 6 to 7 million people in the United States , with more women than men affected. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. If left untreated by a doctor, CVI can lead to venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis .

Since horse chestnut has vasoprotective properties, it could potentially improve the tone of the veins and help them pump blood back to the heart .

A review article published in 2015 suggests that horse chestnut extract may be a safe and tolerable treatment option for CVI . Similarly, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) notes that the extract may relieve symptoms of leg discomfort and heaviness associated with CVI.

Also read: What to do to combat the feeling of heavy legs

Hemorrhoids

Due to its beneficial action on veins , some evidence suggests that horse chestnut may be helpful for hemorrhoids . However, little clinical research is available to support this hypothesis. Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether horse chestnut extract may be beneficial for the treatment of hemorrhoids .

Potential benefits for male infertility

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) reports that scientists have studied horse chestnut extract to treat male infertility associated with varicocele . This is a condition in which the veins inside the scrotum become inflamed. However, more research is still needed because the evidence is not enough to draw definitive conclusions.

Possible anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic effects

A 2021 animal study suggests that escin in a type of horse chestnut native to Uzbekistan may have anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic effects.

Researchers suggest that horse chestnut's active ingredients could be used as pharmaceutical drugs to treat diabetes and inflammation . Additionally, they note that these compounds could potentially treat thromboembolism, viruses, and even cancer.

Additionally, a 2022 lab study suggests that horse chestnut extract may help heal wounds or treat tumors in skin cancer . However, since these are animal or lab studies, scientists need to conduct more human research to confirm these findings.

Risks and things to consider

According to a study, raw horse chestnut seeds, bark, flowers and leaves are dangerous due to a toxic component.

However, it says that standardized horse chestnut seed extracts whose manufacturers have removed the toxic element appear safe for short-term use .

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should not consume horse chestnut , as experts do not know the effects on parents or children. Additionally, there is no data on how horse chestnut may affect fertility .

Additionally, the NICCH and EMA indicate that horse chestnut may have the following adverse effects at high doses:

• nausea
• digestive disorders
• dizziness
• headache
• dizziness
• allergic reactions
• itching

Dosage and directions for use

Horse chestnut is commonly available in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, gels, and solutions .

These preparations may be more or less strong , and people may need to use them differently depending on their symptoms . Therefore, follow the instructions on the package or seek advice from a healthcare professional.

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