Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, is a tree whose seed extracts are used in herbal medicine. Escin is their main active constituent.
Also listed as Aesculus hippocastanum, Conker tree, Rosskastanie, venostasin
Does it help with chronic venous insufficiency?
A Cochrane review of 17 randomized trials found short-term improvements in symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and itching with standardized extracts. Trials lasted 2–16 weeks. The reviewers called for larger, more rigorous trials, so the evidence is most useful for short-term symptom relief rather than a claim of curing damaged veins. 1 2
How does Europe assess it?
EMA recognizes certain oral seed extracts as having well-established medicinal use for chronic venous insufficiency. Its conclusions for minor venous discomfort and bruises rely on traditional use, a different level of evidence. 3
What about other uses?
NCCIH notes small amounts of research for varicocele-related male infertility and irritable bowel syndrome, but insufficient information for firm conclusions. Those questions remain open rather than established indications. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Horse Chestnut National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Hippocastani semen: herbal medicinal product European Medicines Agency