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Botanical

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

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What side effects can occur?

Reported effects include digestive upset, dizziness, headache, itching, and allergic reactions. NCCIH describes standardized extracts as likely safe for short-term use, with safety experience in studies up to 12 weeks. 1 2

When is a swollen leg more than a supplement question?

EMA advises medical assessment for sudden swelling of one or both legs, severe pain, ulcers, skin inflammation, or heart or kidney insufficiency. These symptoms and conditions should not simply be attributed to routine venous discomfort. 3

What about pregnancy and medicines?

The EU monograph does not recommend use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety is not established. It lists no reported medicine interactions; NCCIH nonetheless recommends discussing herbal use with a clinician when taking medicines. 2 3

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  2. Horse Chestnut National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health