Aescin Explained

Aescin or escin is a mixture of saponins with anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor and vasoprotective effects found in Aesculus hippocastanum (the horse chestnut). Aescin is the main active component in horse chestnut, and is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. The main active compound of aescin is β-aescin, although the mixture also contains various other components including α-aescin, protoescigenin, barringtogenol, cryptoescin and benzopyrones.^[1]

Evidence suggests that aescin, especially pure β-aescin, is a safe and effective treatment for short-term treatment of chronic venous insufficiency;^{[2] [3]} however, more high quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effectiveness. Horse chestnut extract may be as effective and well tolerated as the use of compression stockings.

Mechanism of action

Aescin appears to produce effects through a wide range of mechanisms. It induces endothelial nitric oxide synthesis by making endothelial cells more permeable to calcium ions, and also induces release of prostaglandin F_2α.^{[4] [5] [6]} Other possible mechanisms include serotonin antagonism and histamine antagonism and reduced catabolism of tissue mucopolysaccharides.^[4]

External links

• Information on horse chestnut extract from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
• - alpha-Aescin

Notes and References

1. Book: Ramelet . Albert-Adrien . Sclerotherapy: treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins . Elsevier Science Health Science . 978-0-323-37726-3 . Venoactive Drugs. 24 November 2016 . 426–434 . 6th.
2. Book: Goldman, Mitchel P.. Sclerotherapy : treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins. 2016. Elsevier Science Health Science. Weiss, Robert A.,, Guex, Jean-Jerome. 978-0-323-37727-0. 6th. Amsterdam. 959274899.
3. Pittler. Max H.. Ernst. Edzard. 2012-11-14. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 11. 11 . CD003230. 10.1002/14651858.CD003230.pub4. 1469-493X. 23152216. 7144685.
4. Sirtori CR . Aescin: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic profile . Pharmacol. Res. . 44 . 3 . 183–193 . September 2001 . 11529685 . 10.1006/phrs.2001.0847 .
5. Carrasco OF, Vidrio H . Endothelium protectant and contractile effects of the antivaricose principle escin in rat aorta . Vascul. Pharmacol. . 47 . 1 . 68–73 . July 2007 . 17512261 . 10.1016/j.vph.2007.04.003 .
6. Berti F, Omini C, Longiave D . The mode of action of aescin and the release of prostaglandins . Prostaglandins . 14 . 2 . 241–249 . August 1977 . 897216 . 10.1016/0090-6980(77)90169-1.