On Soin-et-Nature, horse chestnut stands out as an essential plant for circulatory comfort. Sought after for its venotonic and anti-inflammatory properties , it helps relieve heavy legs, strengthen veins, and improve microcirculation. Our natural formulas, available in capsules or as extracts, provide effective daily support, particularly for venous discomfort or heat-related issues.
More detailsIts Latin name, *hippocastanum*, means “horse chestnut,” because the Turks used it as a stimulant for their winded horses; they also recognized the horse chestnut’s ability to cure premature baldness. This tree was imported from Constantinople to France in 1615 by Dr. Bachelier out of botanical curiosity, thus relegating it to the status of an ornamental tree. It was subsequently introduced throughout Europe. In the 18th century, its bark was reputed to be effective against fevers and was used when cinchona was unavailable. At the beginning of the following century, it was observed that the bark had little antipyretic effect but was astringent; as a result, it was indicated for diarrhea when taken orally and as an antiseptic when applied topically to ulcers and gangrenous wounds. In folk medicine, its medicinal use is well documented. Alcoholic extracts have been used for their natural venotonic effects since the early 1900s, particularly in cases of impaired microcirculation in the viscera, such as esophageal varices, pelvic varices, or hemorrhoids. For external use, the seed is used for bruises and non-penetrating wounds.
In 1565, Guillaume Quackelbeen sent horse chestnut branches from Istanbul to Matthioli, who described them in Italy. Ten years later, the horse chestnut was planted in Vienna and 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 Flower Remedies: 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 ailments. Its Latin name, Hippocastanum, reflects its veterinary use for horses with shortness of breath.
The effect ofaescin on lysosomal enzymes.
Thanks to its active compounds, particularly aescin, horse chestnut offers remarkable health benefits, especially for the venous and capillary systems.
Aescin works by increasing venous tone through improved regulation of ions in the venous channels, as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. It also stimulates the secretion of prostaglandin F2α and exerts corticomimetic activity, thereby enhancing its anti-inflammatory effect.
Horse chestnut extract effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species, such as free radicals and lipid peroxides, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Methanolic extracts, rich in aescin, exhibit the strongest antioxidant activity.
In the veins, aescin reduces blood viscosity, tones the vein walls, and inhibits lysosomal enzymes such as hyaluronidase, thereby protecting hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans. These mechanisms reduce edema and improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, as confirmed by clinical trials.
At the capillary level, horse chestnut strengthens capillary resistance, reduces transcapillary filtration, and prevents edema.
Horse chestnut seeds also have blood-sugar-regulating, nephroprotective, diuretic, anti-infective, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective effects, offering a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Horse chestnut has certain contraindications and precautions that must 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, available at pharmacies, have an EMA Community Monograph and are listed among the medicinal plants in the French Pharmacopoeia. They are authorized as ingredients in dietary supplements in France.
Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of dietary supplements designed to improve blood circulation and relieve associated discomforts. Here are the main categories available:
These dietary supplements for circulation, available on Soin-et-Nature, help support venous health and improve daily comfort, while meeting the specific needs of each user.
