Standardized Horse Chestnut Extract

INCI Name: Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract
Part Used: Nut
Chemistry: 20% Saponins as Aescin
Plant Description: This sturdy deciduous tree with a large domed crown grows to 80 feet. It has sticky buds, palm like leaves, clusters of white and pink flowers, spiny green fruit and shiny brown seeds. Native to mountain woods in the Balkans and Western Asia, this tree is now cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Horse Chestnut Properties:

Studies have indicated the following attributes:
Anti-inflammatory (1, 5, 6)
Anti-edema/swelling (1, 5, 6)
Anti-oxidant/free radical scavenging (1, 2)
Protects cells from oxidative damage
UVB Protection (3)
Demonstrated increase of SPF when used with
octylmethoxycinnamate. (1,3)
Anti-aging (2,3,4)
Smoothes wrinkles around eyes (4)
The German Comission E approved the use of horse chestnut seed for treatment of complaints found in pathological conditions of the veins of the legs. Horse chestnut seed preparations are indicated for treatment of CVI, varicose veins, edema of the lower limbs, and hemorrhoids.
Applications: Skin Care, Facial Products, Body Care
Reference:
  1. J.A. Wilkinson, A.M.G. Brown, “Horse chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanum: potential applications in cosmetic skin-care products”, International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 21: 437-447 (1999)
  2. Hitoshi Masaki, Sachiko Sakaki, et al, “Active-Oxygen Scavenging Activity of Plant extracts”, Biol. Pharm. Bull. 18(1) 162-166 (1995)
  3. M.F.S. Ramos, E.P. Santos, et al, “Preliminary studies towards utilization of various plant extracts as antisolar agents.”, International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 18, 87-101 (1996)
  4. Tsutomi Fujimura, Kazue Tsukahara, et al, “A horse chestnut extract, which induces contraction forces in fibroblasts, is a potent anti-aging ingredient. J. Cosmet. Sci. 57, 369-376 (September/October 2006)
  5. Carlo Calabres, Paris Preston, ” Report of the Results of a Double-Blind Randomized, Single-Dose Trial of a Topical 2% Escin Gel versus Placebo in the Acute Treatment of Experimentally-Induced Hematoma in Volunteers”, Bastyr College Research Department Report: Escin Trial 19/16/91
  6. Andy Suter, Silvia Bommer, MD, et al, “Treatment of Patients With Venous Insuffiiency With Fresh Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: A Review of 5 Clinical Studies”, Advances in Therapy. Vol 23 No.1 Jan/Feb 2006