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Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
Background
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is widely used in Europe for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a syndrome that may include leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching, and skin ulcers. Although HCSE is traditionally recommended for a variety of medical conditions, CVI is the only condition for which there is strong supportive scientific evidence.
Side effects from HCSE have been similar to placebo in clinical trials. However, due to an increased risk of low blood sugar, caution is advised in children and people with diabetes.
NS_patient-horsechestnut
Portions of this document last updated:Sept. 1, 2009
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
