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Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) may cause an allergic reaction in patients with known allergy to horse chestnuts, esculin, or any of its ingredients (flavonoids, biosides, trisides of quertins, and oligosacharides including 1-ketose and 2-ketose). Anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction) has been reported with intravenous (through the vein) use.
Allergic skin rashes (contact dermatitis) have been reported after use of a skin cream containing horse chestnut seed extract.
Side Effects and Warnings
Unprocessed horse chestnut seeds have been associated with significant toxicity and death. Symptoms associated with horse chestnut poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, confusion, weakness, muscle twitching, poor coordination, coma, or paralysis. Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) standardized to escin content should not contain significant levels of esculin and should not have the same risks.
Standardized HCSE is generally considered to be safe in adults at recommended doses for short periods of time. Stomach upset, muscular (calf) spasm, headache, dizziness, nausea, and itching have been reported. Contact skin irritation (dermatitis) has been reported following application of HCSE to the skin.
Based on animal study, HCSE may cause lowered blood sugar. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
In theory, horse chestnut may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring is recommended and dosing adjustments may be necessary. Liver and kidney toxicity has been associated with horse chestnut. Aflatoxins, considered to be cancer-causing agents, have been identified in commercial skin products containing horse chestnut, but not in HCSE.
Several studies report the development of pseudolupus (a syndrome characterized by recurrent fever, muscle pain, and lung and heart muscle inflammation) in patients taking Venocuran or Venopyronum, which contains phenopyrazone, horse chestnut extract, and cardiac glycosides. Because these are combination products, these effects may not be accounted for by horse chestnut alone.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough scientific research to recommend the safe use of horse chestnut or HCSE during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
NS_patient-horsechestnut
Portions of this document last updated:Sept. 1, 2009
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
