Horse Chestnut Seed (Herb/Suppl)

Diarrhea, fever, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, prostate enlargement, varicose veins, venous insufficiency

Frequency Not Defined

Anaphylaxis (IV)

GI irritation

Itching

Kidney toxicity (IV)

Liver toxicity (IV)

Toxic nephropathy

Depression

Diarrhea

Incoordination

Muscle twitching

Paralysis

Pupil dilation

Stupor

Vomiting

Weakness

Contraindications

Hepatitic impairment, infectious GI conditions, inflammatory GI conditions, renal impairment

Cautions

Bleeding disorders, concurrent hypoglycemic agents, diabetes mellitus

WARNING: use only standardized seed extract; raw seed, leaf, bark, or flower possibly fatal

Pregnancy Category: raw seed unsafe; avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Saponins: aescin: vasoconstrictor; aesculin (a hydroxycoumarin)- antithrombin activity