Department for Health, Community

& Wellbeing

ASSIGNMENT TITLE PAGE

TEACHER: Adrianne Waterman

PROGRAM: Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy

COURSE: Herbal Medicine 4

STUDENT NAME: Luke Clews

STUDENT NUMBER: CIT 066213

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Materia Medica - Horsechestnut

DATE DUE: 15/8/2011

DATE SUBMITTED: 15/8/2011

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Materia Medica Assignment Marking Schedule

Student’s Name: Date: _________

Criteria Grade
Herb correctly described according to template categories.

Written assignment:
Accuracy of information and clarity of explanation
Originality – information understood and written up in own words
Grammar, spelling, layout

Research:
At least 6 reputable references used.
Summary of at least 3 recent clinical trials and studies (post
2003).

Correctly referenced (including bibliography) – Harvard style

Oral Presentation (including audio-visual aids)

FINAL GRADE:

COMMENTS:

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 Horse chestnut
Part 1 – essentials
Herb’s Scientific Name – Aesculus
hippocastanum
Common & Alternative names –
Aescule, buckeye, chestnut, Castaño de
Indias, graine de marronier d’inde,
escine, eschilo, hippocastani semen,
Spanish chestnut (Braun & Cohen 2010,
p.608), Conker tree (Wikipedia 2011)

Plant Family – Sapindaceae (soapberry family) – Other members include maple,

lychee (and other tropical fruits) and guarana (Wikipedia 2011)

Part(s) Used Medicinally – Seed, less commonly: bark, flower and leaves (Braun
& Cohen 2010, p.608, Hoffman 2003, p.524)
Active Constituents – Triterpenoid saponins (aescin), flavonoids, coumarin
derivatives, tannins, sterols, fatty acids (Hoffman 2003, p.524), quinines, sugars
(Braun & Cohen 2010, p.608)

Body System Affinity(ies) – Cardiovascular

Herbal Actions – Venotonic, anti-oedema, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-

ageing (Braun & Cohen 2010, p.609), astringent (Hoffman 1996, p.54)

Therapeutic Applications/ Physiological Mode(s) of Action

Medicinal Uses
Vasoprotection / normalisation of
vascular permeability
Horse chestnut appears to prevent
activation of leukocytes, inhibiting
the activity of lysozomal enzymes
and preventing the degradation of
vascular walls (Pitter & Ernst 2004).
A. hippocastanum also promotes
human endothelial cell proliferation
in vitro in a dose-dependent manner,
promoting venous wall maintenance
as well as protection (Fallier-Becker
et al. 2002).

By inhibiting vascular wall

Anti-oedema degradation horse chestnut reduces
excessive fluid exudation through
capillary walls. Specific animal
studies found horse chestnut
reduced both inflammatory and
lymphatic oedema (Guillaume &
Padioleau 1994).
Aescin also appears to have a mild
diuretic effect, which likely aids in
resolving oedema (Mills & Bone
 2000, p.450).
Anti-ageing
Studies (Fujimura et al. 2006a,
2006b) of the efficacy of topical
preparations showed that contraction
forces can be induced in fibroblasts
in ageing skin. A controlled trial
found that an eye gel with 3% horse
chestnut extract produced a
significant reduction in “wrinkle
scores” around corners of eyes and
on lower eyelids (Fujimura et al.
2006a).

Clinical uses and studies:

A review of 5 clinical trials of treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
with horse chestnut extract demonstrated a reduction in leg pain, leg volume
(oedema), heaviness and itching (Suter at al. 2006).
A Cochrane review of 17 RCTs concluded that signs and symptoms of CVI
improve when treatment with horse chestnut extract is undertaken when
compared to placebo (Pittler & Ernst 2004).
A case observational study (n>5000) reported that symptoms of pain, tiredness,
tension and swelling in the leg, as well as pruritis and tendency to oedema as
improved markedly or disappeared altogether. Compliance was also better than
compression therapy (Greeske & Pohlmann 1996).
Aescin was shown to reduce both symptoms (82% vs. 32% placebo) and
swelling (87% vs. 38% placebo) of haemorrhoids in a placebo-controlled double
blind study (Sirtori 2001).

Synergists
 For varicose veins, haemorrhoids (internally) – Gotu kola, butcher’s broom,
grape seed
 For varicose veins, haemorrhoids (topically) – Witch hazel, gotu kola, arnica,
agrimony
 For varicose ulcer – Grape seed, andrographis
 For venous insufficiency – Gotu kola, grape seed
 For restless leg syndrome, leg cramps, night cramps – Gotu kola
 For easy bruising – Bilberry, grape seed
 For spider veins – Bilberry, butcher’s broom, grape seed
(Bone 2007

Contraindications/ Interactions Warnings/ Precautions

Do not apply directly to Saponins can cause or exacerbate
broken/ulcerated skin gastro-oesophageal reflux (use
enteric-coated, solid dose to avoid
Dosage should be taken with food and
reflux)
avoided by persons with infectious or
inflammatory conditions of the GIT Seeds contain coumarin derivatives,
(including coeliacs and malabsorption potential interaction with anticoagulant
disorders) medications (Hoffmann 2003, p.524)
Raw seeds, bark, flowers and leaves
may be toxic
(Braun & Cohen 2010, p.611)

Dosage
15 to 35 mL/week (1:2 liquid)
2.4 to 3.6 g/day (tablet)

Part 2 - extra information

Habitat
Aesculus hippocastanum is native to a small area in the mountains of the Balkans
in southeast Europe, in small areas in northern Greece, Albania, the Republic of
Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. It is widely cultivated throughout the temperate
world (Euro+Med Plantbase Project 2010).
Traditional Use
Horsechestnut seeds and bark have been used extensively in European traditional
medicine since the 16th century, specifically for rheumatism, neuralgia and
conditions of venous congestion, particularly with dull, aching pain and fullness
(Mills & Bone 2000, p.448).
Other major uses included rectal complaints (haemorrhoids, rectal neuralgia and
proctitis) and reflex conditions attributed to rectal involvement (such as headache,
spasmodic asthma and disturbed digestion). Uneasy and throbbing sensations,
with dull, aching pain in any part of the body, but especially the hepatic region, was
one specific indication (Felter 1983, p.406).
Greive (2010) states specifically that:
“The bark has tonic, narcotic and febrifuge properties and is used in intermittent
fevers, given in an infusion of 1 oz. to the pint, in tablespoonful doses, three or four
times daily. As an external application to ulcers, this infusion has also been used
with success.
The fruits have been employed in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia, and
also in rectal complaints and for haemorrhoids.”
Folklore/ Mythology
The most famous use for the Horse chestnut tree is for the game of Conkers:

The game is played by two players, each with a conker (a horse chestnut seed)
threaded onto a piece of string: they take turns striking each other's conker until
one breaks.
The first recorded game of Conkers using horse chestnuts was on the Isle of Wight
in 1848. In 1965 the World Conker Championships were set up in Ashton (near
Oundle) Northamptonshire, England, and still take place on the second Sunday of
October every year. In 2004, an audience of 5,000 turned up to watch more than
500 competitors from all over the world (Ashton Conker Club 2010).
Herbal Energetics
Dry and warm (Hall 2001, p.189)
Mental/ Emotional/ Situational
The horse chestnut person is thickest and strongest around the thighs and lower
torso. They are physically active and love to go hiking or climbing. They are also
“frighteningly jolly”.
In the negative horse chestnut picture a person is overactive which leads to
adrenal depletion and (in males) prostatic congestion. This pelvic congestion is a
hallmark of the negative horse chestnut person and in the long term they can be
susceptible to prostate and ovarian cancers. Haemorrhoids are the classic horse
chestnut complaint. They can be perfectionists and overly macho, gladiator types.
In the positive setting horse chestnut will ensure robust health into old age and an
ability to laugh away life’s disappointments.
(Hall 2001, pp.190-2)
Horse chestnut forms the basis of 2 Bach flower remedies: Chestnut Bud and
White Chestnut.
Chestnut Bud key symptoms are repeating the same mistakes over and over, not
learning from them as well as attempting to avoid learning by blocking out new
teachings and always seeking fresh experience without absorbing lessons from
previous experiences. The positive Chestnut Bud person is mentally flexible and
able to learn easily with a greater focus on ingesting current experiences and
lessons. Their greatest strength comes from seeing their own weaknesses from a
distance, as others see them.
The negative White Chestnut person has constant, negative mental chatter. They
worry at things that might have been and harbour deep regrets. Mental fatigue is a
hallmark and this person often suffers from depression, mental fatigue and frontal
lobe headaches. The positive aspect of this Bach remedy is shown with clarity of
thought, vision and purpose. Inner spiralling thoughts are transformed, with the
energy refocussed. Goals are visualised and inner momentum is directed towards
positive endeavours.
(Scheffer 1990, pp.63-66, 184-188)
Other Comments/ Observations/ Insights
Horse chestnut is all about swelling and congestion; be it mental, emotional or
physical. This herb allows ideas and humours to flow freely, removing blockages
and allowing growth.
References
Bone, K 2007, The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide For Herbal
Prescribers, Phytotherapy Press, Warwick
Braun, L & Cohen, M 2010, Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-
based Guide. 3rd Edition, Churchill Livingstone
Euro+Med Plantbase Project 2010, Aesculus hippocastanum, viewed 2/8/2011,
<http://ww2.bgbm.org/_EuroPlusMed/PTaxonDetail.asp?
NameId=24982&PTRefFk=500000>
Fallier-Becker, P, Borner, M & Weiser, M 2002, Proliferation modulating effect
of Aesculus hippocastanum, Coenzyme Q10 and Heparsuis on endothelial
cells, Biol Med, 31(1), pp.10-14
Felter, HW 1983, The eclectic material medica, pharmacology and therapeutic,
(1922), Reprinted by Eclectic Medical Publications
Fujimura, T et al. 2006a, A horse chestnut extract, which induces contraction
forces in fibroblasts, is a potent anti-ageing ingredient, J Cosmet Sci, 57(5),
pp.369-76
Fujimura, T et al. 2006b, Horse chestnut extract induces contraction forces in
fibroblasts through activation of rho/rho kinase, Biol Pharm Bull, 29(6),
pp.1075-81
Greeske, K & Pohlmann, PK 1996, Horse chestnut seed extract: an effective
therapy principle in practice: Drug therapy of chronic venous insufficiency,
Fortschr Med, 114(15), pp.196-200
Grieve, M 2010, A Modern Herbal, viewed 2/8/2010, <
http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html>
Guillaume, M & Padioleau, F 1994, Veinotonic effect, vascular protection, anti-
inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties of horse chestnut extract,
Arzneimittelforschung, 44(1), pp.25-35
Hall, D 2001, Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine, Wild & Woolley, Glebe
Hoffman, D 1996, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, Element Books
Hoffman, D 2003, Medical Herbalism: the science and practice of herbal
medicine, Healing Arts Press
Mills, S & Bone, K 2000, Principles & Practices of Phytotherapy, Harcourt
Publishers
Pitter, M & Ernst, E 2004, Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous
insufficiency, Arch Dermatol, 134(11), pp.1356-60
Scheffer, M 1990, Bach Flower Therapy: Theory and Practice, Thorsons
Publishing, London
Sirtori, CR 2001, Aescin: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic
profile, Pharmacol Res, 44(3), pp.183-93
Suter, A et al. 2006, Treatment of patients with venous insufficiency with fresh
plant horse chestnut seed extract: a review of 5 clinical studies, Adv Ther,
23(1), pp.179-90
Ashton Conker Club 2010, The History of Ashton Conker Club, viewed
2/8/2011,
<http://www.worldconkerchampionships.com/html/conkers_history.html>
Wikipedia 2011, Aesculus hippocastanum, viewed 19/3/2011,
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse-chestnut_%28tree%29 >