Horse Chestnut – Aesculus Hippocastanum: Potential Applications in Cosmetic Skin‐care Products

Abstract

In addition to the well reported beneficial effects of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) extracts on venous insufficiency and associated conditions, such preparations also have many potential positive pharmacological effects on the skin. Extracts from this species, and in particular, those based on horse chestnut seeds, contain saponins, known collectively as 'aescin', which have a gentle soapy feel, and are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Saponins, such as escin, also reduce capillary fragility, and therefore help to prevent leakage of fluids into surrounding tissues, which can cause swelling. An extract of horse chestnut has recently been shown to have one of the highest 'active-oxygen' scavenging abilities of 65 different plant extracts tested. Such extracts are more powerful anti-oxidants than vitamin E, and also exhibit potent cell-protective effects, which are linked to the well-known anti-ageing properties of anti-oxidants. The extract is also rich in a number of flavonoids, such as derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol. Flavonoids also have protective effects on blood vessels, and are well-known, powerful anti-oxidants.

Beta-escin has potent anti-allergic efficacy and reduces allergic airway inflammation

“…Furthermore, several clinical studies demonstrated an excellent tolerability of beta-escin. Thus, beta-escin is widely used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, post-operative ileus, haemorrhoids, acute impact injuries and is included in cosmetic products [13,21-24]. …”

Chemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of birch sap and a complex of plant extracts for potential use in cosmetic anti-ageing products

“…Vaccinium myrtillus extracts are reported to exert protective activity in UVA-irradiated keratinocytes (Calò, Marabini 2014). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties have been reported also for Alchemilla vulgaris and Aesculus hippocastanum extracts and plants form Equisetum, Trifolium and Hippophae genera (Wilkinson, Brown 1999;Hamad et al 2007;Stajner et al 2009;Suryakumar, Guo et al 2017). In general, it is difficult to know which component in CRB extract affects cell proliferation, but in this particular in vitro test system, toxic effect on cell cultures would have been observed at compound concentrations above 0.25% v/v in the case of CRB.…”

Somatic Embryogenesis in Forest Plants

“…obtaining Taxol from European yew) (Cusidó et al 1999), cosmetology (e.g. obtaining Juglone from walnut and saponins from Conker tree) (Wilkinson and Brown 1999) or production of Christmas trees and decorations (establishment of plantation areas of Nordmann fir) (Misson et al 2006). (Ďurkovič & Mišalová 2008), Castanea (Corredoira et al 2003), Quercus (Toribo et al 2005), Salix (Naujoks 2007) and Ulmus (Ďurkovič & Mišalová 2008;Mala et al 2007).…”