Aescin

{{chembox new |Name=β-Aescin (main component) |ImageFile=Beta-Aescin.svg |ImageSize=280 |IUPACName=(2S,3S,4S,5R,6R)-6-{[(3S,4S,4aR,6aR, 6bS,8R,8aR,9R,10R,12aS,14aR,14bR)
-9-acetoxy-8-hydroxy-4,8a-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,6a,6b,11,11, 14b-hexamethyl-10-[2-methyl-1-oxobut-2-enoxy]-1,2,3,4a,5,6,7,
8,9,10,12,12a,14,14a-tetradecahydropicen-3-yl]oxy}-4-hydroxy-
3,5-bis{[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-
2-tetrahydropyranyl]oxy}-2-tetrahydropyrancarboxylic acid |OtherNames=Escin |Section1= |Section2= |Section3= }} Aescin or escin is a mixture of saponins with anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor and vasoprotective effects found in Aesculus hippocastanum (the horse chestnut). Aescin is the main active compound in horse chestnut, and is responsible for most of its medicinal properties.

High-quality evidence suggests aescin is a safe and effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. In one randomized controlled trial, horse chestnut extract was found to be as effective and well-tolerated as use of compression stockings.

Mechanism of action

Aescin appears to produce effects through a wide range of mechanisms. It induces endothelial nitric oxide synthesis by making endothelial cells more permeable to calcium ions, and also induces release of prostaglandin F_2α. Other possible mechanisms include serotonin antagonism and histamine antagonism and reduced catabolism of tissue mucopolysaccharides.

References

External links

• Information on horse chestnut extract from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center