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Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Chronic venous insufficiencyChronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that is more commonly diagnosed in Europe than in the United States and may include leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching, and skin ulcers. There is evidence from laboratory, animal, and human research that horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) may be beneficial to patients with this condition. Studies report significant decreases in leg size, leg pain, itchiness, fatigue, and "tenseness." There is preliminary evidence that HCSE may be as effective as compression stockings. | A |
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Angiogenesis, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH or enlarged prostate), bladder disorders (incontinence, cystitis), bruising, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), gall bladder disease, gall bladder infection (cholecystitis), gall bladder pain (colic), gall bladder stones (cholelithiasis), hemorrhoids, kidney diseases, leg cramps, liver congestion, lung blood clots (pulmonary embolism), menstrual pain, nerve pain, osteoarthritis, pancreatitis, post-operative/post-traumatic soft tissue swelling, rectal complaints, rheumatoid arthritis, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), skin conditions, ulcers, varicose leg ulcers, varicose veins, vein clots (deep venous thrombosis), whooping cough.
NS_patient-horsechestnut
Portions of this document last updated:Sept. 1, 2009
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
