Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract

Aescin, derived from the seed extract of the aesculus hippocastanum tree (horse chestnut), is a complex mixture consisting of over 30 different saponins. This tree is widely spread across Europe and can reach a height of up to 35 meters. It is renowned for its glossy brown seeds, which are cherished as collectibles by children and enthusiasts during autumn, often referred to as “little chestnut men.” For many years, Aesculus Hippocastanum has held significant importance as a medicinal plant worldwide. Not only are the seeds, which should not be consumed, utilized, but the bark, leaves, and flowers also serve various purposes. Traditionally, extracts from the seeds have been employed to combat varicose veins and enhance vein strength. The bark of aesculus hippocastanum was historically used to address digestive issues and colds. The lovely spring flowers can be brewed into a tea that aids in soothing coughs, while the leaves possess antibacterial properties and act as a natural diuretic. Given its extensive range of potential applications, it comes as no surprise that the “Studienkreis Entwicklungsgeschichte der Arzneipflanzenkunde” (study group for the history of medicinal plant science) named the chestnut the Medicinal Plant of the Year in 2008!

The Benefits of Aesculus Hippocastanum: Harnessing the Power of Aescin

Aesculus hippocastanum, renowned for its rich content of flavonoids, coumarins, nutrients, and tannins, offers a multitude of advantages. Among its constituents, aescin stands out as the most significant ingredient. This triterpene saponin mixture exhibits notable properties, including edema protection, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, and the ability to enhance the permeability of vein walls. The stimulation of prostaglandins F2alpha contributes to its remarkable venous toning effect.

By employing suitable preparations, aesculus hippocastanum seed extracts effectively reduce swelling and water retention, fortifying the tissues and facilitating improved blood return flow to the heart. Consequently, they are widely used for the short-term treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and to combat varicose veins. The efficacy of aescin in addressing chronic venous insufficiency has been validated through numerous in vivo studies. Additionally, aescin finds extensive application in sports injuries such as bruises and sprains, post-surgical swelling, and hemorrhoids. It also proves beneficial in alleviating calf cramps and the discomfort of tired, heavy legs.

Aescin exists in two forms, alpha and beta, exhibiting significant distinctions in terms of melting point, water solubility, hemolytic action, and specific rotation. The beta form, recognized as the most active component, showcases exceptional efficacy within aescin’s therapeutic spectrum.

The Role of Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract in Cosmetics: Benefits for Skincare

Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract is gaining increasing recognition in the realm of cosmetics. Notably, certain coumarins present in its flowers have been discovered to possess skin-lightening and antioxidant properties. Extracts derived from the flowers of aesculus hippocastanum are particularly well-suited for cosmetic applications due to their milder nature compared to seed extracts.

The market already offers a wide array of cosmetic products enriched with aescin. From nourishing eye and lip creams to lightweight body lotions, anti-wrinkle formulations, and solutions for couperose, aesculus hippocastanum seed extract truly showcases its manifold benefits in skincare. When integrated into hair shampoos, it helps to soothe the scalp. In revitalizing foot care products and shower gels, its toning effect becomes evident. Furthermore, chorse chestnut extract proves to be an excellent choice for regenerating body oils.

A relatively novel application involves its incorporation into sunscreen products, primarily due to the presence of the coumarin compound called aesculin within aesculus hippocastanum Seed Extract. Aesculin not only enhances blood circulation and stimulates metabolism but also possesses the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays.

In general, cosmetic preparations containing aesculus hippocastanum seed extract or aescin are well-tolerated. However, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes or itching may rarely occur. When used internally, slight stomach discomfort may occur in rare cases. Individuals taking blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor before consuming aesculus hippocastanum seed extract internally for the first time. Oral consumption, such as in the form of tea, has become less common due to the extract’s unfavorable taste. Alternatively, capsules and tablets containing aescin are available as dietary supplements. Contraindications for external use include open wounds, an existing risk of embolism, and thrombosis.

Aescin has gained approval as an active ingredient for certified natural cosmetics, highlighting its suitability and recognition in the industry.

If you would like to have your own cosmetics produced with this active ingredient, you have come to the right place.

Fact Sheet Aescin

INCI: Aescin

Alternative spelling: Escin, extract of Aesculus Hippocastanum

CAS number: 6805-41-0

EC number: 229-880-6

Occurrence: Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).

Definition: consists of more than 30 different single substances

Effect: anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous, venous tonic, vascular strengthening

Fact Sheet Aesculus Hippocastanum

INCI: Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract

CAS number: 8053-39-2

EC number: 232-497-7

Description: the extract from the seeds of horse chestnut

Ingredients: aescin, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins

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Aescin from the aesculus hippocastanum for high-quality cosmetic products

The aesculus hippocastanum is more than “just” a proven remedy for varicose veins and spider veins. It can also be used in a variety of ways in cosmetics and is just as suitable for anti-aging products as for invigorating shower gels and foot care products, sun protection products and body lotions. People suffering from couperose also appreciate the benefits of aesculus hippocastanum seed extract. Let us develop high-quality cosmetic products with aescin for your target group: We at Cosmacon will be happy to advise you. 

Sources:

The Biosurfactant β-Aescin: A Review on the Physico-Chemical Properties and Its Interaction with Lipid Model Membranes and Langmuir Monolayers.; Geisler R, Dargel C, Hellweg T.Molecules. 2019 Dec 27;25(1):117.

Enzyme and Biological Activities of the Water Extracts from the Plants Aesculus hippocastanum, Olea europaea and Hypericum perforatum That Are Used as Folk Remedies in Turkey.; Sarikurkcu C, Locatelli M, Tartaglia A, Ferrone V, Juszczak AM, Ozer MS, Tepe B, Tomczyk M. Molecules. 2020; 25(5):1202.

Enzyme and Biological Activities of the Water Extracts from the Plants Aesculus hippocastanum, Olea europaea and Hypericum perforatum That Are Used as Folk Remedies in Turkey.; Sarikurkcu C, Locatelli M, Tartaglia A, Ferrone V, Juszczak AM, Ozer MS, Tepe B, Tomczyk M.Molecules. 2020 Mar 6;25(5):1202. 

Subcritical water extraction of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) tree parts: Scientific paper,; T. Gagić, Željko Knez, and M. Škerget.  J. Serb. Chem. Soc., 2021,  86, no. 6, pp. 603–613.