Horse Chestnut Seed
Horse Chestnut Seed is a herbal supplement derived from the seeds of the Aesculus hippocastanum tree, standardized to contain the active compound aescin. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as heavy, painful legs, varicose veins, and swelling. The extract works by reducing inflammation, decreasing capillary permeability, and improving venous tone to promote better blood flow in the legs.
A herbal remedy used to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and leg swelling by improving venous blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C05CX03
- RxNorm
- 260020
- Generic
- Horse Chestnut Seed
- Class
- atc-c05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester due to insufficient safety data
regular prenatal checkups
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only under healthcare provider supervision when benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and maternal blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
discontinue use near term due to potential anticoagulant effects
close monitoring of coagulation parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use during breastfeeding - insufficient data on excretion in breast milk
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 12avoid completely
not recommended for children due to risk of toxicity and insufficient safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose and monitor
use with caution due to age-related decline in renal and hepatic function; start at reduced dose
regular monitoring of kidney and liver function, blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno major adjustment needed for mild impairment
use with caution; monitor renal function periodically
monitor serum creatinine and renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid or significantly reduce dose
avoid use in severe renal impairment due to risk of accumulation and toxicity
frequent renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose and monitor
use with caution; metabolism may be affected; reduce initial dose
monitor liver enzymes and function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to extensive metabolism in liver
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Active constituent
Main bioactive compound
Regulatory classification (US)
US regulatory status
Typical daily dose
Standardized extract dosing
Treats symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) including leg heaviness, pain, swelling, and varicose veins. May also be used for hemorrhoids and post-operative edema.
Contains aescin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema properties. It reduces capillary permeability, increases venous tone, and inhibits enzymes that break down capillary walls, helping to improve blood flow and reduce fluid leakage into tissues.
Use only standardized extracts with esculin removed (toxic component). May enhance effects of anticoagulants. Avoid in patients with renal impairment. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy