Horse Chestnut Extract

Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Horse Chestnut Extract

According to Vascular Web, Horse Chestnut Extract supplements can be used for treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency. This occurs when the veins in your legs cannot pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.

There is a chemical that is found within Horse Chestnut Extract which is responsible for thinning the blood. If your blood is thinner, the veins in your legs will have an easier time pumping it back to your heart.

In addition to helping with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Horse Chestnut Extract can be beneficial the treating varicose veins which are often an indicator of Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Athletic Applications of Horse Chestnut Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract supplements may also help the body rid itself of excess water. The same property that thins the blood also prevents water retention. Many bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness buffs like to take Horse Chestnut Extract, because it makes them look cut.

Bodybuilders also use Horse Chestnut Extract before attending a competition or a photo shoot. In order to be successful, a bodybuilder must have an amazing physique. When you rid your body of excess water weight, your muscles look more defined.

The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center also claims that Horse Chestnut Extract supplements may improve sperm quality in men suffering from infertility due to a physiological issue when the veins in the testicles are enlarged.

Horse Chestnut Extract Side Effects

Horse Chestnut seeds contain an ingredient which is deadly. The ingredient is known as esculin. You should never take a supplement with esculin as an ingredient! Reputable manufacturers remove the esculin during manufacturing.

Other severe side effects of taking Horse Chestnut extract may include tumors in the kidneys or intestinal obstructions. In both of these documented instances, the individuals had been taking Horse Chestnut extract for a long period of time. 

Horse Chestnut Extract supplements, like most herbal supplements, can cause mild side effects like dizziness, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, headache, and itching.

Precautions to Think About Before Taking Horse Chestnut Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract supplements may interact with other medications or conditions. You should always check with a health care professional before beginning any supplements.

However, always avoid Horse Chestnut Extract if you are a diabetic or on diabetic medication. Horse Chestnut Extract can alter blood sugar levels which is extremely dangerous for a diabetic or someone with blood sugar issues.

If you have any renal dysfunctions, avoid taking Horse Chestnut Extract supplements. It might intensify your kidney problems, since it prevents water retention.

If you are taking Lithium you should avoid taking Horse Chestnut Extract supplements. Horse Chestnut Extract supplements will affect the way Lithium works. This is also due to the diuretic effect of Horse Chestnut Extract supplements.

Do not take Horse Chestnut Extract if you are on medications that slow down the body’s coagulating abilities. Examples of these drugs include aspirin, Coumadin, ibuprofen, Plavix, and Anaprox.

Usually if you have had a heart attack or are at risk for heart disease, you are often prescribed one of these types of medications. However, athletes often take ibuprofen after being injured, since it helps to relieve pain and inflammation.

Horse Chestnut Extract Dosage and Packaging

The recommended dosage of Horse Chestnut Extract varies depending on the manufacturer. However, on average the daily dosage is 300 milligrams of Horse Chestnut Extract supplements taken two times a day. It is available in a capsule form or liquid form.

Horse Chestnut Extract supplements may also be found in multivitamin products with herbal ingredients designed to improve general overall health or for the circulatory system.  

Horse Chestnut Extract and the Food and Drug Administration

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Horse Chestnut Extract is listed as a poisonous plant. However, the study was conducted on the seeds without removing the poisonous ingredient known as esculin.

However, supplement companies are permitted to use Horse Chestnut Extract in their dietary supplements as long as they are labeled correctly per the FDA regulations. You can compare different products which contain Horse Chestnut Extract by using the supplement finder now!