title: [Horse chestnut--remedy for chronic venous insufficiency].
abstract: Horse- chestnut seed extract is widely used throughout Europe, and has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions. The most common indication is currently chronic venous insufficiency, for which conventional therapy includes use of compression stockings. Horse chestnut seed extract is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness and calf-muscle spasms. Clinical trials have shown that horse- chestnut seed extract and placebo are associated with similar side effects Horse- chestnut may interact with anticoagulants and antidiabetics, and caution is advised in patients taking these drugs. A number of clinical trials have shown that horse- chestnut seed extract may be beneficial to patients with mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency. However, inadequate randomization, short duration and use of different end-points in these trials makes it difficult to conclude regarding effectiveness and safety, especially in long-term use. Horse- chestnut seed extract appears to be a short-term treatment option in patients with mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency, but more rigorous trials are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.
authors.affiliation: camilla.borthen@helse-bergen.no
authors.forename: Camilla Borthen
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Methlie
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schjøtt
mesh_terms: D031319:Aesculus; D002908:Chronic Disease; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012639:Seeds; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts