Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut and escin based preparations have long been used in the treatment of vascular pathologies due to the anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and vitaminoP-similar actions (permeability decrease and capillary fragility): in fact, horse chestnut activates blood circulation and promotes venous return. Horse chestnut taken daily has shown a reduction in the activity of enzymes responsible for the degradation of proteoglycans. Cohesion of the vascular wall is therefore guaranteed: in those suffering with varices the concentration of these enzymes is greatly increased. Horse chestnut based preparations serve, moreover, to combat nocturnal muscle cramps. Thanks to the effect on capillary permeability, total extracts and escin have also been used in cosmetics. The microvasculokinetic activity also makes the plant preparations useful in the treatment of cellulite and hair loss. It actually is included in "fortifying" shampoos for the hair