Composition and main active compounds of horse chestnut
Beyond its beauty, the horse chestnut tree also has key components with multiple uses:
- Saponinsare substances characteristic of horse chestnut. They are found in large quantities in the bark, leaves, and chestnuts. Saponins have anti-inflammatory, veinotonic, and anti-edema properties.
- Escinis a type of saponin specific to horse chestnut. It is what gives it its main therapeutic properties. Escin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and swelling. It is also veinotonic, which means it tones the veins and improves blood circulation.
- Flavonoidsare natural antioxidants found in large quantities in horse chestnut leaves. They protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
- Tanninsare astringent substances that have anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic properties. They are found in large quantities in the bark of the horse chestnut tree.
Horse chestnut oilis extracted from chestnuts. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E and F, and minerals. It has nourishing, moisturizing, and protective properties. It is used for skin and hair care.
