Horse Chestnut Extract

Aesculus hippocastanum L., a species of the Sapindaceae family in the Aesculus genus, is scientifically classified as the Horse Chestnut plant. Horse Chestnut is a large tree that can reach up to 39 meters in height. In mature specimens, branches often curve, with drooping ends. The leaves are typically broad, measuring 13–20 cm in length. The flowers are generally yellow with pink tones and white at the base, with approximately 20–50 flowers per cluster appearing in spring. Usually only 1–5 fruits develop per cluster; the fruits are green, prickly capsules containing one (rarely two or three) nut-like seeds known as horse chestnuts. Horse Chestnut is widespread in Istanbul and is identified with the city. According to historians, the Horse Chestnut was first observed in Istanbul during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and was subsequently introduced to European countries from there. The plant is most widely distributed in European lands, particularly in the Balkan countries. It is included in the red book of endangered species.

Chemistry of Horse Chestnut

More than 200 active compounds have been identified in the plant. The most important compounds include flavones, aesculin and esculin in the glycoside group, aescin and escin in the saponins group, and vitamins B1, C and K.

Chemical Structure of Aesculin Chemical Structure of Rutinoside

Applications

Flavones, saponins, glycosides and vitamins are used in skin and hair care products in the cosmetics sector. The success of efficacy claims for cosmetic products has increased the frequency of Horse Chestnut extract use in the industry. Many claims regarding Horse Chestnut extract in skin care products derive from saponin group molecules. These cosmeceutical compounds have been found to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that the escin compound prevents the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, plays a role in skin repair and is one of the main components of the skin. When skin is burned by sun exposure, skin cells cease hyaluronan production and the skin's deformation rate increases. A Horse Chestnut extract used in sun care products will prevent the destruction of skin hyaluronan and inhibit skin deformation. The individual effects of the active compounds in horse chestnut have been proven and are used as cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical active ingredients. In the cosmetics industry, combinations of Horse Chestnut compounds are used synergistically to harness all the positive effects of the plant's rich composition. In other words, the whole plant is likely more potent than individually isolated compounds. The effects of Horse Chestnut on skin care through saponin group compounds extend further. The plant contains numerous other compounds suitable for topical applications. Flavonoid group compounds possess routine, radical scavenging, antibacterial and antiviral activity. Cosmetic sector products that can incorporate Horse Chestnut include cellulite creams, gels, lotions, antiaging sets, and hair care products. The recommended usage rate is between 1–5%.

Technical Data

Akott Evolution S.R.L. has been supplying the cosmetics sector with certified herbal extract products. Herbal extracts are standardized, efficacy-tested and internationally certified. Horse Chestnut extract, the subject of this article, is one of the company's important products. The company has validated all the features mentioned in this article through testing of Akobiol HGL Horse Chestnut, one of the key products in the Akobiol series.   Fatih Karabey Technical Sales Development Manager Parkim Group