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Vitamin Vitality

Botanical

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut supplements use an extract of the seed of Aesculus hippocastanum. The characterising constituent is a saponin mixture called aescin (also spelled escin).

Honest information about Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut is included in our formulas as a botanical ingredient with traditional wellness heritage. No authorised health claim has been approved for it under EU or GB law, so we share only its identity, origin, dose and documented history — never implied benefits.

Claims held “on hold” pending evaluation are treated here as unauthorised. We will not imply an effect through images, testimonials or suggestive wording either.

Forms and what appears on a label

Quality extracts declare an aescin percentage, usually 16–20%. The raw seed also contains esculin, which is why only processed, standardised extracts are used in supplements and unprocessed seed is not eaten.

Where it comes from

Seeds of the Aesculus hippocastanum tree.

Dose and how we use it

Core ingredient in Serenity Vitality.

Choose formulas standardised to contain 16% to 20% aescin.

Documented traditional use

Horse chestnut seed preparations have a long record of use in continental European herbal practice, documented from the 18th century onward.

What research has — and has not — established

Horse chestnut seed extract has been evaluated in chronic venous insufficiency in a number of small randomised trials, reviewed by Cochrane, which judged the evidence limited and the trials of variable quality. Those are clinical populations and clinical endpoints; no food-supplement health claim is authorised in the EU or GB.

Cautions and interactions

Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek advice if you take anticoagulants or have kidney or liver problems. Do not use on broken skin or over suspected clots.

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Formulated with Horse Chestnut

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