horse chestnut for edema (brain and body)

Brain edema is a common problem for mountain climbers (altitude sickness). A natural treatment has turned out to be horse chestnut. It is also used for brain injury swelling in Europe following accidents. Because poor vein circulation is one factor it also helps varicose veins. It reduces capillary permeability (leakiness) so water does not leak from blood vessels into spaces between cells.

The active ingredient has been named aescin. Here is a quote from
http://content.nhiondemand.com/moh/media/HC3.asp?objID=100617&cType=hc

Other products said to help are reishi mushroom and ginkgo biloba which improve brain and peripheral circulation.

Hope this helps.


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Aescin is reported to be 100 times more powerful than the bioflavonoids as an anti-inflammatory, and reduces local edema by reducing capillary permeability to water, thereby decreasing the flow of fluid into intercellular spaces.(22) The coumarin glycosides (aesculin and aesculetin) may improve lymphatic drainage, decrease edema and act as an anti-inflammatory.(23) Oral doses reportedly slow the onset of platelet coagulation, but it is not a true anticoagulant because bleeding and prothrombin times do not change; however use with caution.(24) The flavonoid (quercetin) is reported to inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which are responsible for the formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, thus leading to anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.(25) Quercetin inhibits phosphodiesterase, potentially providing cardiotonic, hypotensive, spasmolytic, anti-platelet, and sedative actions.(26) Its proanthocyanidins are free radical scavengers.(27) It is reported to have the ability to support collagen structures and to allow red blood cells to penetrate into the microcapillary system, while not allowing fluids to pass out of the capillary wall, thus preventing edema.(26) Quercetin may prevent the release of inflammation mediators through its scavenging of free radicals.

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