This review discusses historical and recent pharmacological and clinical data on the anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic properties of
escin (Reparil®).
Escin, the active component of Aesculus hippocastanum, or horse chestnut, is available as orally absorbable dragées and as a transdermal gel. The anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects of
escin have been studied over many years in pre-clinical models. More recent data confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of
escin in reducing vascular permeability in inflamed tissues, thereby inhibiting
edema formation. The venotonic effects of
escin have been demonstrated primarily by in vitro studies of isolated human saphenous veins. The ability of
escin to prevent
hypoxia-induced disruption to the normal expression and distribution of
platelet endothelial cell-adhesion molecule-1 may help explain its protective effect on blood vessel permeability.
Escin oral dragées and transdermal gel have both demonstrated efficacy in blunt
trauma injuries and in chronic
venous insufficiency. Both oral
escin and the transdermal gel are well tolerated.