The seeds of horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L., Hippocastanaceae) have been used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world to treat chronic venous insufficiency. Many experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that A. hippocastanum extracts increase venous tonus. This activity is attributed to a mixture of saponins (aescin). In this study, samples of A. hippocastanum obtained from herbal shops, pharmacies and drug stores were analyzed and their authenticity (organoleptic properties, macroscopy and microscopy characterization), purity (determination of foreign matter, water and ashes) and content of aescin were determined. The analyses confirmed the authenticity and purity of all samples, however the content of aescin showed variation in all analysed sample and was out of the specification for each one. Although, A. hippocastanum has been widely used in other countries with proven efficacy, the results of the present study showed that the available Brazilian products do not meet the standarts for use as a therapeutic agent.
Aesculus hippocastanum; Hippocastanaceae; horse-chestnut; quality
