Herbal Research Laboratories, School of Health, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Middlesex University, Queensway, Enfield, Middlesex, UK.
Int J Cosmet Sci. 1999 Dec;21(6):437-47. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-2494.1999.234192.x.
In addition to the well reported beneficial effects of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) extracts on venous insufficiency and associated conditions, such preparations also have many potential positive pharmacological effects on the skin. Extracts from this species, and in particular, those based on horse chestnut seeds, contain saponins, known collectively as 'aescin', which have a gentle soapy feel, and are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Saponins, such as escin, also reduce capillary fragility, and therefore help to prevent leakage of fluids into surrounding tissues, which can cause swelling. An extract of horse chestnut has recently been shown to have one of the highest 'active-oxygen' scavenging abilities of 65 different plant extracts tested. Such extracts are more powerful anti-oxidants than vitamin E, and also exhibit potent cell-protective effects, which are linked to the well-known anti-ageing properties of anti-oxidants. The extract is also rich in a number of flavonoids, such as derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol. Flavonoids also have protective effects on blood vessels, and are well-known, powerful anti-oxidants.
除了报道中关于欧洲七叶树（Aesculus hippocastanum）提取物对静脉功能不全和相关疾病的有益作用外，此类制剂对皮肤也有许多潜在的积极药理学作用。该物种的提取物，特别是基于马栗种子的提取物，含有皂角苷，统称为“七叶树苷”，具有温和的肥皂感，是有效的抗炎化合物。皂角苷（如七叶树苷）还可以降低毛细血管的脆弱性，从而有助于防止液体漏入周围组织，从而导致肿胀。最近的一项研究表明，欧洲七叶树提取物具有 65 种不同植物提取物中最高的“活性氧”清除能力之一。此类提取物比维生素 E 更具抗氧化能力，并且还表现出有效的细胞保护作用，这与抗氧化剂的众所周知的抗衰老特性有关。该提取物还富含多种类黄酮，如槲皮素和山柰酚的衍生物。类黄酮对血管也有保护作用，是众所周知的强效抗氧化剂。
