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Dietary supplement

Horse Chestnut 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Horse Chestnut 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for chronic venous insufficiency, leg swelling and heaviness, varicose veins.Based on those ingredients, 122 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains one active ingredient: horse chestnut seed extract at 250 mg per capsule. Horse chestnut has been used to support circulation and leg health, particularly for chronic venous insufficiency (a condition where veins have trouble returning blood from the legs to the heart).

The extract is processed to remove esculin, a naturally occurring compound in the seed that can be toxic at high doses. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: rice flour, vegetable cellulose, and calcium silicate.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports healthy blood vessels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Hemorrhoids, Postoperative swelling, Varicose veins, Leg edema, Venous stasis.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Horse Chestnut is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Horse Chestnut is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hemorrhoids, Postoperative swelling.

Horse chestnut shows possibly effective evidence for chronic venous insufficiency — the research suggests it may help with symptoms like leg swelling and heaviness. For hemorrhoids, kidney stones, and irritable bowel syndrome, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horse Chestnut

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Properly processed horse chestnut seed extract — the kind in this capsule, with the toxic parts removed — is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects reported are dizziness, stomach upset, headache, and itching.

Rare cases of serious effects like heart inflammation and leg cramps have been reported, though they're uncommon. This product is not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

There isn't enough safety information to recommend it during either time, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horse Chestnut

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Horse Chestnut.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 122 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this supplement, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — including warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — because horse chestnut may increase your bleeding risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Horse chestnut may be worth trying if you have chronic venous insufficiency and want to support leg circulation — the evidence suggests it could help. If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet medications, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, because this supplement may increase bleeding risk.

Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Run your medications through our interaction checker below to make sure it's right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 7, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Horse Chestnut 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000164033
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 7, 2019
DSLD ID 184929
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
083000164033
IngredientAmount% DV
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract250 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Silicate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Discover Nature's Answer and trust the Difference... The True Nature of Our Standards goes way beyond the herb...

Discover Nature's Answer

2017 Nature's Answer

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Gluten Free

General Statements

Since 1972 Supports Healthy Blood Vessels

Formula

Aesculus hippocastanum

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegan

Gluten-Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule twice a day with food or water.

Precautions

Warning: Keep Out of Reach of Children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking any medications, planning any medical procedure or have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare practitioner before use.

General

18403 Rev. 217

See for yourself

Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

250 mg per serving Form: Esein

Horse chestnut seed extract is most often used for chronic venous insufficiency, where standardized products may help reduce leg swelling, pain, and h...

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Silicate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Horse Chestnut 250 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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122Drugs
122 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Horse Chestnut 250 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed extract1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Horse chestnut may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Horse chestnut contains the constituent esculin which has been shown to have antithrombotic effects. Therefore, horse chestnut might have antiplatelet effects. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Horse Chestnut 250 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
Street Address
85 Commerce Drive
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Horse Chestnut 250 mg by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horse Chestnut 250 mg has a known interaction with 122 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Horse Chestnut 250 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is horse chestnut safe if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
No — horse chestnut may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Before starting this supplement, confirm it's okay with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or any other medication that thins your blood.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common reported side effects from the processed extract are dizziness, stomach upset, headache, and itching. Serious effects are rare, but have been reported in isolated cases.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No. There isn't enough safety data to recommend horse chestnut in pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering it.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
No. Safety hasn't been established while breastfeeding, so it should be avoided. Discuss alternatives with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does horse chestnut really work for leg swelling?
For chronic venous insufficiency — swelling and heaviness in the legs — the evidence says it's possibly effective. That means some research supports it, but more studies would help confirm how well it works for everyone.
Why is the raw plant toxic but the supplement is okay?
The raw seed contains esculin, a compound that's toxic in high amounts. This supplement uses a properly processed extract with that toxic part removed, which is why it's considered safe for oral use — as long as you're not taking blood thinners.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Horse Chestnut 250 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Horse Chestnut 250 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Horse Chestnut 250 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Horse Chestnut 21 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  5. Greeske K, Pohlmann BK. Horse chestnut seed extract-an effective therapy principle in general practice. Drug therapy of chronic venous insufficiency. Fortschr Med 1996;114:196-200.
  6. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  7. Takegoshi K, Tohyama T, Okuda K, et al. A case of Venoplant-induced hepatic injury. Gastroenterol Jpn 1986;21:62-5.
  8. Jaspersen-Schib R, Theus L, Guirguis-Oeschger M, et al. [Serious plant poisonings in Switzerland 1966-1994. Case analysis from the Swiss Toxicology Information Center]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1996;126:1085-98.
  9. Popp W, Horak F, Jager S, et al. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) pollen: a frequent cause of allergic sensitization in urban children. Allergy 1992;47:380-3.
  10. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7. PubMed
  11. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:507-13. PubMed
  12. Comaish JS, Kersey PJ. Contact dermatitis to extract of horse chestnut (esculin). Contact Dermatitis 1980;6:150-1. PubMed
  13. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PubMed
  14. Ottillinger, B. and Greeske, K. Rational therapy of chronic venous insufficiency--chances and limits of the therapeutic use of horse-chestnut seeds extract. BMC.Cardiovasc.Disord. 2001;1(1):5. PubMed
  15. Pittler, M. H. and Ernst, E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2004;(2):CD003230. PubMed
  16. Fang, Y., Zhao, L., Yan, F., Xia, X., Xu, D., and Cui, X. Escin improves sperm quality in male patients with varicocele-associated infertility. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(3-4):192-196. PubMed
  17. De Smet, P. A., Van den Eertwegh, A. J., Lesterhuis, W., and Stricker, B. H. Hepatotoxicity associated with herbal tablets. BMJ 7-13-1996;313(7049):92.
  18. Rehn, D., Unkauf, M., Klein, P., Jost, V., and Lucker, P. W. Comparative clinical efficacy and tolerability of oxerutins and horse chestnut extract in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46(5):483-487.
  19. Edem E, Kahyaoglu B, Çakar MA. Acute Effusive Pericarditis due to Horse Chestnut Consumption. Am J Case Rep. 2016;17:305-8. PubMed
  20. Costa Santos D, Lérias G, Madruga I. Drug-induced Liver Injury Due to a Horse Chestnut Dietary Supplement. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021;8(3):002389. PubMed
  21. Yi HY, Lee JY. Poisoning due to consumption of horse chestnut seed. Clin Exp Emerg Med 2021;8(4):333-335. PubMed

See these in context on the Horse Chestnut monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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