Buckeye extract, commonly known as horse chestnut extract, is obtained from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum through ethanol extraction and purification. The primary bioactive compound is aescin (escin), a mixture of triterpene saponins with potent venotonic and anti-edema properties.
Aescin strengthens capillary walls, reduces vascular permeability, and supports healthy venous circulation. The extract also contains flavonoids, coumarins, and proanthocyanidins. It is commercially used in supplements for chronic venous insufficiency, topical circulation creams, and pharmaceutical vein-care preparations.
