Pharmacological Activities of Aesculus hippocastanum and its Bioactive Constituents in Hemostasis: A Mechanistic Review

Abstract

Hemostatic disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and even mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is a growing tendency to develop novel, effective, and safer agents for the management of hemostatic diseases. Current hemostatic agents come with several drawbacks, such as unavoidable adverse effects, instability in oral administration, lack of biodegradability, poor safety profile in long-term uses, and high costs. Therefore, herbal remedies with better safety profiles have become a popular alternative therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of coagulopathies. Aesculus hippocastanum is a commonly found decorative plant with significant medicinal importance. Its various organs contain valuable phytochemicals, and extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of A. hippocastanum-based treatments for venous disorders. This review explores the impact of A. hippocastanum on inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, and the endothelium of blood vessels. Early studies on the pharmacological properties of A. hippocastanum indicate that it is an exceptional astringent and hemostatic medicinal plant. Its main bioactive compounds, including escin, esculetin, kaempferol, quercetin, and (‒)-epicatechin, not only exhibit vasoconstriction effects but also demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and antioxidant properties. A. hippocastanum exerts these effects by modulating targets such as P-selectin, Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, 5HT2A, P2RY1, P2RX1, and cPLA2. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to thoroughly confirm A. hippocastanum’s effectiveness as a hemostatic agent.

Keywords: Aesculus hippocastanum; hemostasis; vascular disorders; platelet; oxidative stress