β-Aescin is a triterpenoid saponin that has been found in A. hippocastanum and has diverse biological activities.1,2,3,4 It inhibits the proliferation of QBC939, SK-ChA-1, and Mz-ChA-1 cholangiocarcinoma cells (IC50s = 34.06, 33.3, and 22.1 µM, respectively).1 β-Aescin inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection in Vero cells (EC50s = 1.9-2.4 µg/ml).2 It increases contraction tension in isolated dog saphenous vein strips in a concentration-dependent manner.3 β-Aescin (10 mg/kg) reduces brain edema in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.4
1.Shen, D.-Y., Kang, J.-H., Song, W., et al.Apoptosis of human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines induced by β-escin through mitochondrial caspase-dependent pathwayPhytother. Res.25(10)1519-1526(2011) 2.Michelini, F.M., AlchÉ, L.E., and Bueno, C.A.Virucidal, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of β-escin and Aesculus hippocastanum extractJ. Pharm. Pharmacol.70(11)1561-1571(2018) 3.Yu, Z., and Su, P.Effect of β-aescin extract from Chinese buckeye seed on chronic venous insufficiencyPharmazie68(6)428-430(2013) 4.Xiao, G., and Wei, J.Effects of β-aescin on the expression of nuclear factor-κβ and tumor necrosis factor-α after traumatic brain injury in ratsJ. Zhejiang. Univ. Sci. B.6(1)28-32(2005)