Aesculus hippocastanum L.: A Simple Ornamental Plant or a Source of Compelling Molecules for Industry?

Abstract

Aesculus hippocastanum L., also known as horse chestnut, is an ornamental tree whose seeds are mostly discarded in landfills in the regions where they are grown. However, recent studies have shown that these seeds can be a source of interesting compounds for several industries. This work aimed to chemically characterize horse chestnut seeds at the level of compounds recognized for their wide bioactivity, i.e., organic acids, including phenolic compounds, using chromatographic methodologies (UFLC-DAD and LC-DAD-ESI/MSn). In addition, the bioactivity of these seeds was evaluated by in vitro methodologies, seeking to relate the respective (bio)activity to the compounds present in the endocarp (husk), seed coat (skin), and peeled seed (pulp). The antioxidant activity (lipid peroxidation inhibition and oxidative haemolysis inhibition), antibacterial potential (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and cytotoxicity (in human tumour cell lines and porcine liver primary cells) were evaluated. Kaempferol-O-pentoside-O-hexoside-O-hexoside was the main phenolic identified in the pulp. At the same time, (-)-epicatechin and β-type (epi)catechin dimer were the major phenolics present in husk and skin, respectively. In general, A. hippocastanum extracts presented antioxidant and antibacterial potential, without toxicity up to the maximal tested dose. Overall, these findings anticipate potential applications of A. hippocastanum seeds in food- or pharmaceutical-related uses.

Phenolic-Based Discrimination between Non-Symptomatic and Symptomatic Leaves of Aesculus hippocastanum Infested by Cameraria ohridella and Erysiphe flexuosa

“…In the literature, phenolic compounds have been examined in different parts of A. hippocastanum , e.g., the leaves [ 2 , 27 , 29 ], flowers [ 30 ], fruit pulp, skin, husk [ 4 ], or seed kernels [ 31 ]. The extracts may be useful not only for plant protection against insect invasions in urban and rural environments but also in various industries such as food production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.…”

“…The present results suggest that the first stage of the defense mechanism involved rapid synthesis of phenolic compounds with elevated levels of DPPH (from the third collection period). In the literature, phenolic compounds have been examined in different parts of A. hippocastanum, e.g., the leaves [2,27,29], flowers [30], fruit pulp, skin, husk [4], or seed kernels [31]. The extracts may be useful not only for plant protection against insect invasions in urban and rural environments but also in various industries such as food production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.…”

“…Cultivated as an ornamental tree, it is often found in European cities, towns, parks, and woodlands [ 2 ] and is known as a medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic species [ 3 ]. This plant synthesizes metabolites representing different groups, e.g., secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and coumarins [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] ( Table 1 ). Overall, the highest concentration of chemicals is detected in its seeds, but they are also contained in the fruit, bark, leaves, buds, and embryonic callus tissue [ 6 ].…”

Inhibitory Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A by Aesculus sp. Extracts and Their Toxicity Evaluation

“…A. octandra Marsh., and A. parviflora Walt. (bottlebrush buckeye) [18,19]. The seeds of A. hippocastanum are the most utilized product from these species, being used to alleviate hemorrhoids and varicose veins and to treat a range of circulatory or venous issues, along with addressing post-operative edema and inflammation [20][21][22][23].…”