Comprehensive review of the nutritional composition and health benefits of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds and nuts: A review

Abstract

This review examines the nutritional composition and health benefits of horse chestnut seeds/nuts, emphasizing their diverse properties such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunemodulating, spasmolytic, anticarcinogenic, and neurodepressive effects. Bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids, and phenolic substances, contribute to these therapeutic qualities. Noteworthy constituents aesculin and aescin play key roles. Horse chestnut seeds/nuts find applications in food, animal feed, cosmetics, and toiletries. Indian Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (HCSE), initially pharmaceutical, is gaining recognition for its nutritional value, displaying varying profiles in raw and processed forms, especially in sugar and starch content. Mineral analysis reveals essential elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc. Quantification of phytochemicals, including total phenols, tannins, and flavonoids, underscores their bioactive nature. In Serbia, urban horse chestnut trees are explored for pharmaceutical potential, examining fatty acids, flavonoids, aescin, and heavy metals across 11 genotypes. Dominance of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, and the presence of flavonoids like rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol, with rutin being prominent, are noted. Aescin content displays variability among genotypes, highlighting the diversity in this botanical resource.