Toxicity of escin-triterpene saponins from Aesculus

Abstract Escin has effects on inflammation and is useful for the treatment of varicose veins and cancer. Scientific reports on the toxicity profile of escin are not available. Oral acute toxicity in rats was studied. At 2000 mg/kg, escin was lethal to all animals while at 300 mg/kg no signs of toxicity, changes in body weight, food and water consumption were observed within 14 days. A 28-days oral toxicity study was performed at daily doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of escin. Bodyweight, food, and water intake were not altered. There were neither significant changes in biochemical and hematological parameters nor any histopathological changes in organs after treatment with escin for 28 days. Escin was found to be safe at all selected dose levels in a repeated dose toxicity study.