The importance of the plant Aesculus hippocastanum L.in phytotherapy

Aesculus hippocastanum L. is an ornamental plant, cultivated in several countries like in Turkey and grown in parks, gardens and streets.As a folk medicine, it is used in the treatment of hemorroids, cough and romatism. Antihemorroidal, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antiobesitic, venotonic and venoprotective activities of the plant have been proven scientifically.In this study, we have reported the botanical and chemical properties of A. hippocastanum as well as its biological activities and usage.Hippocastani semen collected from Trabzon, was investigated for its appropriation of European Pharmacopeia by investigating microscopic and macroscopic properties, total ash and loss on drying tests as well as TLC analysis.The result of total ash test is 3,96% and the result of loss drying test is 8,82%. These results and TLC analysis indicated that the plant sample is appropriate to European Pharmacopeia.