European Chestnut: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is a tree. The fruit (chestnut) can be roasted and eaten as food. The leaves and bark are used in medicine.

European chestnut contains chemicals called tannins and flavonoids that might help reduce skin swelling and kill bacteria.

People use European chestnut for bronchitis, diarrhea, nausea, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for European Chestnut overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: European chestnut fruit (chestnut) is possibly safe when eaten as a food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if the fruit, leaf, or bark are safe when used in larger amounts as medicine or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if European chestnut is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for European Chestnut overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of European chestnut might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Weiner MA, Weiner JA. Herbs that heal: prescription for herbal healing. Mill Valley, CA:Quantum Books, 1999.

Basile, A., Sorbo, S., Giordano, S., Ricciardi, L., Ferrara, S., Montesano, D., Castaldo, Cobianchi R., Vuotto, M. L., and Ferrara, L. Antibacterial and allelopathic activity of extract from Castanea sativa leaves. Fitoterapia 2000;71 Suppl 1:S110-S116.

Quave CL, Lyles JT, Kavanaugh JS, et al. Castanea sativa (European chestnut) leaf extracts rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives block Staphylococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0136486.

Almeida IF, Valentão P, Andrade PB, et al. In vivo skin irritation potential of a Castanea sativa (Chestnut) leaf extract, a putative natural antioxidant for topical application. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008;103(5):461-7.

Brizi C, Santulli C, Micucci M, et al. Neuroprotective effects of Castanea sativa Mill. bark extract in human neuroblastoma cells subjected to oxidative stress. J Cell Biochem. 2016;117(2):510-20.

Almeida IF, Pinto AS, Monteiro C, et al. Protective effect of C. sativa leaf extract against UV mediated-DNA damage in a human keratinocyte cell line. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2015;144:28-34.

Adamczyk B, Simon J, Kitunen V, Adamczyk S, Smolander A. Tannins and their complex interaction with different organic nitrogen compounds and enzymes: old paradigms versus recent advances. ChemistryOpen. 2017;6(5):610-614.

McRae JM, Kennedy JA. Wine and grape tannin interactions with salivary proteins and their impact on astringency: a review of current research. Molecules. 2011;16(3):2348-64.

Micucci M, Budriesi R, Aldini R, et al. Castanea sativa Mill. bark extract cardiovascular effects in a rat model of high-fat diet. Phytother Res. 2021 Apr;35(4):2145-56.

Piazza S, Martinelli G, Fumagalli M, et al. Ellagitannins from Castanea sativa Mill. Leaf Extracts Impair H. pylori Viability and Infection-Induced Inflammation in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells. Nutrients 2023;15(6):1504.

Pinto D, López-Yerena A, Almeida A, et al. Metabolomic insights into phenolics-rich chestnut shells extract as a nutraceutical ingredient - A comprehensive evaluation of its impacts on oxidative stress biomarkers by an in-vivo study. Food Res Int 2023;170:112963.

Pinto D, Almeida A, López-Yerena A, et al. Appraisal of a new potential antioxidants-rich nutraceutical ingredient from chestnut shells through in-vivo assays - A targeted metabolomic approach in phenolic compounds. Food Chem 2023;404(Pt A):134546.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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