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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Aesculus Carnea Flower is a non-standardized food allergenic extract used primarily in diagnostic testing and immunotherapy for hypersensitivity. It belongs to the class of Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts [EPC].
Name
Aesculus Carnea Flower
Raw Name
AESCULUS CARNEA FLOWER
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
7
Variant Count
7
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Aesculus Carnea Flower
Aesculus Carnea Flower is a non-standardized food allergenic extract used primarily in diagnostic testing and immunotherapy for hypersensitivity. It belongs to the class of Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts [EPC].
Detailed information about Aesculus Carnea Flower
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Aesculus Carnea Flower.
Aesculus Carnea Flower, commonly known as the Red Horse Chestnut flower, is a botanical substance utilized in clinical medicine primarily as a non-standardized allergenic extract. It belongs to a pharmacological class known as Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts [EPC]. Unlike standardized extracts, which have a defined potency measured by specific bioassays or protein content, non-standardized extracts are prepared according to traditional manufacturing methods where the exact biological activity may vary between batches.
Botanically, Aesculus × carnea is a hybrid between Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) and Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye). In the context of clinical pharmacology, the flower extract is processed to capture the specific proteins and glycoproteins responsible for triggering immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic responses. The FDA regulates these substances through the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), ensuring that while they are 'non-standardized,' they are manufactured under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Historically, Aesculus Carnea Flower has also been utilized in complementary medicine, most notably as 'Red Chestnut' in Bach Flower therapy. However, from a strictly clinical and regulatory perspective, its primary role in modern medicine is the diagnosis and potential treatment of specific botanical allergies. It is important to note that the FDA approval history for these extracts often dates back decades, falling under the 'Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective' (GRASE) category for allergenic extracts used in skin testing.
The mechanism of action for Aesculus Carnea Flower extract depends entirely on its application: diagnostic or therapeutic. At the molecular level, the extract contains various antigenic proteins. When used for diagnostic skin prick testing (SPT), these proteins are introduced into the epidermis. If a patient is sensitized, specific IgE antibodies bound to the surface of mast cells recognize these proteins. This recognition triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. This results in the characteristic 'wheal and flare' reaction (a raised bump and surrounding redness), which clinicians use to confirm an allergy.
In the context of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), the mechanism is more complex. Repeated, escalating exposure to the Aesculus Carnea Flower antigens aims to induce 'immunological tolerance.' This process involves a shift in the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile (which promotes IgE production) to a Th1-dominated profile. It also stimulates the production of 'blocking antibodies' (IgG4) and the activation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). These cells secrete IL-10 and TGF-beta, which suppress the allergic inflammation and reduce the sensitivity of mast cells and basophils over time.
The traditional pharmacokinetic parameters (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination) for Aesculus Carnea Flower are not established in the same manner as small-molecule synthetic drugs. Because it is a complex mixture of proteins and organic compounds, its 'movement' through the body is governed by immunological processing rather than simple chemical filtration.
Aesculus Carnea Flower extract is primarily indicated for:
Aesculus Carnea Flower is available in several specialized forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Aesculus Carnea Flower is right for your specific condition. Diagnostic testing must always be performed under the supervision of a board-certified allergist.
Dosage for Aesculus Carnea Flower is highly individualized and depends on the specific clinical application. There is no 'standard' dose for non-standardized extracts; instead, the dose is measured in weight/volume (w/v) or protein nitrogen units (PNU).
Aesculus Carnea Flower is generally considered safe for pediatric use when administered by a specialist. However, the following caveats apply:
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with kidney disease, as the extract is not cleared through the kidneys in a way that would cause accumulation of the active proteins.
No adjustments are necessary for patients with liver impairment. However, clinicians should exercise caution if the patient has severe systemic illness related to liver failure.
Elderly patients may have a reduced 'wheal and flare' response during diagnostic testing due to changes in skin elasticity and mast cell density. In immunotherapy, the primary concern is the patient's cardiovascular health and their ability to tolerate a systemic reaction or the administration of epinephrine if needed.
If you miss a scheduled immunotherapy injection, contact your allergist immediately. If the gap between doses is too long (e.g., more than 2 weeks past the scheduled date), the doctor may need to reduce the dose for the next injection to ensure safety and prevent a systemic reaction.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts refers to receiving a concentration higher than the patient's current tolerance level. Signs of an overdose include:
In the event of an accidental overdose or severe reaction, emergency medical services must be contacted immediately. Epinephrine is the primary treatment for systemic reactions.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or attempt to use professional-grade extracts at home without medical guidance.
Most patients receiving Aesculus Carnea Flower extracts will experience some form of local reaction. These are generally considered expected and are not usually a cause for alarm unless they become severe.
> Warning: Stop taking Aesculus Carnea Flower and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms of anaphylaxis:
When used correctly for immunotherapy, Aesculus Carnea Flower is intended to have long-term beneficial effects on the immune system. However, prolonged use of any allergenic extract carries a persistent risk of systemic reactions with each dose. There is no evidence that long-term use causes organ damage, cancer, or chronic autoimmune disease. The primary long-term risk is the development of new sensitivities, though this is rare in controlled clinical settings.
While non-standardized extracts like Aesculus Carnea Flower may not always have a specific individual black box warning, the FDA requires a general warning for all allergenic extracts regarding the risk of Anaphylaxis.
Summary of Warning: This product can cause severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It must only be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage such reactions. Patients with unstable asthma are at a higher risk for fatal outcomes. Patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes following administration.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Even a mild systemic reaction (like a few hives) should be reported, as it may predict a more severe reaction at the next dose.
Aesculus Carnea Flower extract is a potent biological substance. It is not a standard 'medication' but a tool for immune modulation. Because it contains the very proteins a patient may be allergic to, the margin between a therapeutic dose and a dangerous dose can be narrow.
No specific FDA black box warning exists uniquely for Aesculus Carnea Flower, but it falls under the mandatory class warning for all Allergenic Extracts:
> WARNING: Allergenic extracts can cause severe life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Do not inject intravenously. Patients should be observed for at least 30 minutes after receiving an injection. Patients with severe or unstable asthma or those on beta-blockers may be at increased risk for severe reactions and may be less responsive to epinephrine.
Generally, Aesculus Carnea Flower does not cause drowsiness. However, if you experience a systemic reaction or feel lightheaded after an injection, you should not drive until you have been cleared by a medical professional.
Alcohol should be avoided for several hours before and after receiving an allergenic extract. Alcohol increases blood flow to the skin and can accelerate the absorption of the allergen, potentially increasing the risk or severity of a reaction.
Immunotherapy is typically a 3-to-5-year commitment. Stopping treatment early may result in the return of allergy symptoms. If you must stop, no tapering is required, as the substance does not cause physical dependence. However, if you restart after a long break, you must begin again at the lowest possible dose.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Aesculus Carnea Flower, especially any history of heart disease or lung problems.
There are no drugs that are strictly 'contraindicated' in the sense of causing a chemical explosion, but certain medications make the use of Aesculus Carnea Flower extremely dangerous:
For each major interaction, the mechanism is usually pharmacodynamic—the drugs affect the same physiological systems (like the heart or the immune response) rather than interfering with each other's metabolism in the liver.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially those for blood pressure or heart health.
Aesculus Carnea Flower must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
These conditions require a careful risk-benefit analysis by a specialist:
Patients allergic to Aesculus Carnea Flower may also react to:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Aesculus Carnea Flower.
Aesculus Carnea Flower is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C.
It is generally considered safe to continue Aesculus Carnea Flower immunotherapy while breastfeeding. The large protein molecules in the extract are unlikely to pass into breast milk in any significant or bioactive quantity. However, the mother should be monitored closely, as a systemic reaction in the mother could temporarily affect milk production or her ability to care for the infant.
No dosage adjustments are required. The proteins are processed by the immune system and do not rely on renal filtration for their primary action or deactivation.
No adjustments are necessary. Liver function does not significantly impact the pharmacodynamics of allergenic extracts.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often a more conservative dosing approach.
Aesculus Carnea Flower extract acts as a biological ligand. In sensitized individuals, the protein antigens in the extract bind to specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils. This cross-linking of IgE receptors (FcεRI) triggers a signal transduction cascade involving tyrosine kinases (like Syk), leading to the release of pre-formed mediators (histamine) and the synthesis of new mediators (prostaglandins and leukotrienes).
In immunotherapy, the mechanism shifts toward the induction of T-cell anergy and the production of IgG4. IgG4 acts as a 'decoy' or 'blocking' antibody, binding to the Aesculus antigens before they can reach the IgE on mast cells, thereby preventing the allergic cascade.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Local/Lymphatic) |
| Protein Binding | High (to IgE/IgG antibodies) |
| Half-life | Hours (for proteins) to Days (for immune complexes) |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (local absorption) |
| Metabolism | Cellular Proteolysis |
| Excretion | Not clinically established |
Aesculus Carnea Flower is categorized as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. It is related to other botanical extracts such as Aesculus hippocastanum and other tree pollen extracts used in allergy medicine.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Aesculus Carnea Flower
Aesculus Carnea Flower is primarily used in clinical allergy medicine as a diagnostic tool and a treatment for hypersensitivity. In a diagnostic setting, it is applied to the skin to confirm if a patient has a specific allergy to the Red Horse Chestnut tree. In a therapeutic setting, it is used in allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) to gradually desensitize the immune system. This process involves giving increasing doses of the extract to help the body build tolerance. It is also used in highly diluted homeopathic preparations for emotional support, though this use is not FDA-approved for medical conditions.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site of the skin test or injection. These include redness, swelling, and itching, which typically appear within minutes and resolve within a few hours. Some patients may also experience 'delayed' local reactions that appear several hours later and last for a day or two. While these are usually mild, they indicate that the immune system is responding to the extract. Systemic symptoms like sneezing or mild fatigue are less common but can occur. Always report any side effects to your doctor before your next dose.
It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol on the days you receive an Aesculus Carnea Flower injection. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the skin, which may cause the allergenic proteins to be absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly. This increases the risk of a systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Furthermore, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as dizziness or nausea, making it harder to identify an emergency. For your safety, wait at least 24 hours after an injection before consuming alcohol.
Aesculus Carnea Flower is generally not recommended for initiation during pregnancy. The primary concern is not the extract itself, but the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother, which could deprive the developing fetus of oxygen. If a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose of allergy shots, her doctor may choose to continue the treatment at that same dose. However, increasing the dose during pregnancy is typically avoided. Always inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant while receiving this treatment.
For diagnostic purposes, the extract works almost immediately, providing results within 15 to 20 minutes of a skin test. For therapeutic immunotherapy, the process is much slower and requires patience. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms after 6 to 12 months of consistent weekly injections. The full benefit of the treatment is usually reached after 3 to 5 years of maintenance therapy. If no improvement is seen after one year of maintenance, your doctor may re-evaluate the treatment plan.
Yes, you can stop taking Aesculus Carnea Flower suddenly without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, as it is not an addictive substance. However, stopping immunotherapy before the recommended 3-to-5-year course is finished often leads to the return of allergy symptoms. If you miss several doses, you cannot simply restart at your previous dose because your sensitivity may have increased. You must consult your allergist to determine a safe 'restart' dose. Sudden discontinuation of the homeopathic form is also safe and does not require tapering.
If you miss an immunotherapy injection, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to 'double up' on your next dose. Depending on how much time has passed since your last injection, your doctor may need to maintain your current dose or even reduce it for safety. If the gap is longer than four weeks, a significant dose reduction is usually required to prevent a systemic reaction. Regularity is key to the success of the desensitization process.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Aesculus Carnea Flower extract causes weight gain. Unlike oral steroids or certain antidepressants, allergenic extracts do not affect the metabolic rate, appetite, or fat storage in the body. The proteins in the extract are used in such small quantities that they have no caloric impact. If you experience unexpected weight changes while on this treatment, it is likely due to other factors or medications, and you should discuss this with your primary care physician.
Aesculus Carnea Flower can be taken with many medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must inform your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, as these can make allergic reactions more dangerous or harder to treat. Additionally, antihistamines must be stopped several days before skin testing because they will block the test results. Most other medications for chronic conditions like cholesterol or diabetes do not interact with allergenic extracts. Always provide a full list of your medications to your allergist.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' is slightly different for allergenic extracts. Aesculus Carnea Flower is a biological product, and various laboratories may produce their own versions. Because it is a 'non-standardized' extract, one manufacturer's version is not considered identical to another's. While they are not 'generics' in the way ibuprofen is, there are several different suppliers of these extracts. Your allergist will typically stick with one manufacturer's product for the duration of your treatment to ensure consistency in your dosing.