[On the pharmacodynamics of alpha- and beta-escin after oral application (author's transl)]

Contrary to the almost water insoluble crystalline beta-escinic acid, the water soluble forms of escin -- such as alpha-escinic acid or its salts, Na-b-escinate and the amorphous beta-escinic acid -- are so well absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract that the effects after oral application could be compared with those of the reference substances furosemide, hydrocortisone, acetylsalicylic acid, azapropazone and phenylbutazone. Escin was tested in the stasis edema, cotton-pellet-granuloma, and UV-erythema, i.e., in test models which seem specially suited to characterize the properties of this substance. In these tests which reflect both the prophylactic and the therapeutic treatment escin has proven antiexudative-antiphlogistic effects. They are based on a favorable influence of permeability and diuresis.