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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 X Carnea Flower is a non-standardized food allergenic extract used primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of specific hypersensitivity reactions. It belongs to the class of allergenic extracts used for skin testing and immunotherapy.
Name
Aesculus X Carnea Flower
Raw Name
AESCULUS X CARNEA FLOWER
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
3
Variant Count
3
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Aesculus X Carnea Flower
Aesculus X Carnea Flower is a non-standardized food allergenic extract used primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of specific hypersensitivity reactions. It belongs to the class of allergenic extracts used for skin testing and immunotherapy.
Detailed information about Aesculus X 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 X Carnea Flower.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower, commonly known as the Red Horse Chestnut, is a hybrid deciduous tree resulting from a cross between Aesculus hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut) and Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye). In a clinical and pharmacological context, Aesculus X Carnea Flower is classified as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. This classification indicates that the extract is used by allergists and immunologists to diagnose or treat Type I hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) through skin testing or allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Aesculus X Carnea Flower belongs to a class of drugs called allergenic extracts. These substances are biological products derived from natural sources—in this case, the reproductive structures of the Red Horse Chestnut tree. Unlike 'standardized' extracts, which have a fixed potency measured in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU), non-standardized extracts like Aesculus X Carnea are prepared according to traditional manufacturing methods where the potency is expressed in terms of weight-to-volume (w/v) or Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU). The FDA approval history for these extracts dates back several decades, with many being grandfathered into the modern regulatory framework under the Biologics Control Act, though they remain subject to rigorous safety and purity standards.
The mechanism of action for Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract depends on its clinical application: diagnostic testing or therapeutic immunotherapy. At the molecular level, the extract contains specific proteins (allergens) that are recognized by the immune system of sensitized individuals.
When used for skin prick testing (SPT) or intradermal testing, the extract is introduced into the epidermis or dermis. In a sensitized patient, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are already bound to the surface of mast cells and basophils. When the Aesculus X Carnea allergens bridge these IgE molecules, it triggers a process called degranulation. This release of inflammatory mediators—most notably histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins—causes local vasodilation (redness) and increased capillary permeability (swelling), resulting in the classic 'wheal and flare' reaction. This allows the healthcare provider to confirm the presence of a specific allergy.
When used in subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), the extract is administered in gradually increasing doses. The goal is to induce 'immunological tolerance.' This involves a complex shift in the immune system from a Th2-dominated response (which promotes IgE production) to a Th1-dominated response. It also stimulates the production of 'blocking antibodies' (IgG4) and the activity of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Over time, this reduces the patient's sensitivity to the allergen, mitigating symptoms upon natural exposure.
Traditional pharmacokinetic parameters (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) are difficult to apply to allergenic extracts because they are complex mixtures of proteins rather than single chemical entities.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract is primarily indicated for:
Off-label, some clinicians may use these extracts in specialized research protocols to study cross-reactivity between different species of the Aesculus genus.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower is typically available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Aesculus X Carnea Flower is right for your specific condition. The use of allergenic extracts must be conducted under the supervision of a physician trained in the management of anaphylaxis.
Dosage for Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergist based on the patient's sensitivity levels.
Immunotherapy follows a two-phase schedule:
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract may be used in children, generally starting at age 5. The dosing logic is similar to adults (weight-based dosing is not typically used for allergenic extracts), but the physician may choose a more conservative build-up schedule to monitor for systemic reactions. Safety and efficacy in children under the age of 5 have not been extensively established.
No specific dosage adjustments are provided in the manufacturer labeling for patients with renal impairment. However, since systemic absorption is low, significant accumulation is unlikely. Caution is advised in patients with severe renal disease who may have a reduced ability to clear the inflammatory mediators released during a potential systemic reaction.
No dosage adjustments are required for hepatic impairment. The metabolism of the protein components occurs via general proteolytic pathways throughout the body, not solely in the liver.
Elderly patients (over 65) should be evaluated for cardiovascular stability before starting immunotherapy. If a systemic reaction occurs, the use of epinephrine may pose a higher risk in patients with pre-existing heart disease.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract is NOT for self-administration. It must be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting equipped to handle emergency reactions.
In immunotherapy, consistency is vital. If a dose is missed:
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts usually refers to an injection of a concentration higher than the patient's current tolerance level.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Most patients undergoing skin testing or immunotherapy with Aesculus X Carnea Flower will experience local reactions. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
> Warning: Stop taking Aesculus X Carnea Flower and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract when used as directed. Because it is a biological protein extract, it does not accumulate in organs like synthetic drugs. The primary long-term consideration is the successful modulation of the immune system, which is the intended therapeutic effect. However, repeated injections in the same site over years can occasionally cause localized thickening of the skin (lichenification).
Aesculus X Carnea Flower, like all allergenic extracts, carries a significant warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions.
FDA-Style Warning Summary:
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract is a potent biological agent. Its use requires a careful balance between the benefit of allergy relief and the risk of induced allergic reactions. Patients must be fully informed of the signs of anaphylaxis and must have access to emergency care during and immediately after administration.
No FDA black box warnings for Aesculus X Carnea Flower specifically exist as a unique entity, but it falls under the General Class Warning for Allergenic Extracts. The class warning states that allergenic extracts can cause severe systemic reactions, including death. Treatment should only be initiated by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Most patients can drive after the 30-minute observation period. However, if a patient experiences significant fatigue or lightheadedness (a rare side effect), they should avoid operating machinery until the symptoms resolve.
Alcohol should be avoided on the day of an allergy injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation, which may theoretically increase the rate of absorption of the allergen from the injection site, potentially increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy is typically discontinued if:
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Aesculus X Carnea Flower.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients allergic to Aesculus X Carnea Flower may also react to:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Aesculus X Carnea Flower.
It is not known whether the protein components of Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract are excreted in human milk. However, because these are large proteins that are digested in the gastrointestinal tract, they are unlikely to affect a nursing infant. The primary concern is the mother's safety; if she has a systemic reaction, the medications used to treat it (like high-dose antihistamines) might temporarily affect milk supply.
No specific studies have been conducted. Given the nature of the product (biological proteins), renal impairment is not expected to significantly alter the safety profile, provided the patient is hemodynamically stable.
No dosage adjustments are required. The liver is not the primary site of action or clearance for these allergenic proteins.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract acts as an exogenous antigen. In diagnostic use, it cross-links IgE on mast cells, causing the release of histamine. In therapeutic use, it induces 'desensitization.' This involves increasing the production of IL-10 and TGF-beta by regulatory T-cells, which suppresses the allergic Th2 response. It also induces B-cells to switch from producing IgE to producing IgG4, which acts as a 'decoy' or 'blocking' antibody, intercepting the allergen before it can reach the mast cells.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal in systemic circulation |
| Half-life | Variable (hours for proteins, years for immune memory) |
| Tmax | 1–2 hours (systemic absorption of proteins) |
| Metabolism | Proteolysis by tissue enzymes |
| Excretion | Renal (as small peptides/amino acids) |
Aesculus X Carnea Flower is a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. Related medications include extracts of Aesculus hippocastanum and other tree pollens used in allergy clinics.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Aesculus X Carnea Flower
Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract is primarily used by medical specialists to diagnose and treat allergies to the Red Horse Chestnut tree. In a diagnostic setting, it is applied during skin prick testing to see if a patient develops a localized allergic reaction. If an allergy is confirmed, the extract can be used in 'allergy shots' (immunotherapy) to gradually desensitize the patient's immune system. This process helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma over time. It is not a medication used for immediate symptom relief like an antihistamine, but rather a long-term treatment for the underlying cause of the allergy.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site where the extract was injected or applied to the skin. These typically include redness, itching, and a raised bump or swelling (wheal) similar to a mosquito bite. These reactions usually appear within minutes and fade within a few hours, though some can last for a day or two. Some patients may also experience mild tiredness or a slight increase in their typical allergy symptoms shortly after treatment. Because these are expected immune responses, they are generally not a cause for alarm unless the swelling becomes very large, exceeding the size of a small orange.
It is strongly recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol on the days you receive an injection of Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate (widen), which can speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream. This increased absorption rate can raise the risk of a systemic or 'whole-body' allergic reaction, which can be dangerous. Additionally, alcohol can make it harder for you to notice early warning signs of a reaction, such as feeling flushed or lightheaded. Always wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol to ensure your safety.
The safety of Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract during pregnancy has not been fully established, and it is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Most allergists will not start a new course of immunotherapy while a patient is pregnant due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which could reduce oxygen flow to the baby. However, if a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose and is tolerating the injections well, the doctor may choose to continue the treatment. The dose is usually kept the same or slightly reduced, but never increased during pregnancy. You must inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant while receiving these injections.
For diagnostic purposes, the extract works almost immediately, producing a skin reaction within 15 to 20 minutes. However, when used as a treatment (immunotherapy), it takes much longer to see a clinical benefit. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms after 6 months to a year of consistent injections. The full effect is usually reached after the patient has been on a 'maintenance dose' for several months. A complete course of treatment typically lasts between 3 and 5 years to ensure the immune system remains desensitized long after the injections are stopped.
Yes, you can stop receiving Aesculus X Carnea Flower injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms like you might with some other medications. However, stopping the treatment prematurely—especially during the first year or two—usually means that your allergy symptoms will eventually return to their original severity. Immunotherapy requires a long-term commitment to permanently change the way your immune system reacts to the Red Horse Chestnut. If you need to stop due to side effects or life changes, discuss a plan with your doctor to see if an alternative treatment is available.
If you miss a scheduled allergy shot, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to 'make up' the dose by taking a higher amount later. If you only miss a week or two, your doctor may give you your usual dose. However, if you miss several weeks, your immune system's tolerance may have dropped, and your doctor will likely need to reduce the dose for your next few visits to ensure you don't have a reaction. Consistency is the most important factor in making the treatment effective and safe.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Aesculus X Carnea Flower extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of natural proteins and glycerin, and it is administered in very small amounts that do not affect your metabolism or appetite. Unlike systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone), which are sometimes used to treat severe allergies and are known to cause weight gain, allergenic extracts work specifically on the immune system's response to a single trigger. If you experience weight changes while on this treatment, it is likely due to other factors and should be discussed with your primary care physician.
Aesculus X Carnea Flower can be taken with many common medications, but there are some critical exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (often used for blood pressure or heart issues), as these can make an allergic reaction more severe and prevent emergency treatments like epinephrine from working. Other medications like ACE inhibitors and MAO inhibitors also require close monitoring. While you can take antihistamines, you must stop them several days before a skin test because they can block the reaction and lead to an incorrect diagnosis. Always provide your allergist with a full list of your current medications.
The concept of 'generic' drugs doesn't apply to allergenic extracts in the same way it does to pills. Aesculus X Carnea Flower is a biological product, and different manufacturers may produce their own versions of the extract. While they all contain the same basic proteins from the Red Horse Chestnut flower, they are 'non-standardized,' meaning the exact potency can vary between different brands. For this reason, allergists prefer not to switch between different manufacturers' vials once a patient has started treatment. If a switch is necessary, the doctor will usually reduce the dose significantly to ensure the patient's safety with the new vial.