Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of the anti-edematous agent escin lysinate

Edema is a typical pathological process that complicates a wide spectrum of disorders and conditions. Edema management is necessary to restore normal tissue perfusion and nutrient supply, prevent secondary injury and complications, relieve pain, and improve patient overall well-being. This article reviews the mechanisms of anti-edematous activity of escin, a triterpene saponin, in edema of different origins and locations. Escin inhibits hydrolytics enzymes, prevents the induction of cell adhesion molecules, downregulates pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, supports intercellular junction integrity, ameliorates endothelial cell damage and dysfunction. Experimental and clinical studies have found escin to possess additional anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.