β-Aescin is a triterpenoid saponin that has been found in A. hippocastanum and has diverse biological activities. It inhibits the proliferation of QBC939, SK-ChA-1, and Mz-ChA-1 cholangiocarcinoma cells (IC50s = 34.06, 33.3, and 22.1 µM, respectively). β-Aescin inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection in Vero cells (EC50s = 1.9-2.4 µg/ml). It increases contraction tension in isolated dog saphenous vein strips in a concentration-dependent manner. β-Aescin (10 mg/kg) reduces brain edema in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.