Centella asiatica (Gotu kola)
Numerous studies
have been performed using the extract
of Gotu kola. Gotu kola is useful
in treating varicose veins. Extracts of the triterpenoid
compounds in Gotu kola have been
shown to improve connective tissue
integrity, elevate anti-oxidant
levels in the vessels, and improve
capillary permeability. Gotu kola
has been proven in studies to
effectively regulate the metabolism in the
connective tissue of the vascular
walls, leading to an increase in integrity and
strength. [8]
In one particular double-blind
study, patients supplemented a
titrated extract of Centella
asiatica (TECA) for two months. This resulted in an improvement in
symptoms such as lower limb
heaviness, edema, and patient
satisfaction. These results were
further substantiated by overall
improvements in venous tone. [9] In another study, extracts of Gotu
kola reduced capillary filtration
rate in comparison to placebo,
resulting in less reported edema
and improvement in pain symptoms. [10]
Aesculus
hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
The seeds of Horse
chestnut contain a compound called
escin. Escin possesses anti-edema
and anti-inflammatory properties. It has
also been shown to reduce the
permeability of capillaries,
increase tone, and inhibit an
enzyme that breaks down the
connective tissue matrix of the
vessel wall. In study, Escin increased venous tone
comparable to the use of
compression stockings.
In another clinical
trial, supplementation with Escin
for 12 weeks resulted in a decrease in edema
by over 25%; results that were
significantly better compared to
compression stockings. [11]
Research has also been done to
compare escin to synthetic flavonoids,
concerning its ability to reduce
the inflammation and permeability of
vessels. Escin was found to be
comparable to synthetic flavonoids.
It effectively reduced capillary
permeability, increased tone, and
decreased inflammation.[12]
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's broom)
Butcher's broom is
known for its anti-inflammatory
and vasoconstrictive effects. Its vasoconstrictive activity is via
adrenergic receptors located
within the vessel
wall. [13]
It is effective at increasing tone
in varicose veins via its vasoconstrictive property, as well
as being a potent astringent.
In a study using an
extract of Ruscus, combined with a flavonoid
and ascorbic acid, an immediate
change in venous tone was noted
after 45-60 minutes. [14]
In another study using a
standardized extract known as Cyclo 3, patients reported a
decrease in the severity of
varicosities and symptoms compared
to placebo. [15]
Flavonoids
Flavonoids have
been thoroughly studied for their
use as a treatment for varicose
veins. Flavonoids are able to
reduce capillary fragility,
increase venous wall integrity,
increase venous tone, and inhibit
breakdowns of the connective tissue
matrix in the wall of the vessel. One mechanism for this protective
effect is that flavonoids modulate
white blood cell adhesion to the
vessel wall and prevent damage to
the inner lining. If this damage
would occur, small holes in the
wall would result, thereby causing leakage
of fluid. [16]
Many studies have
compared the effectiveness of
combining a flavonoid with a
botanical extract to treat
varicose veins. Flavonoids have
shown such benefit, that several
preparations can now be obtained with
a botanical
extract and flavonoid already
combined. [12,
14]
Antioxidants
Anti-oxidants
should be a part of any treatment
regimen for varicose veins. It is
believed that free radicals cause
a significant amount of damage to
the vessel wall, enabling the
integrity to be compromised. In
one study, the levels of
anti-oxidants, specifically
Vitamins A and E, were found to be
deficient in individuals with
varicose veins. [17] Vitamin C has been used as a
component in several synthetic
compounds to treat varicose veins, because of its
associated anti-oxidant
properties. [12,
14]
|
Learn More About
Varicose veins |
