Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition that affects the proper functioning of veins, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, varicose veins and discomfort in the lower extremities.
While traditional treatments like compression therapy and medications can help manage CVI, many individuals are turning to natural supplements as a complementary approach to alleviate symptoms and support venous health.
Numerous botanicals have been shown to potentially help treat the symptoms of CVI including Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark), Red Vine Leaf Extract, Horse Chestnut Seed, Butcher’s Broom, Gotu Kola and others.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best supplements for chronic venous insufficiency.
1. Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Pycnogenol is a natural extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree.
It has been used for centuries for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that taking pycnogenol can lead to significant improvements in the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
It can help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and even decrease the appearance of varicose veins.
Plus, pycnogenol has been shown to improve overall circulation, which can help prevent complications associated with chronic venous insufficiency, such as blood clots and ulcers.
Clinical studies have shown that it can reduce oedema of the legs in CVI, reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis during long haul flights and enhance the healing of venous ulcers and haemorrhoidal episodes by topical application and/or oral administration. – [1]
A study published in 2000 took forty patients with chronic venous insufficiency and assigned to a treatment with Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract), 100 mg x 3/day or a placebo for 2 months, according to a double-blind experimental design.
The study found:
Pycnogenol treatment induced a significant reduction in subcutaneous edema as well as heaviness and pain in the legs, on both after 30 and 60 days, the evaluation time periods.
Approximately 60% of patients treated with Pycnogenol(R) experienced a complete disappearance of edema (the most rapidly disappearing symptom) and pain at the end of the treatment, while almost all the patients reported a reduction in leg heaviness which disappeared in approximately 33% of patients. – [2]
Pycnogenol significantly improved the legs’ heaviness and subcutaneous edema; the venous pressure was also significantly reduced by the Pycnogenol treatment, thus adding further clinical evidence to its therapeutic efficacy in patients with CVI.
Pycnogenol was effective, probably by either stabilizing the collagenous subendothelial basal membrane or scavenging the free radicals, or by a combination of these activities.
Clinically, capillary leakage, perivascular inflammation and subcutaneous edema were all reduced.
Pycnogenol can be therefore recommended both for prevention and treatment of CVI and related veno-capillary disturbances. – [3]
2. Red Vine Leaf Extract
Red vine leaf (Vitis vinif. fol extra. s. sicc.) extract is another popular venotonic supplement.
Studies have shown Red Vine Leaf extract can help manage some of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
The pharmacological effect of AS195 is attributed mainly to its content in flavonols, such as quercetin glucoside, kaempferol glucoside and quercetin glucuronide; the extract as a whole is considered to be the active ingredient. – [4]
A systematic review published 2020 assessed the effects of AS 195 in patients with CVI.
The systematic review found:
Red vine leaf extract significantly improved numbers of outcomes (lower leg volume, calf and ankle circumference, tired, heavy legs, tingling sensation, pain, the sensation of tension in the legs, cutaneous microcirculation, and transcutaneous oxygen pressure) in only some trials.
Red vine leaf extract had a beneficial therapeutic role in patients with CVI. – [5]
3. Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (HCSE)
Native to Europe, Horse chestnut seed (Aesculus hippocastanum) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency.
It contains active compounds like aescin, shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous and venotonic properties, making it a popular choice for managing CVI symptoms.
Studies have found that horse chestnut seed extract can help reduce leg pain and swelling, improve the appearance of varicose veins, and increase overall circulation in the legs.
In fact, some research suggests that horse chestnut seed extract may be just as effective as compression stockings in managing the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency,
A summary of the evidence on Horse Chestnut Seed Extract for treating chronic venous insufficiency has found:
Based on meta-analyses of RCTs and observational studies, HCSE appears to be an effective and safe treatment for CVI. – [6]
The evidence presented suggests that HCSE is an efficacious and safe short-term treatment for CVI. – [7]
The results of the studies have proven that horse chestnut seed extract not only significantly improves subjective symptoms in patients with chronic venous insufficiency like calf spasm, leg pain, pruritus, fatigue, but it also reduced leg volume, the ankle and calf circumference.
The study was to present the results of the studies that have been conducted so far and that have confirmed the effectiveness of use of horse chestnut seed extract or aescin as the treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. – [8]
4. Butchers Broom
Butcher’s broom, also known as Ruscus aculeatus, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region.
While its spiky leaves and red berries may give it a somewhat intimidating appearance, this plant holds a treasure trove of health benefits for individuals looking to manage chronic venous insufficiency.
The extract from its roots contains compounds such as the steroidal saponins ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, flavonoids, triterpenes and other phytochemicals that are believed to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels, making it a popular natural remedy for CVI.
A multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial published 2002 assessed the efficacy and safety of Butchers Broom extract in women with chronic venous insufficiency.
The study concluded:
Considering the study duration of three months it is concluded, that ruscus extract, in the recommended daily dosage according to the German monograph, is a safe and effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. – [9]
5. Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE)
Vitis vinifera is a flavonoid polyphenolic compound extracted from grape seeds and is commonly known as “Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE).
GSPE is packed with powerful antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, making GSPE a promising natural remedy for a range of health issues.
Various effects of GSPE have been reported, such as the protection of early cerebrovascular injury caused by hypertension, antioxidant activity, reduction of inflammation, inhibition of the progression of diabetic retinopathy, and improvement of vascular elasticity.
A pilot study published 2022 used Four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to objectively assess changes in blood flow velocity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) who underwent stocking treatment alone and stocking combined with Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) treatment.
The study found:
The blood flow velocity on 4D flow MRI was significantly increased in participants who underwent GSPE, highlighting the potential of GSPE for CVI treatment. – [10]
Another study published in 2012 evaluated the effectiveness of the intake of grape seed extract (GSE) on leg swelling in healthy Japanese women while sitting.
The study concluded:
The intake of GSE is a contributing factor in the inhibition of leg swelling in healthy women during prolonged sitting. – [11]
References
[1] Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency and related venous disorders
[2] Pycnogenol (R) in chronic venous insufficiency
[3] PYCNOGENOL in chronic venous insufficiency
[7] Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency
[8] Horse chestnut – efficacy and safety in chronic venous insufficiency: an overview
The information in this article has not been evaluated by the FDA and should not be used to diagnose, cure or treat any disease, implied or otherwise.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes including supplements and herbs.
