panthrax
05-01-2007, 07:35 AM
There are four herbs specifically recognized for support to the venous system. These are bilberry, gotu kola, horse chestnut seed extract, and butcher’s broom. These herbs can be found alone and in various combinations for proper circulation, the elimination of hemorrhoidal aggravation, and healthy veins in the legs. Gotu kola and bilberry are widely known and have demonstrated a number of additional health benefits. Horse chestnut and butcher’s broom are used solely for their effectiveness in the treatment of vascular problems.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus): Also called European blueberry, bilberry is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties, and is particularly effective for eye disorders. It is a bioflavonoid (anthocyanocide or proanthocyanidin, PCO, type) with active ingredients similar to those found in grapes (Vitis vinifera) and black currants (Ribes nigum) which are also in the Vaccinium family. Besides its antioxidant action, bilberry has anti-inflammatory factors, anti-clotting factors, and several properties which result in a collagen-stabilizing effect. (Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, predominately in the connective tissues.) This effect strengthens the veins by restoring the connective tissue sheath which surrounds them. In turn, new capillaries and collagen fibrils are formed. In addition, the capillary permeability and fragility are decreased. Together these functions protect against pain, blood pooling, clotting, and swelling.
Michael Murray, ND, discusses a study in which 47 patients with varicose veins were treated with bilberry extract (480 mg/day). Significant effects were found. Vein function was improved, and swelling and pain were diminished. Besides varicose veins and other venous conditions, bilberry has been used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract. In an action similar to that of ginkgo biloba, bilberry can also be used to enhance blood circulation in the brain. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): Although it is discussed here because of its potential to improve varicose veins and hemorrhoids, the effects of gotu kola are much more broad. It has been used in India for thousands of years, mainly for wound healing and leprosy. In China, it has been named a "miracle elixir of life," a reflection of its reputation for longevity. It has also been used successfully to treat cellulite. It is not related to the kolanut, and, contrary to a common belief, does not contain any caffeine. Research
Gotu kola has no known antioxidant properties. However, it has normalizing effects on connective tissue similar to those of bilberry. The chemical components of gotu kola vary from region to region and country to country. For this reason, most clinical studies have been conducted with active ingredients called triterpenoids. The studies show that gotu kola improves circulation and venous flexibility, lessens edema, and decreases capillary fragility by strengthening the structural sheath which supports the veins. (Better products contain standardized amounts of triterpenoids and state these contents on the label.) FYI: Regarding the treatment of cellulite, Michael Murray, ND, discusses this use in The Healing Power of Herbs (Prima Publishing, 1992). Of several studies cited, approximately 80 percent of participants reported "satisfactory" to "very good" results. In general, results accrued over three months of use. It is thought that gotu kola works by enhancing connective tissue structure and reducing skin hardening. For all conditions, the usual dosage of gotu kola extract is 60-120 mg/day. Research
Horse chestnut (seed) extract (HCE): This herbal extract has been used to promote leg vein circulation in Europe for many years. It protects against and reduces leg swelling and has no known side effects. Although a number of European studies have been completed using HCE, there are two of particular interest here. The first study appeared in a 1996 issue of Lancet. It compared the use of HCE with leg compression stockings. (See "Check Your Vein Health.") There were 240 participants with chronic venous insufficiency in this 12 week study. They were divided into three groups: 1) taking HCE; 2) wearing compression stockings; and 3) the placebo group. The results were measured by lower leg volume. Both the compression stockings and the HCE reduced swelling. The reduction with compression stockings was 56.5, and that with HCE 53.6. The leg volume of those in the placebo group increased by nearly 10 ml. This shows that afflicted persons can get nearly the same results with HCE without the inconvenience of wearing stockings.The second study involved normal adults who took either 50 mg of HCE or a placebo for 10 days prior to an airplane flight. During the flight, the group taking HCE showed significantly less ankle swelling than the placebo group. This demonstrates the usefulness of the supplement to persons who need to be seated for long periods of time.
Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus): The root of this Mediterranean shrub has a long history of use in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Clinical studies indicate effectiveness at doses of 16.5 to 33 mg of an extract of the standardized active ingredient (called ruscogenin). This herbal extract works synergistically with both vitamin C and other bioflavonoids.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus): Also called European blueberry, bilberry is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties, and is particularly effective for eye disorders. It is a bioflavonoid (anthocyanocide or proanthocyanidin, PCO, type) with active ingredients similar to those found in grapes (Vitis vinifera) and black currants (Ribes nigum) which are also in the Vaccinium family. Besides its antioxidant action, bilberry has anti-inflammatory factors, anti-clotting factors, and several properties which result in a collagen-stabilizing effect. (Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, predominately in the connective tissues.) This effect strengthens the veins by restoring the connective tissue sheath which surrounds them. In turn, new capillaries and collagen fibrils are formed. In addition, the capillary permeability and fragility are decreased. Together these functions protect against pain, blood pooling, clotting, and swelling.
Michael Murray, ND, discusses a study in which 47 patients with varicose veins were treated with bilberry extract (480 mg/day). Significant effects were found. Vein function was improved, and swelling and pain were diminished. Besides varicose veins and other venous conditions, bilberry has been used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract. In an action similar to that of ginkgo biloba, bilberry can also be used to enhance blood circulation in the brain. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): Although it is discussed here because of its potential to improve varicose veins and hemorrhoids, the effects of gotu kola are much more broad. It has been used in India for thousands of years, mainly for wound healing and leprosy. In China, it has been named a "miracle elixir of life," a reflection of its reputation for longevity. It has also been used successfully to treat cellulite. It is not related to the kolanut, and, contrary to a common belief, does not contain any caffeine. Research
Gotu kola has no known antioxidant properties. However, it has normalizing effects on connective tissue similar to those of bilberry. The chemical components of gotu kola vary from region to region and country to country. For this reason, most clinical studies have been conducted with active ingredients called triterpenoids. The studies show that gotu kola improves circulation and venous flexibility, lessens edema, and decreases capillary fragility by strengthening the structural sheath which supports the veins. (Better products contain standardized amounts of triterpenoids and state these contents on the label.) FYI: Regarding the treatment of cellulite, Michael Murray, ND, discusses this use in The Healing Power of Herbs (Prima Publishing, 1992). Of several studies cited, approximately 80 percent of participants reported "satisfactory" to "very good" results. In general, results accrued over three months of use. It is thought that gotu kola works by enhancing connective tissue structure and reducing skin hardening. For all conditions, the usual dosage of gotu kola extract is 60-120 mg/day. Research
Horse chestnut (seed) extract (HCE): This herbal extract has been used to promote leg vein circulation in Europe for many years. It protects against and reduces leg swelling and has no known side effects. Although a number of European studies have been completed using HCE, there are two of particular interest here. The first study appeared in a 1996 issue of Lancet. It compared the use of HCE with leg compression stockings. (See "Check Your Vein Health.") There were 240 participants with chronic venous insufficiency in this 12 week study. They were divided into three groups: 1) taking HCE; 2) wearing compression stockings; and 3) the placebo group. The results were measured by lower leg volume. Both the compression stockings and the HCE reduced swelling. The reduction with compression stockings was 56.5, and that with HCE 53.6. The leg volume of those in the placebo group increased by nearly 10 ml. This shows that afflicted persons can get nearly the same results with HCE without the inconvenience of wearing stockings.The second study involved normal adults who took either 50 mg of HCE or a placebo for 10 days prior to an airplane flight. During the flight, the group taking HCE showed significantly less ankle swelling than the placebo group. This demonstrates the usefulness of the supplement to persons who need to be seated for long periods of time.
Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus): The root of this Mediterranean shrub has a long history of use in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Clinical studies indicate effectiveness at doses of 16.5 to 33 mg of an extract of the standardized active ingredient (called ruscogenin). This herbal extract works synergistically with both vitamin C and other bioflavonoids.