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  Horse Chestnut and Varicose Veins Recently published paper shows the effectiveness of A.Vogel Aesculus A research paper recently published in Advances in Therapy (1) reviews 5 clinical studies using A.Vogel Aesculus products for stage I and II chronic venous insufficiency – the condition which results in varicose veins and lower leg swelling. A.Vogel Aesculus products are made from extracts of fresh horse chestnut seeds and are available as tincture, gel and tablets in two strengths. Chronic venous insufficiency affects 6-10% of the overall population and its prevalence increases with age. Its effects in stage I include swelling of calf and ankles and varicose veins. In stage II there can be skin alterations hardening, irregular deep pigmentation and eczema. Pregnant women are also affected. The five studies were carried out by GPs in Switzerland who recruited and interviewed the patients. There were studies involving each of the four herbal remedies in the A.Vogel Aesculus range and one using the gel and massage with pregnant women. The key findings were: Aesculus tincture  More than 80% of patients and physicians rated as effective, with very good tolerabilityAesculus tablets 20mg Decrease in ankle circumference after 2 weeks (no change in placebo group)Aesculus Gel More than 85% of patients and physicians rated
efficacy as moderate or good with reduction in ankle circumference and
total symptom score after 3 weeksAesculus tablets 50mg 81% of patients would use the tablets again. Ankle and lower leg circumference decreasedAesculus Gel and massage in pregnancy Reduction in symptom scores and well tolerated by
pregnant women (Bioforce recommends that Aesculus should only be used
in pregnancy under the direction of a healthcare professional)
Aesculus works quickly with its benefits being felt after just two to three weeks. Horse Chestnut seed contains several important therapeutic constituents, including aescin which has a toning effect on the venous wall, working against the leakage of fluids into the surrounding tissues. It also inhibits the enzymes that break down the vein wall, protecting the vein from further damage. Aesculus can be taken as a preventative measure by those prone to vein problems, for example, during the summer months, or more regularly if varicose veins have already appeared. It is one of the most widely prescribed herbs in Germany, where GPs prescribe it for varicose veins as an alternative to surgery. (1) A Suter, S Bommer, J Rechmer: Treatment of Patients With Venous Insufficiency With Fresh Plant Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: A Review of 5 Clinical Studies Advances in Therapy vol 23 No. 1 |
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