Venous Insufficiency: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Venous insufficiency is a common condition characterized by the veins' inability to effectively return blood from the lower limbs to the heart. It is often linked to deterioration of the venous walls and failure of the valves, which are responsible for the direction of blood flow. This condition, which progresses chronically, is common in industrialized countries and particularly affects women, with prevalence increasing with age.

Pathophysiology

Venous insufficiency is characterized by venous wall distension due to a loss of tone, leading to incontinence of the venous valves. As a result, blood stagnates in the veins, causing venous hypertension which in turn leads to capillary hyperpermeability. This results in water retention, the formation of edema, and the occurrence of pain in the lower limbs. The venous system of the lower limbs includes a superficial venous network and a deep venous network, connected by perforator veins. When venous insufficiency occurs, pressure in the veins increases when standing still, which worsens venous stasis and can lead to severe complications such as venous ulcers.

Risk Factors

The main risk factors for venous insufficiency include: 9 Heredity: Family history of varicose veins significantly increases the risk of developing venous insufficiency. 9 Hormones: Estrogens, especially in high doses, increase vasodilation and alter capillary permeability, while progestins reduce venous tone. 9 Age: The risk increases with age, especially after the age of 70. 9 Obesity: Excess weight is an aggravating factor, particularly in women, as it decreases the effectiveness of the muscle pump and alters venous return. 9 Sedentariness and prolonged positions: Prolonged sitting or standing without movement exacerbates venous stasis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of venous insufficiency vary according to the severity of the disease and may include: 9 Feeling of heaviness in the legs 9 Pain, cramps, and tingling 9 Edema, particularly around the ankles 9 Appearance of visible varicose veins or reticular veins 9 Venous ulcers in the most advanced cases

Treatments

Venous Compression Venous compression is considered the basic therapy for chronic venous insufficiency. This treatment involves wearing compression stockings or tights that apply pressure to the legs, promoting venous return and reducing symptoms such as pain and edema. There are different classes of compression depending on the exerted pressure, suitable for the severity of venous insufficiency. Venotonics Venotonics are medications used to improve the tone of venous walls and reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency. They are often prescribed as courses lasting several weeks or months and may be combined with topical treatments (gels, sprays) applied to the affected areas to enhance their effectiveness. Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is a technique used to treat small varices and reticular veins. It involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the affected vein. This technique is particularly useful for superficial varices. Surgery For more advanced cases, where varices are too large to be treated by sclerotherapy, surgical intervention may be necessary. Vein stripping, which entails removing damaged veins, is one of the options. Other techniques include radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser therapy, which destroy the diseased vein without major incisions.

Plants

Treatment of venous insufficiency can be strengthened by using plants with venotonic, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective properties. Among the most studied and used plants: Red Vine (Vitis vinifera) Red vine is rich in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which strengthen venous walls, reduce edema, and improve microcirculation. It is often used in the form of standardized extracts. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) Horse chestnut contains aescin, a triterpenic compound that reduces capillary permeability, limits edema, and improves venous return. Aescin also acts as an anti-inflammatory and vascular protector. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) Rich in saponins and triterpenoids, Centella asiatica improves capillary permeability and strengthens venous wall resistance. It is particularly effective for promoting healing of venous ulcers and reducing inflammation. Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that promote blood circulation, reduce platelet aggregation, and improve tissue oxygenation. It is used to prevent thrombosis and treat chronic circulatory disorders. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Witch hazel is a plant with astringent and venotonic properties, thanks to its tannins. It is often used topically to soothe pain and reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Grape Seed ExtractGrape seed proanthocyanidins possess powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. They protect vessel walls against free radicals and improve their elasticity. Pycnogenol (maritime pine bark extract)Pycnogenol is rich in proanthocyanidins and has anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties. It reduces edema and improves vascular function, particularly in chronic venous insufficiency cases. Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)Butcher's broom contains ruscogenins, compounds that stimulate venous wall contraction and reduce edema. It is particularly indicated for heavy legs and venous pain. These plants can be used in the form of teas, capsules, standardized extracts, or topical creams, in combination with healthy lifestyle habits (regular exercise, venous compression, balanced diet). Studies have shown that a combination of natural and medical approaches significantly improves symptoms and patients' quality of life.