Venous insufficiency: the most effective dietary supplements

Venous insufficiency is a common condition characterized by the inability of the veins to ensure effective return of blood from the lower limbs to the heart. It is often related to damage to the vein walls and failure of the valves that direct blood flow. This condition, which progresses chronically, is common in industrialized countries and particularly affects women, with a prevalence that increases with age.

Pathophysiology

Venous insufficiency is characterized by distension of the vein walls due to a loss of tone, which leads to incompetence of the venous valves. As a result, blood pools in the veins, causing venous hypertension that in turn leads to increased capillary permeability. This results in water retention, the formation of edema, and the appearance 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. In venous insufficiency, pressure in the veins increases when standing still, which worsens venous stasis and can lead to serious complications such as venous ulcers.

Risk factors

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

Symptoms

The symptoms of venous insufficiency vary depending on the severity of the disease and may include: • A feeling of heaviness in the legs • Pain, cramps, and tingling • Edema, especially around the ankles • The appearance of spider veins or visible varicose veins • Venous ulcers in more advanced cases

Treatments

Compression therapy Compression therapy is considered the basic treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. This treatment involves wearing compression stockings or tights that apply pressure to the legs, thereby promoting venous return and reducing symptoms such as pain and edema. There are different compression classes depending on the pressure applied, adapted to the severity of the venous insufficiency. Venoactive drugs Venoactive drugs are medications used to improve the tone of the vein walls and reduce the symptoms of venous insufficiency. They are often prescribed in 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 varicose veins and spider veins. It consists of injecting a sclerosing agent into the affected vein. This technique is particularly useful for superficial varicose veins. Surgery For more advanced cases, where varicose veins are too large to be treated by sclerotherapy, surgical intervention may be necessary. Vein stripping, which involves removing the damaged veins, is one option. Other techniques include radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser, which destroy the diseased vein without major incisions.

Plants

The treatment of venous insufficiency can be reinforced by the use of plants with venoactive, anti-inflammatory and vaso-protective properties. Among the most studied and used plants: Red vine (Vitis vinifera) Red vine is rich in flavonoids, notably anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which strengthen vein 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 triterpenoid 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 the resistance of vein walls. It is particularly effective for promoting the 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 venoactive properties due to its tannins. It is often used topically to soothe pain and reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Grape seed extractGrape seed proanthocyanidins have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 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 venoactive properties. It reduces edema and improves vascular function, particularly in cases of chronic venous insufficiency. Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus)Butcher's broom contains ruscogenins, compounds that stimulate contraction of the vein walls and reduce edema. It is particularly indicated for heavy legs and venous pain. These plants can be used as teas, capsules, standardized extracts or topical creams, in combination with healthy lifestyle habits (regular exercise, compression therapy, a balanced diet). Studies have shown that a combination of natural and medical approaches significantly improves symptoms and patients' quality of life.