Horse chestnut seed extract (Venastat) and diosmin/flavinoids (Vasculera) may help partially compensate for your venous insufficiency by stabilizing enzymes that contribute to swelling. Wearing compression stockings is also a good idea in your situation. I am not aware that grape seed extract has been proven to help. However, I strongly suggest more easily correctable superficial vein problems are ruled out.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I have not seen grape seed extract or horse chestnut alone improve symptoms. Compression and regular exercise of the muscles of the legs is helpful.
I would expect that the deep vein insufficiency was diagnosed with venous ultrasound. The visible spider veins may be the result of peripheral venous insufficiency. This could be diagnosed with a follow up venous ultrasound. If peripheral venous insufficiency is found, then correcting this could improve symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

These supplements can help with pain and/or swelling of venous disease. They do not prevent the progression. I would get a second opinion on the reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

How exactly these venotonics work is not totally understood but they will help the symptoms of venous disease, leg pain and swelling and aching and heaviness. They do not cure vein disease but they seem to help the symptoms. These include no cronies flavonoids like Daflon 500 and Vasculera

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Doubtful but worth a try.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The herbal supplements that you mention theoretically work by giving the veins a little more tone. Thus preventing the veins from freely dilating when they are refluxing. Unfortunately, there is no data showing that these extracts do anything but possibly provide a little symptomatic relief. They definitely do not cure or prevent the progression of your vein issues. Properly treating your vein issues is the only way to alleviate your vein symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is pretty good evidence that Diosmin a citrus extract help with swelling and symptoms of venous insufficiency. The grape seed extract and horse chestnut have not been that effective . Horse chestnut extract can be tough on the stomach. [ cause GI upset] .
None of the supplement have been shown to slow down or prevent venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many therapies to help with the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Wearing compression stockings is the main stay treatment. Additionally, there are medications like horse chestnut seed extract and diosmin. They can be prescribed as Venastat and Vasculera.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I over the past year I'have been prescribing Vasculera, a recently FDA approved prescription supplement to symptomatic patients who weren't candidates for the procedures I perform, that would include reflux in the deep system. There is objective evidence for improvement in swelling, and many of my patients have requested refills.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many supplements for vein health including horse chestnut, grapeseed extract, diosmin, escin and certain berries. Although these are purported to increase venous tone and contractility, there is no guarantee that these will help. You certainly can try them but, better still, exercise, wear support hose when you can and keep trim.

Published on Jul 11, 2012