Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Butcher’s Broom | Standardized extract providing 15 to 30 mg ruscogenins three times per day |  [3 stars] Butcher’s broom is a traditional remedy for CVI that has been backed up by clinical trials. |
Flavonoids | 500 mg hydroxyethylrutosides twice per day | [3 stars] Flavonoids strengthen capillaries. A flavonoid derived from rutin, called HR, has been shown to be effective in clearing leg swelling and reducing other CVI symptoms. |
Horse Chestnut | Standardized extract providing 50 mg aescin two to three times per day | [3 stars] Horse chestnut is traditionally used for venous problems, and its effectiveness has been backed up by an extensive overview of clinical trials. |
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) | 150 to 300 mg per day | [3 stars] A controlled study reported that supplementingdaily with Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and reduced associated leg swelling.
|
Proanthocyanidins | 50 to 100 mg two to three times daily | [3 stars] Proanthocyanidins, a group of flavonoids, have been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research. |
Gotu Kola | 60 to 120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract |  [2 stars] Gotu kola extracts have been found to be successful in treating CVI in preliminary trials. |
Red Vine Leaf | 360 to 720 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | [2 stars] In one study, people who took red vine leaf experienced reduced leg heaviness, tension sensation, tingling, pain, and leg swelling. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.