CLINICAL TRIALS

"Herbal therapy in Dermatology"i MK, Shenefelt PD, Arch Dermatol, February 2002;138:232-242.

Summary  Chronic venous insufficiency has been treated with horse chestnut  seed extract, which is known to contain terpenes that have active components such as aescin.  Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to strengthen capillaries.  Ginko Biloba has been used orally in China and Europe for cerebral and vascular insufficiency.  Ginko helps promote vasodilatation.  Witch hazel contains considerable amounts of tannins, which are used as astringents.  Butcher's broom and sweet clover have been used for venous insufficiency, such as pain, pruritis and swelling.  Green tea has an anti-inflammatory effect and can block many mediators of the inflammatory process.  Propolis also has anti-inflammatory effects.

"The Therapeutic Potential of carnitine in Cardiovascular Diseases", Pepine CJ, Clin Ther, January-February 1991;13(1):2-21 (discussion).

Summary:  Carnitine has been shown to reverse cardiomyopathy in patients with systemic carnitine  deficiency.  Carnitine may be valuable in
peripheral vascular disease and many cardiovascular conditions.

"Ginko Biloba Extracts", Stein U., The Lancet, February 24, 1990;335:475-476.

Summary:  The author states that Ginko Biloba has been the subject of over 40 double-blind studies.  The product has special use in peripheral vascular disease and cerebral insufficiency states.  As an indicator of its effectiveness there are approximately 100,000 clinicians worldwide prescribing over ten million prescriptions for the Ginko Biloba Extract EGb 761 for the treatment of vascular disorders.

Adaptrin-

Experimental Double-blind Study:  100 pts. with peripheral arterial occlusion and intermittent claudication and maximum ave. walking distance on a treadmill ergometer of  less than 150 m received Adaptrin or placebo for 4 months.  Treated pts experienced a 98% increase in maximal walking distance. (Samochowiec L et al. Herba Polonica 33:219-22,1987.

Experimental Double-blind Study:  43 pts. who, at baseline, could walk on ave.250 m on a treadmill ergometer, took Adaptrin 3 tablets twice daily or placebo for 4 weeks.  Pts. who received active treatment experienced a 100% increase in pain-free and maximal walking distances. (Schraeder R., Swiss Weekly Medical Review 115:752-6,1985).

"Magnesium deficiency and Peripheral Vascular Disease", Howard, J.M.H. DSc, FACN, Journal of Nutritional Medicine,1990;1:39-49.

Summary: Red blood cell magnesium was evaluated in 138 patients with peripheral vascular disease.  102 were found deficient.  Successful repletion of magnesium requires the B complex vitamins, antioxidants, and correction of malabsorbtion,

Clinical Observation:  Abraham Hoffer, early in his career noted that niacin reduces cholesterol and triglycerides as well as promoting enhanced circulation of blood.  (use is often followed by a niacin flush showing enhanced circulation of blood.  He noted this was a good vitamin for arteriosclerosis.

Clinical Observation:  My own experience is that DMSO, a clear anti-inflammatory is useful in reducing the swelling of veins associated with of peripheral vascular disease.