Venaforce - Horse Chestnut Tablets
Venaforce tablets are a licensed herbal medicine made from Aesculus (Horse Chestnut).
Veneforce is licensed for the relief of the symptoms of varicose veins, tired, heavy legs, aching, painful legs, legs cramps and swollen ankles.
What are Varicose Veins?
A varicose vein is one that has become pathologically swollen and twisted, due to weakness in the vein wall and poor circulation associated with a sedentary lifestyle, overweight or pregnancy.
What can be done about them?
Conventional treatment options are support stockings, and surgery to remove or collapse the veins. Support stockings are not particularly successful as they are unpleasant to wear and often give support to the wrong areas. Surgery is not a long-term solution as the increased pressure exerted on the remaining veins eventually causes them to become varicose as well. Venaforce is a far more attractive option.
How does Venaforce work?
- It acts to tone the veins and make the capillaries less permeable
- The tannins give it an astringent action on the vein wall
- It reduces the activity of an enzyme involved in the breakdown of the vein wall
Clinical Trials
A review of 5 clinical studies in 2006 showed that four clinical trials in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and 1 study in patients with varicose veins demonstrated the effectiveness of A.Vogel's Aesculus forte tablets (now called Venaforce) and Venagel through the objective measure of reduction in lower leg oedema and the subjective alleviation of leg pain, heaviness and itching. The preparation was found to be safe, well tolerated and acceptable to patients.
A Cochrane review evaluated the evidence from rigorous clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of oral horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) verses placebo. Overall, the placebo-controlled trials suggested an improvement in chronic venous insufficiency-related signs and symptoms. Meta-analysis of four trials suggested a significant reduction in favour of HCSE compared with placebo.
What contraindications are there with Venaforce?
Venaforce should not be taken by under-18's, in pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding, by those allergic to peanuts or Soya, and by those allergic to Aesculus (Horse Chestnut).
How long will it take to work?
Improvements are usually noticed within the first 2-4 weeks. As it has a cumulative action, improvements will increase the longer it is taken for.
It is safe for long-term use.
Can it be used alongside Venagel?
Yes, the two go very well together.
Points to Remember
Venaforce
- Venaforce is the internal remedy for varicose veins which strengthens the veins from inside
- Venaforce has none of the side effects associated with conventional varicose vein treatments
- Improvements will increase the longer Venaforce is taken
Venagel
- Venagel is the external remedy that gives immediate, short-term relief from tired, aching legs
- Venagel is safe to use in pregnancy
- Thread veins may improve in appearance
