Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Low Venous Tone (LVT) is defined as impaired venous return which results in lower limb
symptoms that include pain, swelling and dermatologic changes (Turpie, 2011). Low venous
tone affects both males and females, but is more prevalent in females (Lenković et al., 2009). It
is precipitated mainly by chronic diseases of lifestyle, namely obesity, hypertension and a
sedentary lifestyle which are increasing in South Africa (Goedeck et al., 2005). Chronic disease
status results in declined physical activity and therefore a decline in quality of life (Westaway,
2010). Conventional treatment modalities include surgery, compression stockings and
sclerotherapy. These modalities have a limited role in treating low venous tone and have
concomitant adverse effects. Surgery is invasive and poses a risk of damaging nerve tissue. With
sclerotherapy there is a possibility of vessels recanalising after treatment. Compression therapy
has poor compliance because of the difficulty of wearing the stocking and the discomfort felt
from the pressure exerted by the stocking (Palfreyman and Michaels, 2009). Herbal treatment of
low venous tone includes Red Vine leaf extract, Butcher’s Broom root extract and Horse
Chestnut seed extract to name a few. All three plants show positive results in ameliorating the
burden of venous tone insufficiency with mild to no adverse effects; however the extracts have
not been studied in combination.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a combination complementary medicine
consisting of Red Vine leaf extract, Butcher’s Broom leaf extract, Horse Chestnut root extract
and Vitamin B6 on the quality of life in females with perceived low venous tone (CEAP C1-C4)
using the CIVIQ-20 questionnaire (pain, physical, social and psychological outcome measures).
The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study and the research sample was shared with
another researcher, Fayrooz Karriem who investigated “The effects of a combination
complementary medicine on venous tone”. A sample of 41 female participants between the ages
of 30 to 55 years with perceived low venous tone were recruited from the University of
Johannesburg Health clinics. Participants were placed in either the control or treatment groups,
in matched pairs according to age and severity of pain. During each consultation, each
participant underwent a physical examination which included an assessment of Vital Signs,
CAJCOLD (Cyanosis, Anemia, Jaundice, Clubbing, Oedema, Lymphadenopathy and
Dehyrdation) and low limb venous examination; they also completed the CIVIQ-20...