Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Low venous tone (LVT) has become a common problem in the primary care-setting and
is often associated with significant morbidity and healthcare cost (Comerota, 2009). The
prevalence of LVT is higher in females than in males; 40% of females experience
symptoms of LVT whereas 17% of males may experience symptoms (Meissner et al.,
2007). Approximately 50% of women between the ages of 40 and 50 and 75% of
women between the ages of 60 and 70 experience some symptoms of LVT during their
lifetime (Beebe-Dimmer, 2005). Females are more prone to LVT as certain hormones,
such as progesterone, relax venous walls. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy and
menopause also increase the risk of having LVT. Venous ulceration and varicose veins;
decrease quality of life, cause chronic pain, loss of working days and may ultimately
lead to early retirement (Gloviczki et al., 2011). There is a wide variety of treatments
available in treating LVT however certain drugs such as anti-inflammatories and
antibiotics have side effects, and interventional procedures are costly (Eberhardt and
Rafelto, 2005). A combination of red vine leaf extract, butcher’s broom extract, horse
chestnut extract and vitamin B6 has been created to treat LVT without any anticipated
adverse effects (Venavine-Nativa, 2014), therefore the question arises whether this
combination work effectively.
Previous studies have been conducted on each herbal extract individually, and showed
positive results when treating physical symptoms associated with LVT. There are no
current studies done on the combination of these herbs in treating physical symptoms
associated with LVT.
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a combination complementary
medication consisting of red vine leaf extract (360 mg), horse chestnut extract (60 mg),
butcher’s broom extract (35 mg); and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) (3.2 mg) in the treatment
of physical symptoms of LVT, using a venous clinical severity score questionnaire
(VCSS).
The study was a twelve week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants
included in the study were females between the ages of 30 and 55 years. All potential
participants were screened according to an inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample
group was shared with another Homoeopathic Masters student, Miss Xoliswa Mazibuko
who investigated the efficacy of the formulation on the quality of life of participants with
the use of the CIVIQ-20 questionnaire. 41 participants were recruited via...