Natural treatment approaches for varicose veins: A brief review of the literature

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. Each year, approximately 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with CVI, and nearly $500 million is used in the care of these patients. The venous system has sturdy valves and muscle pumps that keep blood flowing back to the heart against gravity. The inadequacy of these systems leads to difficulties in blood circulation, blood pooling, and venous hypertension, all which have the potential to lead to the development of varicose veins, edema, discomfort, alterations in the skin, and potentially even the formation of ulcers. Conditions that induce CVI are genetic predisposition, obesity (body mass index greater than 30), continuous standing/sitting work, age, pregnancy, gender, and lifestyle. Conventional venous insufficiency treatments include compression therapy, surgical interventions like vein stripping, and sclerotherapy. Venoactive drugs used in conservative treatment have the potential to enhance both varicose veins and symptoms associated with chronic venous disorders throughout all stages of venous insufficiency. In addition to synthetic drugs, naturally derived coumarins, flavonoids, rutin derivatives, pycnogenol, micronized purified flavonoid fraction, and saponosides are essential in the treatment. Medicinal plants and natural compounds are highly preferred for treating CVI and varicose veins due to their biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vascular tone improvement. The present review provides a concise overview of the utilization of natural compounds and plant extracts in treating varicose veins, both in medical practice and traditional folk medicine.