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For Legs That Look and Feel Great

Horse chestnut improves circulation and prevents unsightly veins.

What it is:
The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a majestic shade tree with inedible nuts.

What Folk Medicine Says:
Since the late 16th century, Europeans have used the extract from the tree's nuts to treat varicose and spider veins.

What we know:
A German government panel similar to the FDA recommends taking the horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) to improve poor circulation.

What new studies show:
A British review of eight studies confirmed that HCSE eases the swelling and pain of chronic venous insufficiency(CVI), a circulation problem that can cause, unsightly veins, discoloration, and skin ulcers. In a University of Heidelberg study, researchers divided 240 people with CVI into three groups: One took 50g of HCSE twice a day, a second group got a placebo, and the third wore compression stockings (a standard treatment for circulation problems). After three months, HCSE and the stockings reduced leg swelling by about the same amount - 25% - while the placebo group's swelling increased by 6%.

Why it works:
HCSE contains aescin, a substance that makes capillaries less porous and less likely to leak fluid into cellular walls, preventing the formation of spider and varicose veins. HCSE is also high in flavinoids, which strengthen and tone blood vessel walls.

What to use:
The HCSE tablets and gels used in the German studies are marketed as Venaforce by Bioforce.

Dose: Follow label instructions.

-- Sara Altshul, PREVENTION MAGAZINE --June 2006 pg 98