OBJECTIVE

To assess the evidence for or against horse-chestnut seed extract (HCSE) as a symptomatic treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

METHODS

Computerized literature searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, CISCOM, and the Cochrane Library (all from their respective institution to December 1996). The search terms were "horse chestnut," "Aesculus hippocastanum," "escin," and "Rosskastanie" (German for "horse chestnut"). There were no restrictions on the language of publication.

METHODS

Double-blind, randomized controlled trials of oral HCSE for patients with CVI were included. Identifiers were removed from all publications before assessment.

METHODS

Data were extracted in a standardized, predefined manner. Trial outcomes and the methodological quality of each trial were independently assessed by the 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

The superiority of HCSE is suggested by all placebo-controlled studies. The use of HCSE is associated with a decrease of the lower-leg volume and a reduction in leg circumference at the calf and ankle. Symptoms such as leg pain, pruritus, and a feeling of fatigue and tenseness are reduced. Five comparative trials against the reference medication indicate that HCSE and O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides are equally effective. One trial suggests a therapeutic equivalence of HCSE and compression therapy. Adverse effects are usually mild and infrequent.

CONCLUSIONS

These data imply that HCSE is superior to placebo and as effective as reference medications in alleviating the objective signs and subjective symptoms of CVI. Thus, HCSE represents a treatment option for CVI that is worth considering.