Protocol · Vascular Health
Venous Hypertension (Chronic Venous Insufficiency) Support Protocol
Horse Chestnut Extract and Diosmin/Hesperidin (MPFF) are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Venous Hypertension (Chronic Venous Insufficiency) Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Horse Chestnut Extract | Amount listed: 300 mg standardized extract (50 mg aescin) twice daily | Contains aescin; strengthens venous walls; reduces permeability and edema; well-studied for CVI | Not graded yet | ||
| Diosmin/Hesperidin (MPFF) | Amount listed: 500 mg diosmin/50 mg hesperidin twice daily | Flavonoids that strengthen capillaries; reduce inflammation; improve lymphatic drainage | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Grape Seed Extract | Amount listed: 150–300 mg daily | Contains proanthocyanidins; reduces capillary permeability; antioxidant | Not graded yet | ||
| Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Antioxidant; strengthens capillaries; reduces edema; studied for CVI | Not graded yet | ||
| Gotu Kola | Amount listed: 60–120 mg triterpenes daily (standardized extract) | Contains triterpenes; strengthens connective tissue; improves microcirculation
| Not graded yet | ||
| Butcher's Broom | Amount listed: 150 mg extract twice daily | Contains ruscogenins; venotonic effects; reduces leg heaviness and swelling | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Essential for collagen synthesis; supports vein wall integrity | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Venous hypertension occurs when the pressure in the leg veins becomes abnormally high, usually due to faulty valves that allow blood to flow backward (chronic venous insufficiency). This leads to blood pooling in the legs and a cascade of problems.
HOW IT DEVELOPS:
- Valves in leg veins become damaged or weak
- Blood flows backward and pools in lower legs
- Vein pressure increases
- Fluid leaks into surrounding tissue
- Progressive damage to skin and tissues
SYMPTOMS:
- Leg heaviness and aching (worse at end of day)
- Swelling (edema) of ankles and legs
- Visible varicose veins
- Skin changes (discoloration, hardening)
- Itching and burning
- Restless legs at night
- Leg cramps
PROGRESSION (CEAP Classification):
- C0: No visible disease
- C1: Spider veins
- C2: Varicose veins
- C3: Edema
- C4: Skin changes (pigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis)
- C5: Healed venous ulcer
- C6: Active venous ulcer
MANAGEMENT:
- Compression therapy: Most important treatment - graduated compression stockings
- Elevation: Elevate legs above heart level when resting
- Exercise: Walking, calf muscle pump activation
- Weight management: Reduces pressure on veins
- Avoid prolonged standing/sitting
- Procedures: Ablation, sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Horse chestnut extract* is as effective as compression stockings in some studies.
Diosmin/hesperidin* is widely used in Europe with strong evidence.
Grape seed and pine bark extracts* provide additional vascular support.
Expected timeline: Supplements may improve symptoms within 4-8 weeks. Compression and lifestyle measures provide ongoing benefit.