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Index of Old articles

In this section I will present new and important articles affecting health, herbalism or nutrition from different sources.

 

The following article was published in the Journal Of Longevity, it shows some research of the benefits of flavonoids in the circulatory system. As we know, recently there have been many travelers having blood clot problems during long trips, as a result of lack of space to maintain the circulatory system's normal healthy flow. Flavonoids are very common in the plant kingdom, they are the plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers and fruits. 
The word "flavonoid" is derived from the latin latin word "flavus", meaning yellow.
The benefits of flavonoids to maintain "elasticity " in the blood vessels, and the integrity of the vessel's walls, has long been established.
Flavonoids improve venous tone and enhance microcirculation. Flavonoids are very powerful antioxidants. I hope you find this information interesting and informative. JDLB
 
 

The Hidden Dangers of Aging Veins
European-discovered botanicals can help relieve bulging veins.
by Lynn Anderson, Ph.D., N.D.






Although usually viewed as a cosmetic issue, vein problems can pose significant health risks. It is estimated that fully half of all U.S. adults bear the burden of bulging veins, and approximately half of those experience a wide range of effects that frequently force them to the “sidelines” of life. In addition, vein problems can lead to “traveling” blood clots that can be fatal if they reach the heart, brain, or lungs (Moore 2002). 

As a result of their determined search for a solution to problematic veins, leading European medical researchers have discovered a new class of nutrients that can reinforce venous structure and promote healthy blood flow through the blood vessels.
 

European Vein Discovery

European researchers discovered that two flavonoids, diosmin and hesperidin, extracted from certain plants have the power to significantly impact vein health, but only if they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Groundbreaking advances in technology have now made this possible. Researchers have found that “micronization” can optimize availability and accelerate the delivery of these flavonoids (Struckmann 1994).
 

Flavonoids Can Reinforce Vein Structure

In one study, distended veins improved considerably within only 60 minutes, and the effect was still prominent four hours later (Struckmann 1994). In addition, a Danish study showed that these amazing flavonoids were able to improve the elasticity of veins as well as help the capillaries by reducing permeability and leakage and support circulation (Struckmann 1999).
 

Leg “Heaviness” Diminished

The researchers were so impressed with the results of their initial studies that they conducted four more randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials using diosmin and hesperidin with 674 people. Across the board, study participants who received the flavonoids experienced tremendous relief from signs such as night cramps and feelings of “heaviness” in their legs. Within two months of taking the flavonoids, they exhibited improved vein tone, stronger capillary resistance, and better overall vein health. After one year, they continued to show positive results (Struckmann 1999).

In Italy, a 42-day study was conducted with 40 people suffering from lower-limb circulation problems due to unstable blood sugar levels. Researchers measured the impact of hesperidin and diosmin on capillary filtration of albumin, a specific protein retention and filtration problem common among those with imbalanced blood sugar. Results showed that 55% of those taking the flavonoids achieved completely normal capillary filtration of albumin: a remarkable success in fewer than 45 days (Valensi 1996).

London researchers evaluated the effects of diosmin and hesperidin on 25 people who had lost normal elasticity in their leg veins. In just four weeks, those who received the nutrients demonstrated increased elasticity of their leg veins, healthy blood flow, and stronger venous structure (Ibegbuna 1997).

In yet another study, people at high risk of forming traveling blood clots were given hesperidin and diosmin both before and after undergoing major surgery. The injection of flavonoids dramatically reduced their risk compared with those who received a placebo (Tsimoyiannis 1996).

If you have compromised vein health or broken capillaries, these micronized nutrients may be the answer to your prayers. Give your blood vessels the nutrients they need to become stronger, and you will likely feel their energizing effects rapidly. You now have the nutritional tools you need for optimal vein health.

Dr. Anderson’s private practice includes herbal medicine and aromatherapy, specifically using tonic herbs to address many areas of women’s health. She is a faculty member of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and provides continuing education for fitness and health professionals through her work at Kosmos Education. With a doctorate in natural health, Dr. Anderson is an advocate of integrating natural ways of solving common health problems into traditional medicine.
 

References

Ibegbuna, V. et al. (1997). “Venous elasticity after treatment with Daflon 500 mg.” Angiology; 48(1): 45–9.

Moore, D. (2002). “Fast facts: Blood clots.” March 18: www.drdonnica.com/display.asp?article=4671. 

Struckmann, J.R. & Nicolaides, A.N. (1994). “Flavonoids: A review of the pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy of Daflon 500 mg in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and related disorders.” Angiology; 45(6): 419–28.

Struckmann, J.R. (1999). “Clinical efficacy of micronized purified flavonoid fraction: An overview.” Journal of Vascular Research; 36(Suppl 1): 37–41.

Tsimoyiannis, E.C. et al. (1996). “Low-molecular-weight heparins and Daflon for prevention of postoperative thromboembolism.” World Journal of Surgery; 20(8): 968–72.

Valensi, P.E. et al. (1996). “Effects of a purified micronized flavonoid fraction on capillary filtration in diabetic patients.” Diabetic Medicine; 13(10): 882–8.

 


 
 
 
The contents provided by Info Herb are for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to substitute for the advice of a health care professional. I encourage Internet users to be careful when using medical information. If you are unsure about your medical condition, consult a physician or a medical herbalist. 

 
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