LEG EDEMA PROTECTION FROM A BUCKWHEAT HERB TEA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - A SINGLE-CENTER, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL-TRIAL
N. Ihme et al., LEG EDEMA PROTECTION FROM A BUCKWHEAT HERB TEA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - A SINGLE-CENTER, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL-TRIAL, European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 50(6), 1996, pp. 443-447
Objectives: The efficacy of a buckwheat herb tea was determined in pat
ients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in a single-centre, rand
omised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Sixt
y-seven male and female patients (22-74 years) with CVI were randomly
divided into two groups after a 2-week run-in period. They received ei
ther buckwheat herb tea (Fagopyrum esculentum) or a placebo tea for a
period of 3 months. The main outcome measure was the lower leg volume
determined by ultrasound. Subjective symptoms were assessed by a clini
cal symptom score system. The femoral vein diameters were measured by
B-scan sonography. In a subgroup of patients capillary permeability wa
s determined by cutaneous fluorescence angiography. Results: Although
the mean partial leg volume did not change in the treatment group (fro
m 2041 to 2073 ml), it increased in the placebo group by 110 ml (from
1972 to 2082 ml) according to intent to treat. The difference between
the groups was significant. The subjective clinical symptoms were sign
ificantly reduced in both groups. The mean diameters of the femoral ve
ins were reduced and capillary permeability was improved, but neither
change was statistically significant. No drug-related adverse effects
were observed. Conclusion: CVI is a very placebo-sensitive condition.
The treatment with buckwheat herb tea is safe and could have a favoura
ble influence on patients with CVI such that further oedema developmen
t is prevented.