Effects of the total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in venous hypertensive microangiopathy: A prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial

The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA), was effective in improving the microcirculat ion in venous hypertension and microangiopathy. Forty patients with severe venous hypertension, ankle swelling, lipodermatoscierosis were included. Af ter informed consent, patients were randomized into a treatment and a place bo group: those in the treatment group received TTFCA (tablets, 60 mg, twic e daily for 8 weeks). The two groups of subjects were comparable for age an d sex distribution. The mean age was 48 years (SD 9; M:F = 11:11) in the tr eatment group (22 patients) and 47.6 (SID 7; M:F = 10:8) in the placebo gro up (18 patients). There were no differences between placebo and treatment g roup at inclusion; there was no change between inclusion and measurements a t 8 weeks in the placebo group. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RF (flux at rest) and RAS (rate of ankle swelling) were observed in the treatment group. The decrease in capillary filtration was associated with improvement in signs a nd symptoms (p < 0.05). The difference in flux, signs and symptoms, and fil tration was clinically important at 8 weeks. No side effects were observed. In conclusion venous microangiopathy was improved by TTFCA treatment.