Extract by extract
What each of the six is, in as much detail as our sources support
Where a source exists we quote it. Where none exists we say so and stop.
Grape Seed Extract · Vitis vinifera · greater than 95% proanthocyanidins
First on the blend line, so under the ordering convention the heaviest of the six. NIH
describes it as made from the seeds of wine grapes and promoted for reducing blood cholesterol and
blood pressure. A 2020 review found it may have desirable effects on levels of low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides; a 2022 review found it reduced diastolic blood
pressure, the lower number, but not systolic. That page does not address veins or CVI at all, so
the circulation chip here is earned by lipids rather than leg veins.
Horse Chestnut Extract · Aesculus hippocastanum · greater than 20% aescin
The most specific literature of the six. NIH lists horse chestnut for chronic venous
insufficiency, defined as poor blood flow in the veins of the legs, which may lead to leg pain,
swelling, itchiness and other symptoms. A 2012 systematic review of 17 studies suggested the seed
extract can improve CVI symptoms, and one of those studies suggested it may be as effective as
wearing compression stockings; researchers called for more rigorous, large-scale randomized
controlled trials. Two gaps follow: the research is on seed extract and this label prints
no plant part, and the page gives no aescin figure and no doses.
Motherwort Extract · Leonurus japonicus, whole herb
Here the page stops being able to help. No source we opened covers motherwort, so this site
will not tell you what the evidence says in either direction. The label prints the botanical name,
the plant part as whole herb and no standardisation figure. That is the whole report.
Hawthorn Berry Extract · Crataegus asiatica, aerial
NIH says hawthorn was traditionally used for heart disease, digestion, blood circulation, and
kidney and bladder problems, and is promoted today for the heart and blood vessels, weight loss,
and for conditions like anxiety. On heart failure it reports conflicting evidence. On heart
disease, angina, abnormal heartbeat and arterial plaque it says there is not enough evidence to
know. One study indicated a specific preparation, C. oxycantha, may have caused early
risk of heart failure progression in patients, and no study has tested safety beyond 16 weeks.
The label prints Crataegus asiatica, a different species, so that does not carry across
directly. It does not evaporate either: see the cautions page.
Gotu Kola Extract · Centella asiatica, aerial
No source we opened covers gotu kola either. The label prints the botanical name, the plant
part as aerial and no standardisation figure. Gotu kola appears in two separate bodies of writing,
one venous and one about calming, and choosing between them unread would be a guess.
Butcher’s Broom Extract · Ruscus aculeatus, leaf and stem
Last on the blend line, so under the ordering convention the lightest of the six. No source we
opened covers it. The label prints the botanical name and the plant part as leaf and stem, with no
standardisation figure. Butcher’s broom is a standard component of circulation formulas,
which says where it is sold rather than what has been shown.