The clinical feasibility of natural medicine, venotonic therapy and horsechestnut seed extract in the treatment of venous leg ulceration: a descriptive survey

Abstract

Background: The primary treatment of choice for venous leg ulceration (VLU) is compression therapy, however serious clinical issues demand the development of new treatments. An extract believed to promote VLU healing is Horsechestnut Seed Extract (HCSE).

Methods: The clinical feasibility of HCSE in VLU was explored in a two-stage design. The second stage presented here, was a descriptive survey exploring current opinion and utilisation of natural therapies, venotonics and HCSE in VLU. A questionnaire mailed to 122 district nurses, 73 medical practitioners (MPs) and 53 clients with VLU resulted in a response rate of 32, 31.5 and 81 per cent, respectively.

Results: Natural therapy and HCSE use for VLU was minimal in all groups. Half of all groups supported venotonics, with a similar proportion of nurses and clients utilising venotonics in practice. MPs were however less likely to utilise venotonics for VLU.

Conclusion: Whilst clinicians indicate that clinical evidence may influence the utilisation of HCSE in clinical practice, the evidence currently does not exist. Positive findings from well-designed trials may ameliorate the integration of natural medicine into mainstream practice.