Venaforce™ Gel contains “between 60 and 93 mg of native extract from fresh horse chestnut seed”, which is standardized to 2% of Aescin. Let’s take a more in-depth look at this extract and what it may have to offer in terms of improving vein health.

Health care providers often suggest that suffers of varicose veins use compression treatments; however, it has a rather low compliance rate, which may significantly limit its overall ability to ease this condition. For this reason, many individuals seek out oral- or topically-based formulas. Many of the oral formulas use Horse Chestnut Seed Extract, which has been shown to be rather effective. In randomized controlled trials, Horse Chestnut showed that overall it improved the signs and symptoms of varicose veins. For instance, it was assessed that Horse Chestnut Seed eased pain, when compared with a placebo. In an additional study, Horse Chestnut Extract, when used orally, was shown to be as effective as compression stockings at reducing leg volume.

That said, Venaforce™ Gel does not use an oral-based delivery system, which has been shown to be highly effective. It uses a gel-based application system, which is applied directly to the vein. However, the same safety and efficiency has not been shown to exist when used in this manner. We would have welcomed an opportunity to be proven wrong, but this developer fails to provide any research related information at this time which supports the use of Horse Chestnut in topical formulas. This is no doubt due to the lack of research available.

• Relatively inexpensive

• Uses Horse Chestnut, but it uses a topical delivery method, which has not been shown to be as effective as when it is used orally
• No research or testimonials posted at time of writing

While Venaforce™ Gel uses Horse Chestnut, it uses it topically, which has not been shown to be as effective as when it is used orally. We feel this is unfortunate, because many people may see that it uses Horse Chestnut and purchase it based on its reputation. We doubt they will see the results they are looking for. Until recently, Horse Chestnut Extract has been the most effective element available to people looking for over-the-counter products to address varicose veins, but very recently, Diosmin 95® was given the FDA’s stamp of approval.

We feel this is a rather exciting development, because it has been used successfully in Europe, where it was only available by prescription. Some of the more forward- and results-oriented developers have included Diosmin 95® into their formularies, making them incredibly popular. Though they may be hard to find, they are worth locating.