Evidence supporting the use of: Leucoanthocyanins
For the health condition: Edema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Leucoanthocyanins, also known as proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins, are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in various plants, particularly in grape seeds, pine bark, and certain fruits. Their use in supporting or treating edema (swelling caused by fluid accumulation) stems primarily from traditional and herbal medicine practices, especially in Europe. Extracts from plants rich in leucoanthocyanins, such as grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster), have a long history of use as venotonic agents—substances believed to improve venous tone and capillary resistance. The rationale behind their traditional use lies in their observed effects of reducing capillary permeability and fragility, which may help decrease leakage of fluid into tissues—a key factor in some types of edema, particularly chronic venous insufficiency and related vascular conditions. Some small-scale clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested that proanthocyanidins can enhance microcirculation and reduce leg swelling in patients with venous insufficiency. However, the quality and size of these studies are limited, and systematic reviews often conclude that while there may be some benefit, the evidence is not robust or consistent enough for strong scientific endorsement. Overall, the use of leucoanthocyanins for edema is primarily justified by tradition and limited clinical evidence, rather than by large, high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Other ingredients used for Edema
anthocyaninsapricot
arjun tree
asparagus
waterhyssop
bamboo
bearberry
bilberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
bасора
cabbage leaf
celery
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
citrus bioflavonoids
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fish protein
flavonols
forsythia
fu ling
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
hawthorn
hesperidin
horse chestnut
horsetail
Japanese sophora
jujube
lemon
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
papain
parsley
pear
pine bark
pineapple
potassium
protease
pumpkin
quercetin
rutin
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
trypsin
seaweed
watermelon
sarsaparilla
yellow root
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
punarnava
commiphora
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
prickly ash
lemongrass
silk tree
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
amber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
hydrangea
purslane
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
shepherd's purse
peach
white oak
enzymes blend (proprietary)
Aralia
akebia
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Aescin
Adzuki bean
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Arjunic Acid
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Bitter Grass
Bindweed
berry
Bogbean
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Casearia esculenta
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Chervil
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Chlorophytum
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Chanca Piedra
Corktree
Cabbage
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
Collinsonia
Carthamus
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Diosmin
Danshen
Deer Root
Dipsacus
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Empresstree
Echinodorus
Enzyme Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Flueggea suffruticosa
Flavonoids
Fang-Feng
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fernbush
Ficus simplicissima
Flavoglycosides
Flavonones
Four leaved grass
Glycoside
Gallesia
Glechoma hederacea
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Hedyotis
Little ironweed
Maple
Rhubarb
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Leucoanthocyanins
ArthritisBruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Capillary Weakness
Circulation (poor)
Edema
Inflammation
Phlebitis
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins