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CL Answer

Do any supplements help for varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency?

Find out which supplements help for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, including citrus bioflavonoids and grape seed extract.

Varicose Veins

CL Answer

I would like to try gotu kola for varicose veins but I've heard it's not safe to take. Is that true?

Learn more about gotu kola, including possible benefits for varicose veins and whether it is safe to take. ConsumerLab explains.

CL Answer

Just one dose of a horse chestnut extract (standardized to 20% aescin) caused me to have significant nausea and vomiting. Might there be a problem with the product?

Find out if horse chestnut side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and vomiting.

Man Clenching Stomach

CL Answer

What is Pycnogenol, does it work, and is it the same as other pine bark extracts?

Learn more about Pycnogenol, including evidence from clinical studies on blood clots, osteoarthritis, cognition, vision, tinnitus, and the skin and safety.

Pycnogenol Health Benefits -- woman with leg pain

CL Answer

What are the benefits of grape seed extract?

Learn about the health benefits of grape seed extract, and find out it improves venous insufficiency, leg swelling, swelling after surgery, or can help to lower blood pressure.

Benefits of Grape Seed Extract -- grapes and seeds

CL Answer

What is lumbrokinase, does it have heart benefits, is it safe, and what should you look for, or avoid, in a lumbrokinase supplement?

Lumbrokinase is marketed as promoting healthy circulation and supporting heart health. Find out how and if lumbrokinase supplements actually work, possible safety concerns, and what to consider when choosing a lumbrokinase supplement.

Capsules of lumbrokinase poured onto a black table

Clinical Update

10/30/2021

Pycnogenol vs. Other Pine Bark Extracts

There is some evidence that pine bark extract may help improve circulation and chronic venous insufficiency, but be aware that some supplements are not like those used in most clinical trials. Find out what to look on labels in our updated answer to the question: What is Pycnogenol and does it work?

Recalls & Warnings

October 18, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Diabetes Supplements For Making Drug Claims

On August 15, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Years to Your Health, Inc., following an inspection of the company's website which found a number of their products to be misbranded, as they contained drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

September 27, 2016

Seller of B Vitamins, Omega-3s and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On September 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Positive Power Nutrition, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including High Energy C-Complex, Positive Vitality, Positive Performance, Positive CardioGuard, B-Complex 100, Positive Essentials, Positive ...

Recalls & Warnings

March 10, 2018

Kratom Supplements Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On March 10, 2018, PDX Aromatics of Portland, Oregon DBA Kraken Kratom, Phytoextractum, and Soul Speciosa issued a recall of certain kratom-containing powder products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

February 06, 2016

Seller of Turmeric, Milk Thistle and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 15, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Terra Firma Botanicals, Inc.