teca and Chronic-Disease

Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA) is effective in improving venous wall alterations in chronic venous hypertension and in protecting the venous endothelium. TTFCA is active on connective tissue modulation, improves the synthesis of collagen and other tissue proteins by modulating the action of fibroblasts in the vein wall, and stimulates collagen remodeling in and around the venous wall. This is due to the modulating action of TTFCA on fibroblasts as shown by experiments on the growth of human embryonal fibroblasts. TTFCA has a moderate in-vitro and in-vivo stimulating effect on collagen synthesis and, at higher dosages, an inhibition on the synthesis of collagen and acid mucopolysaccharides. Studies have indicated the role of TTFCA on the synthesis of specific venous wall elements by cell cultures of human embryonal fibroblasts. The tissue-stimulating action is shown by the increased collagen production independent from the stimulation of cell proliferation (this differentiates the action of TTFCA from cell growth factors). TTFCA is active on the microcirculation in venous and diabetic microangiopathy. Signs and symptoms of venous hypertension and edema are improved by treatment. The remodeling on collagen synthesis could be one of the possible mechanisms of actions of TTFCA in the remodeling of echolucent (soft; therefore, with risk of thrombosis and embolization) plaques at the carotid and femoral bifurcation. This compound is safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, several actions of TTFCA in vascular diseases makes the use of this compound very interesting in venous and arterial problems.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Connective Tissue; Diabetic Angiopathies; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Lymphatic System; Microcirculation; Plant Extracts; Triterpenes; Venous Insufficiency

The aim of this study was to evaluate local capillary filtration with the vacuum suction chamber (VSC) and the rate of ankle swelling (RAS) in patients with ankle edema due to venous hypertension before and after treatment with oral TTFCA (60 mg tablets twice daily) for 4 weeks. Strain-gauge plethysmography (SGP) was used to assess RAS and local capillary filtration was studied with the VSC (applied on the perimalleolar region); the disappearance of the weal was measured (minutes). Fifty patients with chronic venous insufficiency and edema were included (M:F= 25:25) after informed consent and randomized into a treatment (mean age 43; SD 7) and a control (mean age 44; SD 8) group. Compliance was very good (100% completed the 4-week trial); no side effects were observed. The two groups were comparable for age/sex distribution. Values of RAS and VSC time were comparable in the two groups, at inclusion. After 4 weeks there were no changes in the control group. A significant reduction was observed in the treatment (RAS decreased to 34% of the initial value; the VSC time decreased 48%; p<0.02). Treatment with TTFCA in chronic venous insufficiency is useful as soon as edema is detected to control the progressive alterations leading to ulcerations. This action is produced by complex actions on the microcirculation reducing and controlling edema and modulating collagen synthesis. This results in an improvement of the microcirculation, skin and subcutaneous tissue perfusion and functions.

Topics: Adult; Ankle; Capillary Permeability; Chronic Disease; Edema; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Plant Extracts; Plethysmography; Suction; Triterpenes; Vacuum; Venous Insufficiency

The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to demonstrate whether an oral preparation of TTFCA was effective in improving the microcirculation and edema (leg volume) in venous microangiopathy. Forty patients with venous hypertension were included. Treatment was prescribed for 6 weeks (tablets, 60 mg twice daily). Patients were randomized into a treatment and a placebo group. There were 20 patients in each group. In the treatment group the mean age was 42 (SD 7; M:F = 10:10); in the placebo group, the mean age was 40 (SD 9; M:F = 10:10). Tolerability and compliance were very good; there were no dropouts. At inclusion there were no differences between placebo and treatment group. After treatment there was a decrease in resting flux (29%) and an improvement (increase) in venoarteriolar response (52%); PO2 was increased (7.2%) and PCO2 decreased (9.6%). There was an important decrease in leg volume (66 mL decrease; 1.3% volume variation). The difference in flux, O2-CO2 and volume parameters were significant and clinically important at 6 weeks in the treatment group. In conclusion, TTFCA improves microcirculation and leg volume in venous hypertension. The effects of TTFCA are observed even in a limited sample of patients.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous; Chronic Disease; Edema; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Leg; Male; Microcirculation; Plant Extracts; Prospective Studies; Triterpenes; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Venous Insufficiency