Composition for treating chronic venous insufficiencies using an extract of red vine leaves

Abstract

The invention relates to a dietary supplement consisting of an aqueous extract of red vine leaves and an acceptable carrier which prevents and reduces the discomfort relating to mild-to-moderate chronic venous insufficiency of the legs.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An improved dietary supplement composition which comprises an active principle for preventing or treating the discomfort associated with mild-to-moderate chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities; and a pharmaceutically, cosmetically or dietetically acceptable carrier, the improvement wherein is that said active principle consists essentially of an aqueous extract of red vine leaves.  
     
     
         2 . The dietary supplement composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous extract of red vine leaves is obtainable by a method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) collecting red vine leaves at a point of time when the content in flavonoids has reached an optimum;    (b) drying and crushing the leaves;    (c) cutting the leaves to pieces;    (d) extracting the leaves with water at elevated temperatures for 6 to 10 hours; and    (e) optionally concentrating the obtained extract.    
     
     
         3 . The dietary supplement according to  claim 2  wherein the leaves in step (d) are extracted with water at temperatures from 60° to 80° C.