Background — Venotropic drugs (or vasoprotectives, venoprotectives, vasoactive substances and venotonics) are mainly plant-derived substances used for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Their treatment efficiency is often considered problematic. To clarify this uncertainty, a meta-analysis of clinical trials performed with some chosen venotropic drugs was conducted.

Methods — As data sources the Medline database from 1980 through 1993 was used, for the terms — venous insufficiency, drug therapy and the Bibliographia Medica Čechoslovaca 1980 through 1992 for the term — venotonika. The results of various tests — venous plethysmography, leg circumference and subjective symptoms scored by patients used to evaluate venous insufficiency and their possible changes after treatment with selected vasoprotective drugs were followed up.

Results — Because of considerable inconsistency of clinical studies the numbers of patients whose objective and subjective parameters were influenced by Verum treatment in comparison with patients who were not influenced by Verum were only evaluated. Venotropic drugs, except dihydroergotamine, showed certain treatment effects.

Conclusion — Some venotropic drugs exerted positive effects on subjective and objective parameters in chronic venous insufficiency, but more well-designed clinical trials must be performed to demostrate their long-term efficacy.