Lee Swanson Research Update

Diosmin Provides Relief for Pregnancy-Related Hemorrhoids

May 2006

Pregnant women can now find relief from pregnancy-associated hemorrhoids with diosmin, a powerful flavonoid compound that displays anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties.

Diosmin is derived from hesperidin, itself a flavonoid extracted from the nearly mature fruit of Rutaceae aurantiae, a small sweet orange. Products containing micronized diosmin have been widely used in Europe and Asia for decades, as a treatment for hemorrhoids, varicose veins and other peripheral vascular problems.

A number of well-controlled European clinical studies have shown diosmin to be highly effective in both prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins of the leg in men and non-pregnant women. (1,2).

The compound appears to prolong the vasoconstrictive effect of noradrenalin on venous walls, thus increasing vessel tone and reducing capacitance. It also increases lymphatic drainage, while reducing a number of key inflammatory mediators. (3).

After preliminary toxicological studies showed that neither diosmin nor hesperidin cross the placenta in significant amounts, and would likely be very safe for pregnant women, a research team at the All India Institute of Medical Science tested a formulation containing 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin in 50 pregnant women with acute internal hemorrhoids.

For the first four days of the trial, the patients took six tablets per day (each tablet containing 450 mg diosmin and 50 mg hesperidin), in two divided doses. The dose was lowered to four tablets daily for another seven days, and then lowered again to two tablets daily for the next 30 days. Hemorrhoidal severity was evaluated through patient self-assessment and direct clinical observation at baseline, and again at day 8, day 30 and day 60.

After the initial four-day dose-loading phase, 66% of the patients had marked improvements in overall symptoms scores. Bleeding, pain and rectal exudation were all markedly reduced. Twenty-four patients showed visibly reduced rectal inflammation. At baseline 42 of 50 patients (84%) had severe inflammation, and this was reduced to 18 of 47 (38%). (4).

Generally, the patients who responded were able to maintain their improved status while taking diosmin. Authors of the study concluded that, "Symptoms of acute hemorrhoids and occurrence of relapse improved in a clinically important degree."

1. Phlebology 2:53-56, 1992. 2. Int. J. Clin. Pract. 8:14-18, 1992. 3. Int. J. Med Suppl. 85:30-35, 1987. 4. Int. J. Gyn. Obstet 57:145-151, 1997.

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